Business as usual

A PERSON cannot mix business with pleasure, or so everyone believes. But like any undertaking, doing it without pleasure will make it lose its essence. So how do we reconcile these conflicting thoughts?

Having fun should not be too difficult while at work, as an expression goes, work hard but play harder. If a person wants to go by that principle, a good way is at his disposaldressing excellently for business purposes.

Actually, dressing up for business is not only to satisfy the need to have some fun while at work but it also serves a purpose of looking appropriate for the occasion.

Whether a person aims to look formal or casual or professional, exerting effort in wearing the right outfit is also like putting one’s best foot forward while exploring the corporate world. Talk about dressing for success.

To maintain a competitive and proficient image, some tips would include adhering to dress codes set by the management and keeping a clean, crisp and well-groomed appearance. But when there is no style rule to follow, it is better to play safe with the more businesslike getup rather than risk the plain casual.

Now, if anyone is still not sure what it means to look businesslike, here are some visual examples by designer Manuel Tumaque, who shared his garbs in a show dubbed “Business as Usual.”

Business as Usual means maintaining a professional aura by wearing the appropriate attire and turning it into a daily habit. It goes without saying that no working day shall be spared when making an effort to look fabulously efficient.

For his designs, Manuel took inspiration from the awesome experience he had when he last visited the country’s business capital or the financial capital of the Philippines, Makati City. He was amazed at how working individuals were dressed as if they were going to a party instead. He remembered, “People there looked so classic yet so stylish though they were in their work outfits.”

One of the pieces he proudly showcased is a male’s business suit. It is a black techno wool tuxedo with zebra velvet taping in square pocket. It goes well with an inner Dobby Ramae shirt or any white shirt for that matter. This is the sort that spells “smart” for work.

A female’s business attire does not allow any woman to be left behind in the trend. It is a cuesta long-sleeved dress on houndstooth and red jersey. Because almost nobody ever gets it wrong with black or white or red, combining them in one ensemble will only ensure an elegant working stance.Not only are these clothes chic and polished, the best thing about these clothes is the characteristic of modern functionality. And though a work wardrobe need not be expensive, dressing one’s way to success is also worth investing in.

While it is true that every person should mind his/her own business, we still (stubbornly) make it our business to find everyone some fashionable ideas, especially when June is also known as the Cebu Business Month.