NEW BOOK RELEASE! INTRODUCING “LEGGINGS AREN’T PANTS”

Leggings aren’t pants. I said what I said, you can fight me in the comments!

Many years ago, I took clients to a a meeting with a local production partner. We were there to provide them with a demonstration of their rentals, florals, and lighting. When my sales representative appeared at the top of the stairs, she was wearing leggings, a T-shirt, and a cartigan. “Leggngs aren’t pants,” I whispered when we hugged. “Yeah, they are,” is what she replied. To which I said, “Not for my clients, they aren’t.” The story spread like wildfire, and the idea for this book was born!

Growing up, my parent’s raised me to always dress (and overdress) for the occasssion. I was taught thst how you look and present yourself mattered. I entered the work force in my early 20s dressing well was a way to level the playing feel and cultivate a level of respect. What I lacked in age and experience, I made up for in polish and professionalism. Dressing well always served me well, and showcasing a sense of style is one of the tenents that my business is built upon.

Which is why I have been consistently disappointed in the way that our industry presents itself. For me, it is about respect. I respect my couples and clients. They deserve the absolute best of me, and the least I can do is put on pants that button! When we travel or meet with other professionals from hotels, airlines, production companies, etc. I am my client’s proxy. I represent them. Therefore, I must look polished, professional, and competent. I also have a tremendous amount of respect for my industry and my colleagues. The people that I work with should know that I value their time, their art, and their efforts. Dressing up for them - whether I am walking through a warehouse or going to a nine-course tasting - is a way of saying, “I see you. What you do is special, and I show up accordingly.”

You may be asking yourself, “Does how I dress really matter anymore?” The answer is, of course, yes! Here’s why:

1. First Impressions Matter: Your appearance is often the first thing people notice about you. Dressing well creates a positive and lasting first impression, demonstrating that you take your job seriously and have a professional attitude. This initial impression can set the tone for your interactions and can be instrumental in building trust and credibility.

2. Enhanced Self-Confidence: Wearing professional attire can boost your self-confidence. When you look and feel good in what you're wearing, you are more likely to carry yourself with confidence. Confidence is key in professional settings, as it can help you communicate effectively, make decisions with authority, and handle challenging situations more adeptly.

3. Respect for the Workplace and Colleagues: Dressing professionally shows respect for your workplace and colleagues. It indicates that you value the environment and the people around you enough to put effort into your appearance. This can contribute to a positive and harmonious work culture and foster good relationships with coworkers.

4. Career Advancement: In many industries and roles, dressing well is linked to career advancement. When you project a professional image, you are more likely to be considered for promotions and additional responsibilities. In the creative space, dressing well, being well-groomed, and presenting a fashion-forward appearance signals that you are paying attentiom to the current culture while also showing that you are responsible, reliable, and capable of representing the company effectively.

5. Client and Customer Perception: If you interact with clients, customers, or external partners, your appearance can influence their perception of your company and the services or products it offers. A professional appearance can instill confidence in your clients and contribute to better business relationships. It can also be a factor in attracting and retaining clients or customers.

Dressing well in a professional environment is not just about fashion; it's about making a positive impact, demonstrating respect, and positioning yourself for success in your career. As the world becomes a more casual place (even Goldman Sachs is loosening it’s dress code) dressing well has become more important than ever. While your skills and abilities are crucial, your appearance and how you present yourself can complement and enhance your professional persona.

What do YOU think? If you are a wedding professional, how much time to you put into your appearance each day? If you are a couple or a client, how do you feel when you meet a wedding professional who is dressed up verse dressed down? Do you care?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Buy the book today and don’t forget to leave a 5 Star Review on Amazon!

XO - Andrea