Writers can be eccentric with their clothes. An author in my hometown wears hats to stand out from the crowd. I don’t wear hats, and after more than 30 years of writing, I’ve established my own dress code. If I had to summarize the code in two words it would be conservative and comfortable.
Conservative doesn’t have to be boring, and I enhance outfits with colorful scarves and jewelry. Where I speak also influences my clothing choices. Years ago, I spoke at the Minneapolis Women’s Expo. I dressed in red, the color of power, and it helped me stand out from the other speakers.
“Women’s Clothing and Looking Professional,” an article on the Women’s Clothing website, says that your clothing choices affect how people perceive you. “Appearing professional is about establishing a classy, conservative image that works for all ages,” the article explains. Although suits remain professional, women in the workplace dress more casually today.
You may be preparing for a book talk. What should you wear? The answer depends on the size of the group, the location of your talk, and how you want to be remembered. These points can also help you.
1. Wear clothes that fit you well. Avoid skin-tight pants and skirts and tops that are too revealing. Many women wear skirts that are inches above the knee and I have seen way too much thigh on TV. I rarely wear skirts and when I do, they are knee length. Remember, a short skirt wrinkles when you sit down.
2. Think about the psychology of color. I recently spoke with a group of church librarians. When I first got dressed I put on a purple sweater. Then I remembered that purple is a symbol of mourning. Even though I was talking about complaint resources, I wanted people to leave in a good mood, so I put on a turquoise sweater.
3. Take care of repairs. A ripped hem, loose button, and cumshot pantyhose send the message that you don’t care about your appearance. Decide what you are going to wear. Check the garments carefully and make any necessary repairs.
4. Dress for the hearing. When I speak with groups of volunteers, I dress casually. Casual clothing is a better match for this audience and seems to generate more questions. When I dress up, I wear a pencil skirt or black pants and complement them with jackets and sweaters.
5. Complement carefully. Kashmira Lad discusses jewelry in her online article, “Classic Professional Wear for Women.” According to Lad, women in the workplace should wear simple, elegant jewelry and “save the flashy jewelry for Fridays.” Lad thinks that a fancy watch can be an interesting accessory. Choose a scarf with colors that complement your face.
Above all, I think female writers should dress comfortably. This includes comfortable shoes and a handy handbag. “The right bag helps enhance your image,” explains Lad, recommending the classic colors black and brown. Whether you wear pants or a skirt, dressing professionally shows that you care about your work and your audience. You are off to a good start!
Copyright 2010 by Harriet Hodgson
