FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
While no one doubts that casual dress plays a prominent role in the 21st Century workplace, there has never really been a definition of what it is.
Until now.
Two new tools have been developed to define the standards for professional dress. Created by Judith Rasband, Director of the Conselle Institute of Image Management, the new Style ScaleÆ and Image Management Quick Reference Guide are the result of years of tracking the trend toward corporate casual dress.
"The business casual trend isn't about fashion," says Rasband. "It's about the whole casualization of America that began in the turbulent 60s. It's about the general decline in civility. It's about people who don't know how to dress anymore. Clothing management is no longer taught to kids at home or in our schools."
Since the beginning of the casual dress trend, employers have reported an increase in office flirting, as well as tardiness and absenteeism. The very reasons that many companies have allowed casual dress (flexibility and creativity) become a detriment to the company when taken to extremes. And a recent study of CEOs and Executive Recruiters found that while most look for a professional image when hiring or promoting, few offer any training in that area.
A new nationwide effort is working to reverse some of the damage done by "Casual Fridays." Image consultants and retailers across the country are working to educate both employers and employees on the levels of appropriate business attire. Created by the Tailored Men's Clothing group, the Dress Up ThursdayÆ campaign utilizes Rasband's Style ScaleÆ to define the four levels of dress. Ranging from tailored to untailored, formal to casual, there is a key design detail to distinguish each level, and a match for every personal and professional style.
Kansas City-based image consultant Marlys K. Arnold has been trained in the use of the Style ScaleÆ and is a part of the Dress Up ThursdayÆ campaign. "It just makes deciding what to wear so easy!" she says. "The elements of style have been broken down and much of the mystery of dressing well has been eliminated. There are universal principles of design in dress, and Judith has defined them."
Arnold, in cooperation with local retailers, will promote Dress Up ThursdayÆ as a vehicle to re-educate people on the importance of looking nice and how it effects both behavior and the way others respond.
For more information, or to book an educational training seminar, contact Arnold at 816-746-7888 or by e-mail.
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