Hi Tawny!! Hmm...interesting question, and I had to think long and hard about it. I've worked in Government for many years and have a closet full of gorgeous suits and heels. When I came to work in my current office, it was so laid-back and relaxed, that people looked askance at my clothing, so I swapped my suits for a far more relaxed look. But I don't feel as if I traded in my professionalism along with the jackets and skirts. For me, it's all about the hair, and having a haircut that makes you feel polished, sexy, and pulled-together. It doesn't even have to be a sleek, not-a-hair-out-of-place look; it can be a bit tousled. But if I let too much time go between hairdresser appointments, I definitely feel self-conscious and lose that feeling of being a professional. I'll never forget the time I had to go to southern Virginia for a meeting with the Army Special Ops Command, and I hadn't had a chance to get my hair cut. It was a lot longer than I liked, and my hair is very, very thick. I stepped off the plane into 100 degree heat and 100 percent humidity, and my hair instantly expanded in volume to three times its normal thickness. My flat iron couldn't even tame the mess; it sprang out from my head in huge, wiry waves. I looked like Medusa. I was horrified. So here I was, the sole representative from my Agency, and I was so self-conscious I could barely function. So, I'd have no problem working at home, in my p.j.'s and bare feet, but the hair would have look good!!

Good question--hair and shoes are both big.  I guess right now it's mainly clothes.  I spend most of the week in t-shirts and yoga pants, so feeling professional would mean changing into something with buttons :)  And maybe dry-clean only...

I like suits, nice pants and shirts, for when I have to look more professional, though I think it is image because I can think of myself as professional, or act professional, no matter what I have on. Honestly, in all the years I taught, I spent most of my days in jeans and khakis, and my husband works in jeans, etc too -- I think the benefit of that is that we are professional even when we don't look it. ;)

But much like you with shoes, I have several dresses, more for fun and dates than professional wear, but I haven't worn them, either -- seriously, I have a couple dresses that I have owned for years and not worn. Mostly that is because I don't have shoes that go with dresses, because I don't like the shoes that go with dresses. I don't wear heels ever, and so that makes it challenge. I actually prefer pants, and I don't know why I buy the dresses....

So, a nice fitting pair of pants, a nice sweater or blazer, and comfortable shoes, and I'm set.

I think a little extra jewelry usually makes me feel a little more dressed up, even if my clothes are casual. Oddly my glasses make me feel professional -- they have a "look" -- I call them my editor classes, because they are very severe and dark framed, bookish -- until I tip my face and you see the tops are pink and the sides have rhinestones on them. But actually, that is how I'd want to be perceived professionally, as an author -- serious up front, but hot pink around the edges. ;) I think that's a good image for a romance author to have.

Sam

Well, I have to have nice clothes and shoes on too, but for me, it's the makeup that adds that "finishing touch" of professionalism.  Since coming to Florida where pantyhose is a never-wear, resort casual is the attire-du-jour and makeup mostly melts in the sun, this former Georgia peach has well and truly let her hair down for virtually all occasions.  But when impressions matter most, a fresh coat of paint on the nails and a freshly made-up face give me a nice little boost of confidence.

Hey Tawny!

Great question! I don't really think about it much - yet - except
for the few times through the year when I might actually get to go to
writing conferences or workshops.

Most everything I do is done over the internet anymore - so putting
anything on that isn't jeans and t-shirts usually makes me feel more
professional. I rarely wear make-up anymore, so if I'm putting that on,
then I'm definitely trying to put my best face forward. LOL.

Clothes help as well - but I'm sadly not a shoe nut. I have to have
something comfortable on - that makes me feel like me - only polished
up a bit.

 

tammy

http://talkingwithtammy.blogspot.com/

For me, it's the jewelry. Once I decide what jewelry I'm going to wear, then I can pull together the outfit. Professional attire is usually black slacks and colored blouse or colored skirt and black blouse, usually with low-heeled black shoes. Hair is layered every six weeks or so. Nails are done every three weeks or so--solar with no polish.

But the jewelry... an outstanding pair of earrings, a necklace that makes a statement, a bracelet that catches an observer's eye...that's the touch that changes my self-image.

It also makes a great ice-breaker in conversation. Most people have stories they like to tell about their jewelry, where they got it, who gave it to them.

Jewelry changes my attitude from shy or nervous to confident, especially
since I've bought very little of mine. Most of it comes from people who
love me and reminds me of the strength of their support in my life.

 

Great post, Tawny! For me, it's the whole package - the clothes, shoes, make-up and hair. I love dressing up, even if 'dressing up' means jeans and a cute top *g* Since I wear t-shirts and sweats most of the time, I can feel professional in just about anything that doesn't have elastic around the waist :-)  But I do really enjoy the whole process of getting dressed. Picking out the outfit, shoes and jewelry, putting on make-up and doing my hair -- the whole shebang!

Need I say more? I'm like you Tawny! Now all I need to do is sell, so I can buy (more) new shoes (like I need an excuse).

Shoes give me confidence and much-needed height. LOL. I feel professional with lovely shoes.

To look professional - a 'posh frock', jewellery - especially cool ear-rings, make-up.

As for professionalism in others, I think it comes down to a simple question - does it look like they've made an effort?

 

Like you, Tawny, I love shoes, but I love jewelry just a wee bit more.  I usually pick out a pair of shoes and build an outfit from there, then make sure I have the ring, earrings and braclet to match.   Once I have those last perfect pieces I feel 'put together' and professional. :-) 

dress professionally, that is!  Acting like/being a professional writer...I'm all about that.  ;)

 I spent 11 years in "corporate America" and am love, love, loving the shorts and t-shirts and bare feet of working at home.  That said, when I do meet with an editor/make a sale and have to be professional, what works for me can be summed up in two words: black pants suits (think Hillary Clinton) and cool scarves.  No heels.  It's difficult for me, though, because I definitely trend towards funky in my dress/appearance; I've got super-cropped hair, as in almost a buzz cut, and prefer jeans, attitude t-shirts, Birks, Dansko clogs, and Frye boots to anything I'd write about in a novel.  So while I know how to put on the suit of armor, I really, really feel v. strange in it.  

 Well after working for so many years in the retail then corporate world, and then staying home to be a full time mom, I spend the majority of my time in those terry cloth sweat pants.   I have them in a variety of colors, LOL.

 I only dress up for writing functions as you mentioned, or when I go out with my friends or my husband.   I spiff up a little more when I go shopping but I never shop in heels.  No, I admire my heels in my closet most of the time.

 Great topic Tawny!

 

~ Karen Erickson

http://karenwritesromance.com