Respect The Brand

The way that you dress can earn you, and your brand, respect. At corporate events like trade shows and industry conferences – or even in the office on a Friday afternoon – it’s important to dress professionally so others know you mean business.

Business casual attire is well-accepted but it can be tempting to take the idea of “casual” too far. It should be less formal than traditional business-wear, but still provide a professional appearance. Keeping that in mind, disheveled t-shirts, cargo shorts and flip-flops should be left at home for the weekend hang-time.

Depending on the industry and age of the employees, appropriate business attire can mean polos or button-downs, paired with pants for men, and pants or skirts for women. On occasion well-constructed jeans are acceptable, but not the ones with holes and fraying hems. Even though in today’s fashion world consumers pay a premium for a pair of designer ripped jeans, it’s still not the right image for someone representing most corporate brands.

Consistent brand identity, which in turn increases brand loyalty, relies on maintaining a dependable dress code for every corporate event. Consumers come to depend on a recognizable corporate image that commands their respect. That respect becomes trust – and trust grows into loyalty.

If you respect your brand with appropriate attire, so will your customers.

Up Your Brand Game With Athluxury

According to Merriam-Webster, athleisure is defined as “casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use.” It represents the general dressing down across our culture, with high fashion brands turning sweats and tees into big ticket items, and retailers selling more performance apparel than ever before.

Now, at the intersection of athletic wear and luxury, we have athluxury – fabrics and styles that give a luxe feel while delivering a reliable performance piece of clothing. Jackets, shirts and footwear are all being offered in up-to-the minute colors and styles that are creating excitement for corporate brands that want to ignite their audience.

More of an evolution than a trend, athleisure – or, on the higher end, athluxury – apparel can be worn in most offices and social situations without anyone thinking twice. Many styles merge business casual with sportswear, which is a natural evolution of the trend towards health and fitness. As a bonus, this category of clothing is generally more durable, with properties like wrinkle and odor resistance incorporated into its tech-infused fibers.

Adding a corporate logo in a color and decoration method that compliments the item will bring attention and respect to the brand, and nearly ensure the continued use of the item at the office and at home. Sample some of the latest options in this popular clothing category for the next trade show or team-building outing at the ballpark. Your associates will happily accept, and your customers will notice.

Business Casual, Not Business Sloppy

As Lady Bird Johnson said “I’ve really tried to learn the art of clothes, because you don’t sell for what you’re worth unless you look good.” To that point, if office attire isn’t done right, intelligent, well-qualified people run the risk of being overlooked because their appearance alters others’ perception of their qualifications. However, there’s a reason many people are confused about the term business-casual.

It’s logical to assume that business attire should be professional and crisp, while casual wear is associated with the slouchy, comfy weekend tees and sweats. These two terms seem to be at odds with each other. So how do we blend the two?

First, and foremost, don’t leave the “business” out of business-casual. Regardless of the industry, every business is a professional organization that expects its employees to dress with respect. What does that mean? Simply stated, it means no one should come to work looking like they just finished mowing the lawn or came directly to the office from last night’s party. Clothes should be clean and shoes should cover the feet.

Appropriate business casual dress typically includes:

Men: Slacks or khakis; dress shirt, open-collar or polo shirt; optional tie or seasonal sport coat; loafers or dress shoes
Ladies: Dress or skirt at knee-length or below; knit shirt, sweater or tailored blazer; casual or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot

Of course, depending on the industry, some companies may have more relaxed standards that include jeans or sneakers, but even those should be clean and tasteful.

Finally, when companies contribute to the business-casual wardrobe of their employees by giving shirts, sweaters or jackets with the company logo, it’s particularly important to keep in mind that these clothing items are meant to represent the brand as well as the office dress code. When selecting the next trade show shirt, remember that you want the associates representing your company to sell your company for what it’s worth.

Business Casual Meets Fashion Basics

Corporate attire doesn’t have to be boring. It should be comfortable and reflect a style that today’s young professionals can relate to. The clothing should echo the image of your company, without making such a bold fashion statement that the reactions are more about the shirt than about the brand.

Many times shirts and jackets decorated with company logos are associated with firms that provide employee uniforms, as in the restaurant, airline or rental car industries. But just as important are the teams representing their companies at an industry trade show, community outreach event, or business conference. And those employees are more likely to wear the same clothes again at a later date when working at the office or attending an after-hours networking affair – which brings us back to the importance of choosing business separates that are both appropriate and fashionable.

Fortunately, many retail-brand clothing suppliers can be sourced through the advertising specialties industry and decorated with corporate logos. And those suppliers that specialize in private label merchandise – offering the same quality at a lower price – are experiencing enviable growth by providing style and color choices that mimic what most people see, and buy, at the stores in the mall.

The options are as varied as the employees themselves:

chambray shirt styles for men and women;
distressed fabric fleece and tees for the younger set on community clean-up;
custom printed ties and scarves for a more formal look;
polos that look as good with office trousers as they do with golf khakis;
cardigan sweaters for women, 1/4 zip sweaters for men, and v-neck sweaters for either – when the office gets cold, there’s a warm clothing option for all.

Today’s corporate clothing choices are anything but boring – ask for ideas and samples, and let your team decide. The brand impressions increase every time that item is worn … and isn’t that the whole idea?

newfound identity

products carry the mark, people carry the message

Tag Archives for business casual

Respect The Brand

Up Your Brand Game With Athluxury

Business Casual, Not Business Sloppy

Business Casual Meets Fashion Basics

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