by Leslie Whitaker

CTW Features

Dear Good Girls,

I am wondering if you have analyzed women s attire in the workplace. Have you observed that women dress too provocatively in the office? Have you considered how women s attire affects men s perceptions and attitudes about women, in turn affecting women s career advancement opportunities and pay scales?

Dear Reader,

Low cut blouses and short skirts may curb women s promotion potential and earning power. At least that s a plausible interpretation of a recent study by Lawrence University Psychologist Peter Glick. Wisconsin-based Glick and his colleagues compared the response of undergraduates to videotapes of similarly attractive females who were dressed in either sexy or professional attire and were posing either as a manager or receptionist. Students rated the sexily attired manager as less competent than the manager dressed in a more business-like manner. There was no negative effect associated with the clothing worn by the women posing as receptionists. These findings suggest that a sexy self-presentation harms women in high-, but not low-status jobs, notes Glick in his study, which appeared in the Psychology of Women Quarterly.

Glick s results reinforce the experience of those working in the real world. I don t want to see your arms or cleavage, and I prefer a skirt at the knee or below, Barbara Rummer, owner of Career Choices, a Reno, Nevada-based staffing and training agency, advises clients before she sends them off to job interviews. Rummer also prefers covered toes, warning her clients away from sandals. She also suggests covering up tattoos and removing all evidence of piercing, except on the ears. I don t care if you speak well with a tongue ring, she says she has told many a client.

DRESS THE PART

Dear Good Girls,

You covered the don ts of workplace attire, but what can do to our appearance to enhance our chances for success?

Dear Readers,

Start thinking of your clothing like a costume; it should reflect the norms in your office and your aspirations. Dress for the part, says Risa York, owner of TresImage Salon, an image consultant in Reno. How do you want them to perceive you? Serious and professional? Fun and outgoing? It depends on the job you want.

Before a job interview, do a little research of your prospective employer s dress code. If you cannot just wander in and take a look around and do not have any inside connections, call the receptionist and ask about the dress code without identifying yourself, suggests York. If it s a promotion you want, dress like the person above you, York says. But do not overdo it and overdress.

York believes that colors can reinforce the message you want to send. Do you want to appear stimulating? Wear aqua. Camel and shades of brown convey stability; black telegraphs confidence, power and authority; and burgundy reflects class and sophistication.

In addition to clothes, pay attention to your body language, York says. Use a firm handshake, walk with a confident stride and be enthusiastic. Pay attention to the small details. Polish your shoes and your nails. Your hair should be neat, your clothes lint and dandruff free, your breath fresh.

Among York s special tips for men: Make sure your tie meets or extends a little past the belt line. Match your socks and belt. Maintain eye contact.

Leslie Whitaker Got a problem at work? Leslie Whitaker, co-author of The Good Girl's Guide to Negotiating, would like to hear from you. Send Leslie an e-mail at goodgirls@contentthatworks.com or write to P.O. Box 5063, River Forest, Ill. 60305.

Copyright CTW Features

First Published June 20, 2006, 5:41 p.m.