New Corporate Clothing Trends

Working in an office and trying to climb the corporate ladder does not mean that you have to leave your personal style behind. It simply means that you have to tread carefully and intertwine corporate clothing with your own style.

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Corporate clothing is always thought of as being boring and dull; grey suits, black pants and unflattering skirts. But this has changed drastically in the last few years, and more and more casual and fashionable looks are becoming acceptable in the work place. Here are a few of the latest corporate clothing trends that are fresh and stylish and still very professional.

Forget The Black, Add Some Color

We all have the image of corporate clothing having to be, black, grey or beige in order to be professional. Not anymore! Adding the latest fashionable colors, like coral or turquoise, to your corporate clothing wardrobe, will instantly update your look and give you a stylish modern edge.

Go for low-key small items, like a blouse, shirt, sweater or shoes, if you are not that confident. Or you can go all out and wear a coral shift dress. Adding the latest colors will immediately make you stand out in a sea of black and grey, and will get you attention for all the right reasons.

Leggings

Leggings with and oversized shirt or sweater and boots are all the rage at the moment. And in most offices it has become an acceptable part of corporate clothing. Just stick to classic colors, like black or dark brown and avoid patterns or very bright colors. Leggings are perfect for those in-between season days, as it adds warmth without being too hot.

Patterns

Vivid patterns abound in all of 2011’s latest fashions. From feminine bow designs to big floral patterns, tie dye and paisley. When incorporating this trend into your corporate clothing keep it simple. Don’t dress in head to toe leopard or floral prints.

Rather stick to one key item, like a feminine floral top and pair it with sleek trousers or a skirt. Men can also incorporate patterns into their corporate clothing by selecting a paisley shirt or tie and dressing it up with professional trousers. Scarves and accessories are also a great way of incorporating this trend into your work wear.

Checked Flannel Shirts

Another one of 2011’s fashion must haves has also become an acceptable piece of corporate clothing. Flannel shirts are versatile and can be dressed up or down. Pair them with classic black pants and a tie, or wear them over leggings with a waist clenching belt. The most important rule to follow when wearing flannel is not to pair them with cowboy boots, unless you work on a farm.

Just remember that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Play around with the latest trends, but always tone it down a notch in the office. But most importantly, be yourself and let your own personal style shine through in everything you do.

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Eco Friendly Corporate Clothing

‘Going Green’ is an inevitable part of life in the 21st Century. Taking an eco friendly stance in your office environment need not end at just simply recycling paper and printing on both sides of a page.

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Your corporate clothing can also reflect your environmentally friendly stance. And your new corporate dress could become the most talked about thing at the water cooler. So show you care and make your boss sit up and notice that you are more than a pretty face in a killer outfit.

What Is Eco Friendly Corporate Clothing?

Eco-friendly clothes are made from either, organic, or recycled materials, and take into consideration the health of consumers and the working conditions of people manufacturing the clothes.

Eco friendly clothes are made using raw organic materials, like cotton, bamboo, wool, tree-bark, seaweed, wood pulp, corn cork and hemp. Even recycled textiles and second hand clothing can be used to create high fashion corporate clothing.

Eco-friendly clothing is also follows fair trade laws. This means that the people that make them are paid a fair price, and have decent working conditions. In other words eco-friendly clothing is produced without the use of sweatshops.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Corporate Clothing?

The eco-friendly clothing industry is still in its infancy. And most people still perceive eco-friendly clothing to be less stylish, modern and fashionable and more expensive than conventional clothing. This is not the case anymore, and eco-friendly corporate clothing has its own distinct advantages, besides saving the planet.

Eco-friendly clothes are handmade, and are created to last, so that people keep them for longer. By creating clothes that are high quality and will last a life time, it cuts down the need for consumers to purchase more clothing, which is a great saving on your pocket and helps to use the earths resources wisely.

Corporate clothing made from organic materials are versatile and helps your skin to breath. Materials like cotton, wool, hemp and bamboo help to keep you cool in the summer and hot in the winter

Eco-friendly Vintage Corporate Clothing

Instead of buying new clothes, rather take a look around a local thrift store. You will be amazed at the rare and exquisite treasures you can come across. Vintage clothes are all the rage at the moment, and most vintage clothes are high quality, which means they will still last for years to come. Most vintage clothes can be made ultra fashionable with just a few small alterations. Like removing shoulder pads or shortening a skirt or replacing the buttons on a shirt.

Buying vintage clothes is not just fashionable and eco friendly, it is also easy on your pocket.

