Etiquette School of Ohio

Closet Staples for Men

Men should make an investment purchase for a few must-haves in their closets.  These items may be worn for business meetings, job interviews, social events, and religious ceremonies.  By initially spending a little bit more for quality clothing and accessories, you will find they will last for many years and seasons to come.  You will always be prepared and look your best if you own these items.

Invest in the following:

1.  A dark suit. Select wool or a wool blend over polyester.

2.  A white button-down shirt. Choose cotton over polyester.

3. A conservative silk tie.

4.  Dress shoes to match the color of your suit.  Oxfords or wingtips are good choices.

5.  A leather belt to match the shoes.

Get your daily etiquette tweets on twitter by following LadyofEtiquette

Men Need Manicures Too

Gentlemen, manicures are not a grooming process for women only.  It’s important for men to have handsome hands. They will be noticed in a professional environment as well as a social or dating environment.   Ladies do not find dirty hands or fingernails appealing.

Nails should be short and cut to the quick.  If you are a nail biter, it’s time to break the habit.  Hands, especially the area underneath the nails, should be kept clean.

Find a good manicurist and visit them at least once a month.  They will remove or push back unsightly cuticles, trim and shape your nails, and buff the surface of the nail.   Some men like a clear coat of polish on their nails to protect the nail and give a well groomed appearance, but this last step is a personal preference only.

In between manicures, use tools you can purchase at any drugstore to maintain your nails.  These tools may include nail clippers, a file or emery board, an orange stick to push cuticles back, and a nail brush to keep your nails and hands clean.

While you’re taking care of your fingernails, don’t forget to check your toenails.  For some women, including yours truly, unsightly toenails are a turnoff.

Finally, if you need more incentive to visit a nail salon other than maintaining your nails, you will be surrounded by a bevy of women who will adore you.  I can’t think of many other places where there’s such a good male to female ratio and the only thing the men have to do is sit and be pampered.

Rings - Attire for the Professional Woman

A woman should wear no more than one ring per hand in a professional setting.  Avoid wearing large or clunky rings that may become a distraction or an obstacle when shaking hands.  Only the engagement ring is allowed to shout “bling” with a large sparkling stone.  All other rings should be simple in design.

Handbags vs. Briefcases

Female professionals should choose between carrying a handbag or a briefcase.  Do not carry both at the same time.

Depending on the one you choose to carry to meet your needs for a particular day or business meeting, be sure it is of quality and in good condition.

Are You Reliable? - Business Etiquette

Reliability is an imperative element of a professional image.

If you say you are going to get back to someone with an answer before the end of the business day, do you?

Do you meet deadlines or does your supervisor have to track you down?

Are you on time for meetings?

If you are going to be late do you call to inform the people waiting on you?

Did you complete the task you volunteered for during the last staff meeting?  On time?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you need to work on your reliability skills before your next review for a promotion.  If you don’t, you shouldn’t be surprised your co-worker is promoted before you are.