Heard of these phrases, “Dress for success”, “Power dressing” and “Clothes make the man”? I bet you do and all the tips lead to one purpose: to upgrade your look from passed-over to promotion-ready.

B.Net got together a comparison table between a permanent underling and boss material that detailed the 10 simple ways of upgrading your look.

Bnet.com »

To do a make-over as suggested above does not cost a lot but as commented by many readers, the returns are tremendous. Some of the good comments are really good as food for thought:-

Comment 1:

It’s true! Research in organizational psychology confirms that we like those best that are most like ourselves. Thus, the more like your boss you are, the more he or she is naturally predisposed to liking and taking notice of you. If you want to advance, you must become more like those who have the power to promote you, and that includes dressing like they do. You don’t have to “clone” them, or give up your personality to do so—and you shouldn’t. The point is that your work attire should resemble more what your superiors wear, than what your peers wear. If your peers generally wear khakis and polos, but your superiors wear dress pants and dress shirts, then you should probably be wearing dress pants and dress shirts.

Comment 2:

I hate to say it but it does matter. I work in the IT space so it is inherently casual, but those who make it to management and higher tend to dress better

polo shirts vs dress shirts, jeans vs dress pants (they can still be casual dress just as long as they aren’t dockers), cleavage vs a more conservative blouse, panties lines vs actually looking at your behind in a mirror before going to work, conservative jewelry vs none or overdoing it.

and the one I really hate to say for fear that people will accuse me of being a female version of a neanderthal…

lipstick vs none - actually psychologists have tested this and shown that women who wear lipstick are seen as more intelligent. Sorry to those of you who hate the stuff but that’s the way the world still works.

Comment 3

These are all true especially in the corporate world. It’s about a good combination of form and substance. If you have the substance (skills, qualifications and talents), why not improve the form (the total packaging) too?!

Comment 4

I recently received a comment from a constituent that I worked with very little. Her comment was that I always wore a nice tie, even when I was overdressed. It’s amazing the impression you have on others, without realizing it.

Comment 5

I agree with the article, dressing well to look presentable not only helps you succeed at work but also motivates oneself and keeps your energy high at work…therefore it has a positive effect on your emotions hence performing twice as much at work, it is an energy booster!!!!!

And finally Comment 6 (a real good one)

Remember, you not only have to look good, you have to smell good (or at least NOT smell BAD)

Looks like it’s time to do some shopping….:)