The Six Occasions for Wearing a Jacket
The jacket is the female equivalent of the male suit. A jacket is a symbol
that gives the wearer with a feeling of self-confidence and sends out messages
of credibility and effectiveness.
Keep Your Jacket on!
There are six occasions in which a professional woman benefits from wearing
a jacket:
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 When meeting a client for the first time. In business, first impressions count. The jacket will send a clear
message of professionalism. A jacket is an international symbol that means
business. If during the first meeting, your client is not wearing a jacket or
removes it during the meeting, you may also take off your jacket to make them
feel more at ease.
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When giving a presentation. In this situation a jacket says
credibility and your audience--no matter if they are men or women-- tends
to pay more attention to a speaker wearing a jacket. You will not see a man
giving an important business presentation without his jacket.
-
When attending meetings, especially ones in which you know men
will participate. It is a matter of space. When attending a meeting, shoulders
from suits take up space, so you don't want to diminish your personal power by
not wearing a jacket if everyone anyone else is. Even when attending
meetings in organizations where business casual dress is accepted, if anyone
in the meeting is wearing a jacket, male or female, keeping your jacket on
will keep you at the same level.
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When being interviewed. Whether it is a job interview, a press
interview or an internal office interview, your jacket will give you a sense
of confidence and credibility.
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When you work in an office in which clients or guests drop in unannounced. If you work in this type of office, your jacket will send a
consistent message of professionalism at all times. If your office is not as
visible, having a jacket available allows you to be appropriately dressed
whenever you learn visitors are stopping by.
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When you appear in court. Chances are that the key players-- the
judge, attorneys and jurors--will be wearing jackets. They will take you more
seriously if your outfit is at the same level of professionalism and your
jacket helps you achieve just that. A jacket could be worn over a skirt, over
a dress or even over pants or city shorts. A jacket elevates the degree of
dressiness and formality of an outfit.
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Professional Dress
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