Dressing for a Promotion

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun

Ever wonder why your evaluations are excellent but others are being promoted? Ever wonder why you have demonstrated your abilities but others keep passing you on the corporate climb to the top? If so, it might be time to look away from your desk and look in the mirror.


Deliberately maintaining a disheveled appearance in order to reinforce an image of being “too busy to iron” is not a good idea. The messy look will get noticed, and might impress a few, but not the boss. When untidy and sloppy becomes the majority of your appearance, it will become a negative imprint in the minds of your supervisors. In addition to managing your work, you need to show you can manage yourself.


To be promoted from support staff to manager to executive, your appearance shouldn’t reflect how hard you work, but rather how smart you work. With the high cost of employee turnover, companies usually prefer to promote from within.


Supervisors assess traditional behaviors like tardiness, attitude, team skills, leadership, and ability. They also consider work ethic, dedication, and appearance. And, as much as we would like to believe that skill and integrity will always outshine everything else, unfortunately that is not always true in the workplace.


Appearance is always a serious factor because it is an indicator as to how that person will rise to the occasion. Not to mention how your appearance reflects on the company. Your boss needs to feel confident that you will show up looking professional no matter what.


You never want to be the one that is on your boss’s mind, concerned about what you might be wearing when a client unexpectedly shows up at the office.


All of your wardrobe choices are a reflection of your judgment – which is key to being recognized for a promotion.


Acting professional and looking professional go hand in hand. Be admired for both.


Don’t wait to stand out in the crowd, start showing the management of your company that you are ready for the top! Here are this week’s letters.


Dear Jen:


My office is mostly “under 40” but I am in my mid-50s and look it. Should I color my hair?


– Daniel, Newark, NJ


Dear Daniel:


If it will make a difference in how you carry yourself and if it makes you feel more confident, then sure, why not do it? But, unlike women, people can usually tell when a man is coloring his hair.


Being older has its advantages – and lots of us think “salt and pepper” is very attractive.


Dear Jen:


I am interning at a law firm and my small paycheck is going to my books for next semester. My clothes are jeans – is it okay to buy three dresses and keep rotating?


– Barbara, Queens, NY


Dear Barbara:


Rotating is good, but try breaking it up a little. Instead of three dresses, I suggest, one dress, one skirt, one dress pant, and four tops.


This way you can rotate the same pants with a different top two to three times a week without anyone noticing.



Ms. Silano Foy is president of eFashion Solutions, LLC and has been a consultant in the fashion industry for more than 10 years. Please send your workplace or corporate fashion questions directly to Ms. Foy at styleforsuccess@aol.com.


The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use