The Tipping List

Making Your Best 30-Second Impression

Dress for the job you want - not the job you have

-Jodi Hutchison

I read somewhere that a first impression is made in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. Seeing as how I read that about a decade ago, it's probably down to a nanosecond - everything seems to have sped up in the last decade, so I suspect first impression time-stamps have too.

There's a raging debate among women on the pantyhose/no-pantyhose issue. Women are turning up their noses at hose, a clothing item once considered the epitome of professionalism and women's lib. The Wall Street Journal addressed the issue - and you totally know it's news if the WSJ is reporting it.

I get it. Pantyhose is hot. Hose is uncomfortable. It tears, snags, rips and runs. It's a complete pain in the you-know-what. On the upside, hose helps to smooth, suck, hold, lock in and protect. You can even put it on your head and have pigtails if you get really drunk (although I wouldn't recommend it).

Regardless of side of the fence you're on regarding the big hose debate, there's a general malaise on business dress. Let me say this: Appearance matters. Whether it's 30 seconds or a nanosecond, your appearance - hair, nails, clothing, shoes - matters. Looking your best and projecting confidence still goes a long way in the corridors and offices of corporate America, whether you're male or female.

Here are a few guidelines for dressing for success each day:

1. No matter what time of year it is, no matter how hot it is, sandals (especially flip-flops) are a no-no. The office is not the beach, the grocery, a party or a social gathering. Men don't wear Tevas or Birkenstocks to work, so take the clue. Wear shoes that cover a good portion of your foot. read more...