Dress for Success, Wrinkles Included

As an undergrad and student teacher, it was drilled into me that I had to present a professional appearance at all times. My professional behavior was expected to exceed my professional appearance.

I had no trouble with those mandates. They fit my perfectionist personality to a T. You dress to impress. Dress for the job you want and not the one you have. You dress to set an example for your students. You are to model professionalism.

Last spring and summer, I wore sandals and khakis nearly every single day. I have a toe ring, and -- yes -- I wore it to work. If you walked into my classroom, it was likely that you'd find me sitting on top of one of the tables or in a chair... not standing behind the podium.

Oh, I model professionalism in all other areas. I walk the talk, believe me. It's just that I have simply chosen to wear clothing that wrinkles.

Experience in the world of business colleges has taught me that dressing too professionally can create a barrier that not all students can peer over.

It creates an interesting paradox: I'm to model professionalism visually as well as behaviorally, yet I'm to connect with students who may come from a world where khakis and a polo shirt may be the only affordable "dressy" clothes available.

Where does that leave one, then? Professional or business casual?

'Tis a good question, and I believe that the answer is this: it's HOW you wear what you wear and WHEN you wear it.

HOW and WHEN are judgment calls for your classroom, readers. You have to know your audience, you have to study their reactions.

I can't tell you more then what your mom once said: stand up straight, look'em in the eye, and smile.