1. Personal Branding
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Learn to dress for success
By Rikki-Lee Arnold
It's a daily dilemma faced by men and women. As we stand in front of the long line of clothes in
the wardrobe, we find ourselves pondering, ‘‘What should I wear today?’’
Dressing for work – and success – is quite a battle. We want to look professional while retaining
the qualities that make us who we are. Jon-Michail, CEO of Image Group International, says the
best way to dress for work is by dressing for the position you want.
‘‘Have one foot in today, one foot in tomorrow,’’ Jon-Michail says.
‘‘It’s future-pacing yourself for where you
want to be in life, not where you are. Think
this way – if you’re born a peasant, start by
dressing like royalty.
‘‘Your image influences the people you
meet in the first five seconds of meeting
them.’’
For Jon-Michail dressing for work means
being able to feel comfortable, relatable
and professional.
For further information on this handout and the consulting
and coaching programs available please contact:
Image Group International
Asia Pacific Head Office
T: (+61 3) 9824 0420
E: info@imagegroup.com.au
www.imagegroup.com.au
©2012 1 of 2

2. But he says the problem with today’s work environment is that few employers will teach the
younger generations the best way to dress.
‘‘Young people are not given the correct coaching in reference to how to present themselves to
influence,’’ he says. ‘‘When they get it wrong, they cop all the blame. How can you get it right
when you’ve never been trained?’’
Here are the main things to remember when dressing for work:
DO AND DON’TS
Jon-Michail says his best advice is to ‘‘not dress like a loser’’.
‘‘Learn what works best for you,’’ he says. ‘‘What works for your body shape and colouring (hair,
eye and skin) and accentuate your best... Play the game, score some goals and enjoy yourself.’’
Australian fashion designer Leina Broughton says her biggest piece of advice for dressing for
the workplace is to get garments that fit well and are made from quality material.
‘‘You need core, staple pieces,’’ Broughton says.
‘‘Dress your outfits up with some colour. Add a bright bangle and buy heaps of different
accessories so you can mix it up. There are also lots of colours coming through and becoming
more appropriate so don’t be afraid to try some cobalt blue or a green.
‘‘You should be able to celebrate the fact you look good.’’
Broughton recently designed her own line to help women dress appropriately for work while
having fun. For her, the biggest trends to stay away from include revealing clothing.
‘‘Obviously plunging necklines and way-too-tight garments are unacceptable,’’ she says.
‘‘Stay away from short, short dresses and anything that places emphasis on your cleavage. A
lot of the time a sleeve of some sort can be more appropriate as well.’’
For further information on this handout and the consulting
and coaching programs available please contact:
Image Group International
Asia Pacific Head Office
T: (+61 3) 9824 0420
E: info@imagegroup.com.au
www.imagegroup.com.au
©2012 2 of 2