Remember when Fridays everywhere were casual? Menswear retailers portrayed the look with crisp, khaki chinos and impeccable open necked shirts. There was an occasional sweater, often tied around the shoulders. Reality was far different — bank clerks dressed like garage mechanics, senior executives wore golf shirts and there wasn’t a pressed pant in sight.
Over time, the extremes got straightened out and many corporations found themselves with more relaxed dress codes — jacket and tie no longer required — every day of the week. But neckties have always been a way for men to personalize their look — so I’m not surprised to report many have turned to French cuffs and cufflinks instead. Men young and old have embraced this combination with new enthusiasm. Here is a subtle way for a man to express his personality.
The older generation generally follows the formal traditions that dictate both jacket and tie de rigueur with French cuffs and cufflinks. But younger men — most have never worn this combo — show off the look, tie-less, and without a jacket.
Whichever style is yours, keep these tips in mind:
Posted on September 30th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Dress, Fashion, Menswear | 2 Comments »
I’m an enthusiastic observer of trends; it’s a prerequisite for my profession. Earlier this month at a luncheon for Preston Manning, Canada’s former federal opposition leader, my trend radar picked up a signal. Eco-etiquette.
Although I can’t take credit for coining this expression, the proverbial light bulb went off during Mr. Manning’s speech. Frequently hailed as a visionary, he spoke about the environment and the effectiveness of regulations and legislation. His message was clear — we as individuals must become more accountable and not rely on government rulings to do the right thing. “Protecting the environment is a relationship between the land and its people,” he said, quoting a student protégé.
Posted on September 23rd, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Diane's Reflections, Etiquette | No Comments »
As most of you know, when it comes to blogging, I fall into the neophyte category. Yes, I’m a social media enthusiast — but the idea of starting a blog was somewhat challenging. The interaction between the writer and the reader demands a greater sense of responsibility than a tweet, for example. With twitter, you’re definitely in the control tower; you monitor followers and can eliminate perceived “print paparazzi.” Not so with a blog. You don’t know your followers.
Posted on September 17th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Communication, Diane's Reflections | No Comments »
Everyone’s an expert on etiquette. Especially when it comes to introductions. Yet many so-called published experts don’t get it right. They fail to explain the rules of introduction — how to introduce your boss, your colleagues, even your grandmother— succinctly and correctly.
Often, these experts’ published guides devote pages and pages to introductions — how to address royalty, or protocols for meeting a diplomat from a foreign land. Good and helpful information if you move in those circles, most of us don’t.
Posted on September 8th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Business Etiquette, Communication, Conferences, Etiquette, Social Etiquette, Workplace Etiquette | 2 Comments »
As an image and etiquette consultant, I am very conscious of how I present myself — my reputation depends on it. Although my client base is English, my first language is French. I mention this because a great deal of my work involves making presentations to large groups of people and I have a conspicuous French accent. Some people have suggested it enhances my image; others are less enthusiastic….
One of my personal standards is to speak as clearly as I can, particularly when addressing an audience. Several years ago, I decided to improve my pronunciation and contacted the University of Toronto; they recommended Gloria Pierre.
Posted on September 2nd, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Communication, Image, Workplace Etiquette | No Comments »
