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Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success
Should I dress down?Question: I am the only female executive working in a manufacturing plant environment. Most of the workforce dress very casual (t-shirts and jeans). I am holding on to my more formal attire (wool and linen slacks, wool sweaters, tailored shirts). I wonder if I may be creating a barrier between myself and the work force by this attire and if I should dress down to fit in better.Alison Answer: Dear Alison, Just keep holding on to your dressier tailored attire! You are on the right track. The key point is that you are the "only female executive" in the company. Even in the year 2000, it's still a predominantly male business world. The latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that women still take home only 79 cents on the dollar per her equally qualified male cohort. Disturbing, but true. Today's woman (working in any industry) cannot afford to project an overly casual image -- even if her male coworkers do. It sabotages her promote-ability, regardless of how competent she may be. Jeans worn with T-shirts make a dangerously casual statement for a female executive, even in a manufacturing plant environment. Regarding the desire to fit in, what are your professional goals? As an executive, you have a position of authority. Claim it and continue to look the part. If there is a barrier between you and the workforce, it has to do with your authority position not so much your attire. Your dressier look is just a reminder to others that you are on the executive level. Keep in mind that you are also setting an example for other women who aspire to have a management position. It can be lonely at the top. Consider extending yourself in a warmer, friendlier way. Try initiating friendly conversations at breaks or other appropriate times and watch barriers fall away. By compensating with friendly overtures, you still command respect (as related to your position) by the way that you are dressed. The more birthdays I have, the more I know that life's only guarantee is change. You just never know when opportunity will knock or unexpected changes will occur. Opportunity has a greater chance of recognizing you -- knocking on your door -- if you are dressed well, even casually well dressed.
Best of Luck,
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