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Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success
Wearing American-style ClothingQuestion: I come from India and work with a Software firm out here. Well in India the dress code is quite different for working women, we mostly wear Indian formals like "Sarees" or "Salwar Kameez."
Now here comes my problem, I will be soon moving to the USA and will be working in San Francisco. I'm very confused about the way I should dress now. The obvious is wearing western formals but I'm not sure I would be comfortable in them since I have never worn such attire before. Besides I am slightly overweight. I hope you would be able to help me on how I should go about dressing myself to look and feel the best.
Answer: Dear Vidya, The apparel worn by working women here in the USA is radically different from the Sarees that you are accustomed to wearing. Certainly, a large part of your adjustment may involve clothing. Are you planning on this being a permanent move or is your new job temporary? If you are planning on working in the USA for more than one year, I encourage you to try out some western clothing. Why? It has to do with your nonverbal communication. For example, your traditional Sarees immediately send the message that you are first and foremost a native and citizen of India. There is nothing wrong with that; just be clear on your goals with your job. Wearing Sarees can also send the message that you are possibly a tourist, a visitor only to the U.S.; they do not imply that you are a working resident. And last but not least, a continual wearing of your native attire could convey that you do not have plans to stay in the USA or that you are not making the adjustment very well. All of these nonverbal messages in a U.S. business environment could work against you. Please do not misunderstand, this in no way diminishes your heritage and the beautiful clothing of your country. It’s about successfully playing the game of business so that you win! Since you are comfortable wearing garments that drape, I suggest that you try the following types of western clothing:
It may stretch you out of your comfort zone, but give pants a try. They are a favorite of many working women in the U.S. A pantsuit is very businesslike and almost always slimming. You can always add a scarf or shawl if those accessories feel more like the clothing that you are accustomed to wearing. San Francisco can be quite chilly. If you are working in the city, invest in a warm coat or jacket. If your new job is south of San Francisco in the “Peninsula” area (Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood Shores, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, or San Jose), you will find the temperatures somewhat warmer. On another note, the high technology industry is one of the most culturally diverse industries. Most software companies accept a wide range of dress styles as long as you do a great job, (if you are not in sales). Try out the American styles, as you are comfortable, but keep in mind the nonverbal communication aspects of dress and grooming that were discussed above. By the way, it is very common to try on clothing in American stores and decide not to buy them. Do not be afraid to shop and try on clothes. Buy things only when they look great on you and are in alignment with your goals.
Best of luck to you,
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