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Answers to the Perennial Question "What Should I Wear?" in an Interview with Image Consultant Kathi Burns
by Janet
October
16th,
2009
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Organized Assistant
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Content and Design Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved
Great interview, and I generally agree, especially with making the distinction about the type of services we offer. I’ve worn the same “uniform” for 8 1/2 years–black Chico’s Traveler’s pants (y’know, the kind that are a bit flowy), a ribbed cotton twinset with a sleeveless mock turtleneck and matching cardigan, and rubber-soled loafers. Sadly, Land’s End has discontinued those great twinsets–I have them in seven colors, and would gladly have bought them for eternity.
To me, the cut of the cardigan serves the same purpose of the jacket–to create a finished, professional look suitable for residential or small business organizing. (Certainly, as Kathi notes, corporate organizing requires apparel that matches the corporate culture.) All of the items are machine-washable, making it easy to rid myself of dust or pet hair or the paper detritus from opening thousands of envelopes, without the expense of dry cleaning.
Super interview! I’m glad to know I was on the right track for residential organizing – right down to the shoes! I find it essential in Canadian winters to have a pair of indoor shoes as I arrive at the client’s in dress boots. My indoor shoes are similar to the Paul Green shoes mentioned by Kathi – not just indoor sneakers.
Kathi notes that corporate apparel match corporate culture and I wholeheartedly agree! I service some agricultural clients and I must dress accordingly. Nice jeans and clean work boots show that you are familiar with what goes on in a barn yet have that professional, authoritative look.
Julie has an important point – machine-washable clothing is essential!
.-= Jacki Hollywood Brown´s last blog ..The King of Classification =-.
Julie, I love the idea of a cardigan instead of a jacket. In addition to providing a finished look, it’s easier to move around, in the event it’s a bit cool where you’re working and you wish to leave it on, as well as being machine washable.
Jacki, your example is great too. It would be so easy to think that working in a barn is an occasion for dressing down, but you demonstrate that you can maintain a professional image regardless of the dress code and work setting.
Since deciding to become a Professional Organizer, I haven’t bought a single skirt. And my days of cashmere sweater and dry-clean only pants are gone, too.
Thanks, Janet, great interview.
Read The English Organizer’s post: Decor for Energy
Pauline, it sounds like you don’t miss your cashmere sweaters!
Read Janet Barclay’s post: Simple Bathroom Makeover