I carry my laptop everywhere with me, why wouldn’t it be as stylish as the rest of me?
This week, Targus released research that reveals it’s not what you do, but how you look that determines your chances of success in work and love. Finally, after seven years of putting photos of myself on the internet IT’S PAID OFF.
I jest, but in all seriousness, the survey found that 97% of women believe the way people dress and accessorise affects the way they are perceived by others.
Despite being quick to judge however, women may not be taking the same level of care when it comes to their own appearance. Interesting no?
When asked how they prepare for a job interview or promotion, one in five admit to not wearing make-up (21%) or even ironing their clothes (20%). In fact, 12% admit carrying around their laptop in a grocery bag. A GROCERY BAG peeps, not even a recyclable, green bag, just a daggy old plastic shopping bag.
I’m interested in this because my laptop, camera, iPad and HTC One pretty much go everywhere with me and of course I want to have a modicum of stylishness about my appearance. Targus approached me with the research because I combine fashion and technology for my job- they pretty much go hand in hand- and asked if I wanted to talk about it. Can you use a laptop bag as a handbag for example? You can, ask me how I know.
There is no one else that works on Lady Melbourne except for me- no sales team, no social media manager, no photographer, and no writers.
So when I front up to a meeting, to do some public speaking, teaching or for things like fashion week what people see is what they get and I know it’s important that I put my best foot forward.
I’d love to walk out the door thinking that I won’t be judged on how I look, but I know that it’s really a big part of my job (see quote on putting photos of yourself on the internet above.)
What do you think? Is the devil in the detail as its important to accessorise well, or is ironing your clothes a waste of time?
13 comments
[…] on from my previous post ‘Accessorise This,’ I thought I’d show you how I use things like my laptop case as a clutch for […]
[…] on from my previous post ‘Accessorise This,’ I thought I’d show you how I use things like my laptop case as a clutch for […]
I agree with the research. When I’m dressed up and have heels on I feel so much more confident and happy than wearing my “around the house” clothes or even flat shoes.
At work, if I wear flats, I always bring a pair of heels in case I need to feel import or have a surprise meeting.
Great article!
I find the tricky part adapting to the various jobs I do throughout the day. I like to dress up, even though I work from home, but not too much or I become ostracised from the other mum’s at school pick up and drop off. Yes, you are even judged there!
I think its important to dress good because it helps you feel good about yourself. it seems that self image and esteem are huge problems for femalesand putting that extra bit of effort in to looking good helps remind you that you are worth it you are beautiful. i think accessorizing is the fun bit of dressing up…its also where you can show a bit of character.
Thats ok @Shona, we got it!
hmm don’t know why predictive text changed my job title to reporter but it was actually recruiter.
I was a professional reporter in a previous life so first impressions is everything. I would be sized up in the first 5 seconds by the way I presented myself so extra effort went into those important meetings. I don’t have as such great style as you but I love the laptop case. I too take my laptop everywhere but I wish there was a sleeker way to carry my charger cord :-s so annoying. I wish there was just a great stylish laptop carry bag – sleek and sexy like my Mac.
I can’t even imagine taking the rubbish out without ironing my clothes first!
I interview both Men and Women for positions in my company. When they walk in for the interview, the first thing I do, is check out their shoes and nails. They do not have to be dressed in expensive clothes, or this seasons style, but a well groomed person gets points ahead of one who turns up with scuffed shoes and dirty nails!
I can’t imagine going to a job interview without ironing my clothes first! Or not wearing makeup. No matter what anyone thinks people will always judge you a little bit based on how you present yourself. If it looks like you make a little effort than I think people automatically assume that this translates into how you apply yourself to everything else.
Lady M, what lipstick are you wearing in these pics? It looks gorgeous on you.
I think being well presented is important. It lets the world know you care enough about yourself. This comes with a disclaimer, though, that I don’t think this should be measured by the brand of any product you’re carrying. Its interesting that an study that has women critiquing themselves about their lack of grooming was done by an accessories company. I quite often think the bar is set far too high for women, and slowly, men too.
As a makeup artist, it may seems a little hypocritical that I say women shouldn’t have to wear makeup to be groomed – but I do. Some people have great skin and features and look put together with a nice hairstyle and groomed brows – for the most of us we need a little help in the complexion area (I know I do!)
I don’t think having the latest handbag/wallet/phone or sunglasses should equate to ones worth, or stature in society. I do think ironing your clothes, having great person hygiene and having a interest in how you present yourself to the world speak volumes about your self esteem, and more importantly, the expectations that you have of others.
Lady M! Where did u get ur laptop case from?? It looks like you have a macbook pro, but I haven’t been able to find a cute case that fits mine..