Avoid Clothes That Need Dry-Cleaning

Even if you can’t afford eco-friendly clothes, or you simply just do not like it, you can still make a difference. By simply choosing corporate clothing that does not need to be dry-cleaned you can help make a difference. Most dry-cleaners use harmful chemicals, which eventually find their way into ground water or they are just simply dumped into fields.

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The Gift That Keeps on Giving- Promotional Corporate Clothing

Advertising and brand emphasis is key to any business’ success and growth in the 21st Century. Branded corporate gifts, like corporate clothing, desk accessories and bags, are perfect promotional gifts that help to establish brand visibility. Corporate promotional gifts should be chosen well, as they carry the company’s ideology, represents its image and acts as a lifelong ambassador for your company. There is a wealth of branded corporate gifts to choose from, the key aspect is just to adapt your choice of corporate gift to the specific situation and needs of your clients.

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How To Choose The Right Corporate Gift

In order to maximize the effect that your branded corporate gift will have, you need to keep in mind the setting where it will be handed out, and what type of people will be there. If you get this match right, halve of the job is already done.

For instance, businessmen at a promotional golf day will not respond well to button badges, but they will respond well to elegant and quality, watches, wallets and pens. The key is to match th product and client so that they will keep the gift, and be reminded of the company’s image and call on them for services in the future.

Promotional Corporate Clothing

Promotional corporate clothing accounts for the most widespread form of publicity through corporate gifts. Corporate clothing ensures maximum impact and brand recognition, as it is immediately visible to everyone the wearer comes in contact with. As long as the company’s logo is not too over bearing and big, and the design is tasteful and elegant, success is virtually guaranteed.

If done correctly, and presented to the appropriate target market, promotional corporate clothing will stay with the recipient for many years, and serve as a constant marketing tool. Thus the use of quality fabric, that will not fade or tear easily, is crucial in sending a positive professional message for years to come.

Unconventional Corporate Gifts That Work

Even though conventional promotional gifts like corporate clothing are time-tested performers, you might want to take a look at some more unconventional corporate gifts that would make your company stand out from the rest.

To make sure that you and your company are remembered for all the right reasons and stand out from competing businesses, the use of unconventional corporate gifts might just be the thing. Gifts like, a stylish precision tool set in a leather case, branded poker sets, chess sets or magnetic puzzle globes will ensure that you are giving your company a cutting edge in the highly competitive corporate world.

These unique gifts would more often than not be reserved for high-end clients, whilst cups, pens, clothing and badges would be reserved for the general public. Either way, corporate promotional gifts will increase brand recognition and serve as a calling card to attract future business.

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What To Look For When Buying Corporate Clothing

In the cut throat corporate world you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In fact, research has shown that people make up their minds in less than one second, about whether or not they like a person and how competent they perceive them to be.

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This is why most of us put in a lot of effort, time and money into choosing the right corporate clothing. Image is everything, and as we all know the world of corporate clothing is not as black and white as it may seem. All the unwritten dress codes and latest fashions can sometimes cloud or normally sane and professional vision.

Here is a quick guide on what to look for when buying corporate clothing.

Quality

This is, and will always remain, the most essential part of buying corporate clothing. Yes, quality comes with a big price tag, but in the end it pays off.

Investing in quality clothes will last you a life time. The key is to invest in timeless pieces, like a well tailored suit in black, grey or brown. Other quality items to invest in includes, a leather briefcase, classic comfortable shoes and well tailored shirts, pants and skirts.

These items will form the basis of your corporate wardrobe for pretty much the rest of your working life. So choose wisely, and stick to classical cuts and colors that will never go out of style.

Accent Pieces In Coordinating Colors

Once you have the basic staples of your corporate clothing in neutral, classical colors, you can start looking for a few colorful basic items, like shirts, ties and skirts.

It is important to know which colors complement your skin tone. It is no use buying the latest colour trends, only to realize that they make you look pale and washed out.  Also stick to solid one color items, as they are easier to mix and match. Also avoid heavy patterns, as people  are more likely to notice that you are wearing the same thing over and over. When buying patterns, choose simple, delicate patterns that are easily interchangeable with the rest of your wardrobe.

Make a List Before You Go Shopping

It is easy to get swept away with all the latest trends once you are in a shopping mall. Rather save yourself time and money by making a clear list of what you need before you go shopping.

Think logically about what you need and what is appropriate corporate clothing for your office environment. Focus on buying items that can easily be matched with anything in your wardrobe. Remember that a beautiful jacket on a half price sale that does not go with anything is not a bargain.

