Page 50 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2015

DRESSFOR SuAccess
business attire
Make a first impression that lasts with these helpful tips and tricks
Pam Meinzinger
Nancy Wilson
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Pam Meinzinger and Nancy Wilson
s American dress and manners become increasingly less formal, does Dress for Success still matter in the business world? Two South Mississippi women business leaders answer that question with a resounding yes.
“A person should always dress for where they want to be in their career, not their current step on the ladder of
success,” said Pam Meinzinger, general manager of Premium Outlets
in Gulfport. “Dressing appropriately is still an important part of ones’ success. There are many ways to dress casual and still be professional.”
Ocean Springs resident Nancy Wilson has a consulting service, Professional Edge. “Yes, indeed, dressing for success matters as much today as it ever has,” she said. “We often speak of how important that first impression is, and what matters most in a first impression is mainly visual. In a matter of seconds the viewer has formed that all-important first impression that may remain with him or her for years.”
That first impression encompasses the whole package — clothing, hair, makeup, posture, eye contact, poise, and smile. “Each of these items deserves your utmost attention,” she added.
Speaking of changes in wardrobe styles, Meinzinger said, “With the more business casual workplace, employees are able to stretch their wardrobe dollars. People don’t have to invest in as many work suits or spend as much on dry cleaning and can have a more versatile wardrobe.”
She feels there’s a practicality to business casual, such as sleeveless
50 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2015
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