As a wardrobe and clothing designer/stylist, South Coast Plaza-based Rod Alan Baker (rod-alan.com) has spent the last 40 years helping celebrities and CEOs express their most extraordinary selves. In today's post-pandemic world, offices are slowly opening up and, after a year and a half on zoom, there is one question going through everyone's mind, “what in the world am I going to wear?” Here are Rod Alan Baker’s 6 tips on how to reenter the workplace extraordinarily you.
1. Work with a Professional Stylist
The key is to dress from the inside out and to make sure your wardrobe not only matches your personality but your job as well. A professional stylist can shop for you, or with you, and guide you toward pieces that are truly going to communicate who you are. This way, you’re not wasting money on a bunch of things that you never wear.
2. Take Yourself Seriously
Most companies are requiring at least some office activities again, so it’s time to prepare both mentally and physically. Get to the gym and lose that “Covid 15”! As stated above, your personal style reflects you from the inside out. Don’t forget a healthy mind, body, and spirit! No matter what you wear, if you’re not at your best inside, you can’t be your best on the outside.
3. Get a Makeover
Get a fresh haircut/hairstyle, a facial, manicure, pedicure, and a shave. It’s showtime, so be the whole package! First impressions are everything, and a picture paints a thousand words. Keep all aspects of your appearance at their best at all times.
4. Structure a New Routine
Use this restart as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf! We all tend to fall into non-productive habits through the day-to-day monotony of a long-term job. Just because you may be headed back to the same position you left, don’t go back to the same old routine. Seize the day to turn over a new leaf!
5. A New You
Go back to work with a fresh new look. That doesn’t mean everything needs to be new. Get some pieces that expand the wardrobe you already have. This will bring excitement, just like it did when you were young and heading into a new school year. Again, a professional stylist can help guide you through the sea of new trends and colors.
6. Dressing “Current”
Corporate America gets it. And many companies are accepting a move toward casual. You can still look professional without looking stuffy. But how do you step up your game without looking like you try too hard? Dress current. A lot of people look like they were successful 10 years ago, but not today. Your clothes can make that difference.
