Contemporary work-wear is defined by function. Is your job front-line or back office? Academic, technical or practical? Traditional or creative ? Do you deal globally? There is a range of business-appropriate attire, categorized simply by formality.

• Traditional professions demanding a high level of client trust, such as banking and law require more formal dress codes.  Classic suits, shirts and closed mid-height shoes convey reliability, conservativeness and seriousness.

• Medicine, teaching and engineering need clothes that say: “professional and capable but practical”.   A conservative long-sleeved shirt worn with smart trousers or a mid-length skirt (not for some engineers), low to mid-height covered shoes and a smart casual jacket (if the climate allows) are conventional but not necessarily boring. For medical specialists, particularly those performing operations, formal business wear inspires patients’ confidence.

• Sales and marketing needs clothes that spell customer-oriented and trustworthy.  The level of formality should be in sync with the clientele.

• Jobs that require flair such as design, architecture, fashion, advertising, branding and product development need garb that reinforce an image of creativity – these are likely to be smart casual, fashion-forward and individualized.

• Practical trades that provide products and services like gardening, catering and building need sensible casual (not sloppy) work wear that says “I’m ready and able to do the job”.

The shift towards more casual business dressing over the past decade has made trousers a fixture of women’s work wear. Even strict company dress codes will generally allow trousers these days.  However, a skirt suit is still perceived to be more formal than a trouser suit. Don’t forget, more substantial heels work well with with wider-legged trousers, slim heels are better with slim pants and skirts.

So what of high heels? Well, the sensible medium-heeled court shoes of the 1970’s to early 90’s are still around but business casual work-wear has opened up the options to all types of footwear.  Just ensure shoes are job and dress code appropriate. Match them to the style and formality of your dress.  And don’t let sexuality be your defining quality!  Other than that, why not climb the corporate ladder in high heels?

The writer, Denise Ng, is a certified image consultant in Singapore. Her consultancy Imago Image specializes in personal image, offering advice on style, the art of dressing, wardrobe, color, grooming, etiquette and protocol and communication skills. She is President of the South Asia-Singapore Chapter of AICI , a global professional association of image consultants.

I commend to you the work of IMAGO IMAGE and in particular the talent and professionalism of its principal, Denise Ng… Anything that can be done to enhance the appearance of an elected representative increases the chances of political survival! It seemed like a good investment to place myself in Denise’s hands. I am now confident that, by applying her suggestions, I will not only enhance my appearance, but also improve my effectiveness within my community.
— Peter Chin, Mayor, City of Dunedin, New Zealand.

The reason I came to Denise is because I know I can trust her. I like the fact that she did not promote radical and immediate change even though some of my dressing choices were not appropriate. She encouraged a gradual switch. The whole work not only helped to refine and enhance my look as an individual, it added confidence to my whole outlook. It made me aware of the different communication styles, thereby helping me improve in communicating with my advisors and customers.
— Donahue Tan, Insurance Sales Manager, Singapore

I have just got to know one professional, experienced and certified image consultant (IMAGO IMAGE). Personally, after attending one session, I find it very useful for business professionals…As you know, soft skills are very important in the corporate world and are important complements to technical, hard skills for the business executives. I already see the potential demand for such services and hence will like to recommend this service…
— Lay Peng Ang, MNC Freight-forwarding manager, Singapore

Previously I never knew the colours of your clothes could make such a big difference to your image. Denise taught me how to pick outfits that suit my skin tone, personality and lifestyle, and how to mix and match different pieces of garments. I also learnt a thing or two from her about dressing for the different seasons. Denise has a great depth of knowledge in image consultation, an eye for detail, is thorough and patient in her explanation, and understands her client very well. Thanks to Denise, I now have a better idea of what works for me and can step out in new confidence.
— Natalie Tang, Podiatry student, Southampton, England

Working in a hospital as a young, fresh, female therapist poses its challenges in many ways. Since I started work a few years ago, I have always found it increasingly difficult to command respect among doctors, nurses and even fellow therapists. They nicknamed me “little girl” because of my youthful looking exterior, and unfortunately, also regarded my professional opinions as “youthful”. However, things have taken a turn since my consultation at ImagoImage. Denise’s precious advice and skillful touch to my wardrobe has successfully provided me with the mature professional image that I have always desired. Thank you Denise for making me a better professional.
– Joanne Seah, Speech Therapist, Singapore

I am a firm believer that personal image plays an important role in one’s career, so I follow those advices given in the papers and magazines: I bought myself quite a number of “standard blue and black” clothes. But when I looked into the mirror I often found that it looked as though I am wearing something I borrowed. They don’t suit, I can tell this without consultation from anyone. I know I would need some professional help at that point. When I first time heard you mentioned that our look is a reflection of our inner self, I know I had found the right person who can help me. I would like to describe the color and the style consultations you had guide me through as an eye opening process, not only intellectually but also emotionally. I had discovered a lot about myself, which I always had a feeling that they are somewhere there, but with no way to explain. Thank you so much, Denise! -Rachel Wang Qi, Underwriter, Singapore

Working with Imago Image helped me break out of my “stuck in a rut” way of choosing what to wear. It’s great to know what actually suits me as it gives me more confidence on a daily basis as well as saves me time and money.
— Melodie Whittaker, Expatriate wife and mother, Singapore

After attending the IMAGO IMAGE talk “Colour, Image and You” I have a better understanding of myself, which colors are better suited to me and how to achieve the image I want. As a paediatrician, letting go of “black and white colours” and moving to pastel shades has made me more popular with my patients, as well as their parents! My nurses have been full of praise about my new “look” and “poise”.
— Dr Foo Ai Leng, Paediatrician, Singapore

>>Would you like to contact Denise Ng at IMAGO IMAGE? YES >>