Shopping for an office wardrobe need not be crisis. Simply stick to these three rules and you will end up with a quality, versatile, stylish lifelong office wardrobe that can easily be updated as you climb your way up the corporate ladder.

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MEN MAKE MISTAKES WITH CORPORATE CLOTHING

Today, there are so many different types of unwritten corporate clothing rules, which make it a little confusing, as to, what is appropriate and what is not. What exactly does corporate casual mean, and how casual is ‘Casual Friday’. Most males tend to be more relaxed and carefree about what they wear to work, than females. Perhaps this is because females are critical, regarding other females appearance and most males don’t pay notice to what other makes are wearing. This often allows them to slip into some of the worst corporate clothing mistakes made by males.

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Those white tennis socks

Surprisingly many men, at some time in their life, make the ultimate corporate clothing; train smash, white sports socks with a suit. This is the worst fashion disaster; a male can create, in the workplace, and certainly will grab, a side-look from colleagues and clients. Entering an important meeting wearing this attire indicates how little attention you pay to detail and could blow a good deal, for your company, out the window,

For neatness and uniformity, one should co-ordinate the same colour socks and trousers. Wearing dark grey or navy blue socks, with black pants is also a big corporate clothing mistake.

Don’t joke with the tie

Perhaps, the tie with Mickey Mouse, or ‘the best dad’ depicted on it, was given with a very good heart, but leave it on display, at home, where it belongs. If you wore, such a tie to work, or to visit a client, nobody would be able to take you seriously. Novelty ties are great conversation starters, but at the end of the day, you will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Rather reserve them for family events and gathering, such as fancy dress parties.

Head in the clouds

Sport caps, fleece lined hats and beanies, definitely, do not have a place in the world of corporate clothing. In winter, if you are too cold, wear a hat or beanie, but take it off when you enter the office. Keep it hidden, until you leave on your return journey home. It is difficult to get your head around the fact, that males believe this type of head gear blends in with corporate clothing. I would say that perhaps, sports caps could be worn on casual Friday, after all these caps do warrant a casual atmosphere.

The briefcase combination

You are not going on a hiking trail adventure or a stroll in the park, dressed in corporate clothing, so do not use a backpack as a briefcase for the corporate world. Although backpacks are comfortable, sometimes you sacrifice comfort, to be professional, in order to climb the corporate ladder.
Backpacks are unprofessional, and clients will assume, you are a still learner, instead of a serious businessman. The suit, tie and briefcase, are the perfect corporate clothing combination, for the professional business world.

Never arrive at work looking like you just rolled out of bed, creased and crumpled, portrays an image of someone who does not give a damn, full stop.

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LOOK THE PART – DON’T JUST ACT THE PART

In the corporate world, have you felt that you have been overlooked, because you wear glasses, or because you speak with an accent? Not to worry, many people have, and it had nothing to do with looks, or how they pronounce their words. Don’t beat yourself up; it was probably what you are wearing, because you did not conform to corporate protocol. This is not a joke, when you step into the corporate world; you had better be wearing corporate clothing. The dress code in the corporate world, is corporate clothing, so become part of the team, jump into your corporate attire. .Leave your gardening and beach clothing, at home, until you partake in those fun activities.

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In high school age, one should learn that if you aim to become a lawyer or company director, then you should dress like one. So if you are tired of being overlooked and want a promotion, dress like you’ve already been promoted. That will create an excitement in you which will give you enthusiasm to strive harder, towards that promotion and people, will take notice and start treating you with respect. It will be like you have already been promoted. Corporate clothing inspires self-esteem and a feeling of elevation and allows you to become part of the team and be noticed.

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In the archives

You will not be mistaken for the cleaner or a visitor anymore at work, you could even be addressed as “sir” or “madam” as you deserve, to be addressed. So now is your time to shine, gone are the days of not being known by your colleagues and bosses, who actually pay your salary. The clothes don’t have to be expensive, just professional. Professional-looking people are taken more seriously, not just in the office, but everywhere they go.

Most will agree, that it makes sense, to say, one must look the part, don’t just act the role. For example, all individuals on a building site, must wear helmets, this does not mean that they are all builders or labourers. Just by looking at their attire, one can tell who the director, engineer, or construction worker is. So look like you own the position, that’s guaranteed happiness on the job.

Avoid the rush

Most youngsters are in a rush to get their money, cars, to wear their corporate clothing and climb the corporate ladder. But what they do not realize, is that it takes time to achieve those heights, it does not happen overnight. When a person passes their matric, they have already put one foot into the corporate world.

