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What's the first thought that goes through your mind when someone shows up for work overdressed?
a) She must have a job interview.
b) He's trying too hard.
c) He looks uncomfortable.
d) Her outfit makes me look like the dog's breakfast.
e) She's setting an example for the rest of us.
Chances are you considered all the answers except the last one. When people put extra pomp and circumstance into their professional attire, co-workers have a tendency to view this with suspicion or derision, not respect.
The intention of today's column is not to pass judgment on people who pass judgment. Still, there is much to be gained by thinking about how we interpret overdressing, especially since Suitable has spent a considerable amount of time exploring issues related to being underdressed.
Is it even possible to overdress? Yes, say the experts, though, as Vancouver-based image consultant Diana Kilgour says, "It's hard to make a one-size-fits-all rule."
Determining the definition of overdressed requires a good look around the office.
When there are no written guidelines, you're best to take a cue from people who work above you, because, hopefully, they are making a concerted effort to represent the company.
This means that if a boss is wearing a polo shirt, slacks and a sports jacket, you may look weird in a suit. "There's a point at which you do create a big chasm between yourself and the other people in the organization," says Ms. Kilgour, who adds that a business casual workplace is never an excuse to get lazy with personal grooming.
The result, according to men's image consultant Leah Morrigan, is that people will start to question your motivation.
"If you dress at a higher level than you normally do, people will say, 'What's he doing? He's dressing like this for a reason; what is it?' So if you're dressing outside of the norm of our business environment, then that's going to get people asking questions," she says, noting that a person's choice of clothing should not necessarily be made based on other people's perceptions.
Some people resort to criticism as a way to deflect the truth. Anyone who dresses higher than what Ms. Kilgour refers to as the "lowest common denominator" holds up "a disquieting mirror to the rest of the staff."
What gets reflected back is that everyone could be dressing better, whether this is actually necessary or not. "I think it speaks a little bit to conscience," she says. "I think their internal conversation might be, 'Maybe I should be taking my job more seriously; maybe I should look into dressing up a little more; maybe I should have ironed my shirt this morning.' "
Overdressing is not limited to looking dressy or more formal. Consider a situation in which a person works with others who are less fortunate. Flaunting designer brands or fancy clothing would be an example of insensitive overdressing, Ms. Kilgour says.
Is there someone at your office whose outfit is more appropriate for a Saturday night than a Wednesday morning? This, she says, is tasteless overdressing.
And nothing says overdressed like a dark, heavy suit on a hot summer day. Ms. Morrigan's list for lightening up includes opting for lighter, natural fabrics such as linen or wool blends, trading wool socks for cotton, trying lighter colours such as dove grey instead of charcoal, and even ditching the tie for a crisp button-down with a jacket and pocket square.
"People tend to be more relaxed in summer in general. But a guy has to be careful," she says of the sans-tie statement. "I think if he's a CEO, he may only be able to pull that off on a Friday."
Both experts agree that overdressing in the long run will likely work in a person's favour. Brush colleagues' insecurities off your tailored jacket shoulder and take strength in the fact that you project a more credible (if not desperately keen) image.
As Ms. Kilgour says, "If you're overdressed, the excuse you make always sounds better than if you're underdressed."
No doubt. It's the difference between saying you're taking clients out after work and saying you haven't gone to the dry cleaner's in three weeks.
