Summer Fun: Good Manners and Proper Dress Never Go Out of Style

I just love the summer months.  There are picnics, company outings, poolside lounging and days in the park.  What a great time to look your best and to enjoy the great outdoors.  We need to review a few items that seem to slip everyone’s mind. First, let’s remember we are not at the beach, so dress appropriately.  You can look great and still leave something to the imagination.  Just recently, I attended an event and I wasn’t certain if one the ladies there was wearing a towel or a short dress.  This image is NEVER the one that anyone wants to portray.  Oh and one more reminder ladies…The old fashion idea of crossing your legs when you sit is still in style. There is nothing worse than sitting at the local ball game only to look in the stands and see a woman who forgot what she was wearing.  If you want to get attention – trust me you will – but not the kind you would probably want.

Then, of course, there is the man who is wearing his son’s small t-shirt.  I can appreciate a man who stays in shape just as much as the next person, but this new skin-tight look, regardless of how in shape you are, is not on anyone’s hot look list. Men – get shirts that fit you according to your body shape.  If you buy the right shirt, it will hang slightly on your body, will help you stay cool and highlight your body shape.  One more unsightly item that we all deal with is perspiration.  Wearing the right colors can help shade the dreaded moisture display that we get when we sit out in the sun.  Be aware of the weatherconditions when you are heading out for the afternoon in the warm sun. Fashion is about preparation just as much as it is about style.  When it comes to presenting the best you, it is ok to take the extra time to prepare for your clothing for each day.  If you’re a super sweater, then consider bringing a change of clothing and slip away at the right time and freshen up with a changed shirt or pants.  This is true for men and  women.

Now my last point is basic etiquette.  What has happened to the old sayings “Do not chew your food with your mouth open,” or “Don’t talk while you’re eating,” or “Use a napkin and not your shirt.”  I do not care how great your outfit looks or how fit you are when it comes to your body and health.  It only takes about 10 seconds of watching someone chew their food for all to see, or the dreaded let me talk and eat at the same time, to create a strong image that turns people off.  Even at the most relaxed summer picnic, remember etiquette is always the same including eating with your elbows on the table.  Picnic table or dining table, same rule applies.   Everyone can use a lesson and reminder about great manners from time to time.

Basics we can all remember:

1. Thank the host for having you and bring a gift for the host/hostess.

2. Only eat what you plan on finishing and do not go back for seconds until everyone has been served.

3. It’s just a meal.  Please do not eat as if it is your last meal on earth.  There will be more food when you get home so do not be a glutton. One plate should be enough.

4. Do not chew food with your mouth open or talk while your mouth is full.

5. Use the napkins; not shirts or table cloths.

6. Do not drink more than you should.  A drunken guest is really no guest at all!

7. Clean up after you eat and offer to help when appropriate.

8. Do not stay later than the other guests unless your part of the cleanup crew.  The hosts do not want to entertain you for hours on end after everyone else has left.  Know when to leave.

Summer tends to be a more relaxed season and can be great fun between all of the outdoor parties and picnics and days at the ball parks. Remember, you are always presenting an image to the people around you.  Make certain you are sharing the one that says the best about you.  It takes just one bad image to change someone’s perception about your personal life and professional ability.  Look great, have a wonderful time and remember; good manners and proper dress never go out of style!

Nashville Business Journal

If you missed my guest column in the print edition of the Nashville Business Journal, please click on the link below to read the full story online!

Dress for success in the office: Clothes do make the man … and woman
Nashville Business Journal – by Mila Grigg, Guest Columnist