They are now just a few steps closer to wearing their much anticipated corporate clothing for a real purpose, not just to “look and feel” important anymore. They must now work on getting the other leg in as well and that will require a huge amount, of hard work and dedication. The other leg they will put into the corporate world, when studying, or doing internships or partaking in skills development trainings and more.

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The plus sized career woman

Every woman wants to be successful and at the top of her game when it comes to her career. While attitude and ambition might play the biggest role in career advancement, what you wear might play the biggest role in how you project yourself to your co workers.

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Being plus sized in today’s day and age is no longer something to keep quiet about. In fact, plus sized modeling has become a worldwide phenomena as curvaceous beauty’s flaunt their bodies on the catwalk. While it is a must for these women to look absolutely fabulous in front of the camera, it is recommended that the career oriented woman should look fabulous and professional in the office as well.

Wearing the appropriate corporate clothing look can be challenging for anyone, but even more so for the plus sized woman. In the fashion crazed world we live in today larger women no longer need to hide behind long hemmed shirts and flower patterned skirts in front of their colleagues. One only needs to take a look a Queen Latifah or talk show sensation Oprah Winfrey to see that big can be absolutely beautiful and endearing.

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Dressing for work no longer needs to be a daunting daily experience. Here are a few tips on corporate clothing for the plus sized woman:

Black Is Beautiful

Even our great grandmothers were aware of the fact that black has an immediate slimming effect. Not only will black make any women look smaller, but it is one of the best colors to wear when it comes to corporate clothing.

The Boyish Look

While no woman should dress exactly like a man, incorporating a boyish look with a feminine flair is exactly what will make any woman look professional and glamorous at the same time. Try wearing collared shirts with a fitted waist and occasionally add a tie.

Tights

Many women believe that tights are for those with stick like legs only. Not true. Black tights immediately have a slimming effect and make your legs look firmer. Tights are also corporate appropriate and combined with a pair of high heels or boots it will be sure to make any women feel sassy and professional. Always remember the golden rule: When wearing tights make sure that the skirt, dress or shirt that you are wearing along with the tights comes down to just a few centimeters above your knee.

Accessorize And Advertize

Accessories are a must for any woman and when it comes to corporate clothing you need to find just the right balance between professional and fashionista. When it comes to the office you have to be practical and make sure that whatever you are wearing is appropriate. For a plus sized woman a scarf is always a great way to finish off an outfit, and wearing long earrings can actually make your face appear longer. Not only is it important to look good at work, but when you are looking good you will feel good and replicate confidence and professionalism.

Being plus sized leaves a woman with a lot of choices when it comes to corporate clothing and flaunting your curves in the office is completely acceptable, while dressing to impress is absolutely permissible. Throw out the granny pants and put on a super sleek plus sized look. Besides, life’s a stage…so why can’t the office be a cat walk.

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Casual Corporate Clothing

If you are working in a place where formal corporate clothing is not a priority, it does not necessarily mean that everything goes when it comes to your work wardrobe.
It is hard for a business to maintain their professional credibility if its workers are running around the office in flip-flops and shorts.

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Official Policy

If a company decides to let its employees wear casual clothes to work, it needs to write a clear policy with regards to this. What does casual entail? For one person casual might meaning leaving his tie at home, while another might assume that he or she can come to work in shorts. A broad concept such as ‘casual wear in the workplace’ should be clearly defined in order to avoid confusion amongst workers, as well as potential damage to a company’s image.

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Positives Of Casual Corporate Clothing

Workers in casual wear will be much more approachable than those in formal corporate clothing. It will immediately create a relaxed atmosphere and customers and clients are unlikely to feel intimidated in any way.

If workers are dressed more casually, chances are they are much more comfortable than what they would have been if wearing formal corporate clothing. As a result of this, they will most probably be more productive in their work, as well a friendlier towards customers. It is especially during cold winter months that it is important that workers are comfortable and warm.

If casual wear at your business is not an option, do consider having casual Fridays or something similar every now and then, as this will be good for the atmosphere at the office, letting employees bond in a more social way. A lighter mood at work every now and then can do wonders for the relations at work.

The Negatives of Casual Corporate Clothing

Some researchers have found that if workers are too relaxed and comfortable, they will also be too relaxed and careless in their work. More results of a too casual atmosphere at work can be: absenteeism, early departures and untidiness. There could also be a decrease in polite and friendly behaviour, as well as in commitment to the company employees are working for.

There must certainly be a correlation between the way one dresses and the way one feels and behaves. It is thus understandable that many companies insist on at least some kind of dress code when it comes to office wear. If you are the owner of a company with a very casual atmosphere, do make sure that you at least have some kind of document stipulating the rules of dressing for work. This will ensure professionalism, which is always necessary – no matter how informal the business.

Casual Clothing has its positives and negatives – best is too make sure a balance is maintained between a relaxed work atmosphere and professionalism.

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Women And Corporate Clothing

Corporate clothing does not only refer to the customised wear worn by all employees of a certain company. Corporate clothing also refers to outfits that people wear to the office every day. Women have a much greater variety of clothes to choose from when it comes to dressing up for the workday. Here are a few ‘rules’ that women should take into consideration when getting dressed for work.

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The Office Rules

Whether you are working in a very casual environment or whether you are someone who has to represent your company at cutthroat events, competing against opposition companies, there is a certain level of elegance that should be maintained.

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Make sure you know what your company’s specific rules are with regards to work wear. Are you allowed to wear jeans to work? And sandals? May your toes show? What about sleeveless tops? Even in the most informal environment, first check with the manager before showing up in your sneakers, jeans and a T-shirt. Going against the rules of your company could leave a bad impression of you with the manager and he or she could see this as a reflection of your work ethics: if you are not obeying the office rules, you may also ignore more formal work requests.

Do Not Be Too Revealing

Never let your stomach or back show. Make sure that you buy and wear tops that hang over your belt or the top line of your skirt. Test the length by bending over or stretching up, as you would when getting a file from a top shelve. When you are partying or socialising after work you are welcome to wear what you want, but show that you are professional in your work by reflecting it through the way you dress.

Revealing too much also includes, of course, revealing too much cleavage! This does not mean you have to wear polo necks to work every day or wear old-fashioned scarves around your neck to cover all feminine bits. Just take into consideration that you want to show people at work that you are serious about your work (and not about drawing attention to yourself in any way). If you want especially the men at work to take you seriously, you need to up your game by dressing as professionally as possible.

Also with regards to cleavage and tops, make sure your bra strap never shows, that your top is not see-through in any way (don’t wear a white bra under a white top, for example) and make sure whether you are allowed to wear sleeveless or strappy tops.

Do not go too short when it comes to wearing skirts or dresses. These are great for evening social events, but they can make it quite uncomfortable for you and others at work. Also try to not wear anything that is too tight. This will not only look unprofessional, but you will be so uncomfortable, that you are unlikely to give your best at work.

All in all, use good common sense when it comes to picking out your work wear. Rather go for stylish – you can be eccentric after work hours!

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Saving Money With Corporate Clothing

People have a great variety of expenses: from paying rent, to buying furniture, to paying children’s school fees, all add up and contribute to stress and fear of the future. Just one way through which a company can help its employees save money, is by making use of corporate clothing.

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Reducing Expenses

Many people have felt the economic recession at the beginning of the twenty first century. Even those in higher income groups had to re-think their budget and spend more carefully. Those who live in less privileged parts of the country have felt the grip of worry tighten even more around their lives. Finding ways through which people can save on their daily expenditures have become crucial.

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If companies decide to provide their workers with corporate clothing, it will make a significant difference in the plight of worrying households. Instead of having to buy different outfits for different days of the week, a standard work ‘uniform’ will make things much easier for those whose budget is under constraint. Provide your staff with the basic corporate outfit you have chosen, such as a jersey, jacket and t-shirt with the logo of your company on. The employees then only have to buy one pair of black pants or one pair of neat jeans to go with the outfit.

It is especially in winter that expenses on clothing increase. Jackets and jerseys are made of thicker material and the cost of buying a good quality warm jacket can go very high. If the company provides its employees with warm tops for winter (branded of course), they will only have to buy a shirt or long-sleeved top to wear underneath.

Investing In Advertising Your Brand

Not only will you be helping your staff members to save money on their daily expenditures, but you will also be investing in promoting your company. Advertising in magazines and newspapers these days can cost tens of thousands of Rands. Giving your employees corporate clothing with your company’s logo on, however, is a much more affordable way of advertising your business.

More To Consider…

Besides saving money, wearing corporate apparel will also save employees precious time. They won’t have to take the time to decide what to wear to work, and can rather use this time to sleep a little longer (which will lead to increased productivity at work!) or to spend time with their families. It should also cut back on the amount of workers coming late for work!

It is important that when deciding on corporate clothing for staff members that they are involved in the process. They are the ones who will have to wear the clothes and you need to take their needs into consideration if you want to ensure loyalty and good relations in the future.

Wearing corporate clothing clearly has many benefits. Besides being promotional, it saves money for everyone involved: employees don’t have to spend thousands on work outfits and companies won’t have to spend ten thousands on advertising! Everyone wins!

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