Latinas: Make a Splash at Work and Get Noticed with a Polished Image

How do I stand out from the crowd at work? A cry we hear from Latinas (and women the world over) is that often even women with great qualifications and experience find it difficult to stand out in the workplace. In today’s competitive business world, many are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and be recognized for their expertise. A polished and professional image is a big part of the career puzzle that can help get you recognized for all you bring to the table. From how you speak and act to how you dress, every tiny detail contributes to the image you portray to the world. 

To make a splash, adopt the art of packaging yourself to showcase your unique qualities and professional expertise to the world. In addition to your qualifications and experience, a well-honed personal style will help you stand out, attract opportunities, and exude confidence. There’s a great deal to think about in creating a polished image that’s cohesive and authentic to you. Let’s explore some of the key components.

Grooming Details

For professionals everywhere, color, style and attire appropriateness all project crucial visual messages for career advancement. Before you open your mouth to speak and convey your business expertise, your overall appearance speaks volumes about you. Your grooming details must be impeccable, as sloppy grooming brings down your overall image.  A well cut hairstyle, polished makeup, manicured nails, and neatness are crucial and give the impression that you have attention to detail in other work areas.  

Know Your Skin Tone and the Colors that Enhance It

Many Latin American women look terrific in bright colors! Your skin tones come in a rich and diverse range of shades. Each tone has a unique beauty, from fair to olive and deep brown. When choosing professional attire, it is essential to consider the undertones of the skin to create an attractive and harmonious look. Cooler skin tones with hints of pink or blue undertones should opt for cool hues like blue, hot pink, crimson, purple, and turquoise or blue green. On the other hand, warmer or golden skin tones with yellow or peach undertones are complemented with shades of salmon, orange, lime green and Autumn leaf tones. 

Choosing the Right Colors

Colors speak volumes and wearing colors that really suit your own color harmonies from a color analysis standpoint will make you appear vibrant, healthier, and more radiant.  Color has the power to enhance your features, brighten your skin, eyes, teeth, and create a memorable impression. Like all businesswomen, Latin women can wear long or short-sleeved blouses to work. Suitable colors may be bright colors such as red, violet, emerald green, orange, peacock blue, pink combined with pants or a skirt in neutral colors such as black, navy blue, gray and taupe. It is common to incorporate bright colors in blazers too, matched with neutral tones in pants, skirts, and shoes. Professional suits in bright colors make a bold statement. Consider them   for more informal professional events or cocktails after hours.

1. Classic Black:

Black is a color that suits people of cool skin and hair tones. It exudes sophistication and power. If you have black hair or very dark hair and eyes you can wear black well. Invest in a timeless, well-tailored black dress or “little black dress” for work soirees. You can also make a statement with beautiful jewelry and accessories that add a little drama and still look business appropriate.

2. Rich Jewel Tones:

Deep and vibrant jewel tones, such as emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, royal blue, or amethyst purple, often complement most Latin American cool skin tones. They add depth and create a striking visual contrast, enhancing your impact. Warmer skin tones can take coral, citrine, lime green, amber, gold, orange, teal and chestnut. Jackets and suits can also be colorful in shades of purple, teal, bright blue and burgundy. These hues project both creativity and professionalism. 

3. Neutrals:

Neutral tones like beige, tan, rust, cream, camel and brown are versatile choices that blend harmoniously with most warm Latin American skin tones. These colors exude approachability, and professionalism, making them ideal for various business settings. Go beyond traditional neutrals and incorporate “power neutrals” such as black, brown, navy blue or gray. All these tones work well when incorporated in professional suits. Use blouses, scarves, or accessories in bright colors to add a pop of color.

4. Bold Prints and Patterns:

Don’t shy away from incorporating bold prints and patterns into your wardrobe. Florals, leaves, paisley, abstract or geometric designs can add a touch of personality and flair to your professional attire, reflecting your vibrant personality. Get your color by adding prints in blouses and dresses. The bolder and larger the scale, the more casual. The smaller the scale the more formal. 

5. Accents and Accessories:

Accessories, such as scarves, ties, handbags, shoes, and jewelry, can provide an excellent opportunity to inject pops of color into your professional look. The careful selection of accessories can elevate your outfit and demonstrate attention to detail.

Embrace Well-Fitted Styles

Now that we have explored the importance of color, let’s focus on the significance of fit and style when it comes to professional clothing.  Know your body type and ensure the fit appears well tailored. A well-fitting garment instantly enhances your credibility. Highly tailored garments such as blazers with shoulder pads and lapels can look boxy over generous curves. The secret here is to choose curved construction and lighter weight fabrics which glide and drape nicely. The garment should slide smoothly over your body and flatter your body shape while reflecting your professionalism.

Here are some key points to consider while choosing tailored and well-fitting styles:

1. Blazers and Jackets:

The current fashion dictates that the shape of jackets, dresses and slacks is wider and more relaxed.  But, a word of warning, don’t hide your best body shape and proportions in squared -off clothing!

Invest in blazers and jackets tailored to your specific body shape. The best idea is to have the garment tailored to define your “skinny bits” –   chest, waist, arms and legs. Remember, a properly fitted jacket can instantly improve your upper body shape and boost your confidence, poise, and visual authority. Jackets can also be softly tailored and either in a lightweight silky fabric or a knitted option for more casual days.

2. Dresses and Skirts:

When choosing skirts, consider the fit around your hips, tummy, and waist. The length of skirts is also a consideration. Mid-thigh skirts are great for young people in casual off- the- job wear. For work, a length just above the knee for pencil skirts and on the knee for a fuller skirt, feels more appropriate for women on their way up. Choose styles that accentuate shapely legs while maintaining a professional appearance.

Dresses and suits are excellent options for presenting a polished and unified look. Look for gently tailored options that flatter your curves without compromising comfort. Pair them with quality belts or structured pieces to create a stylish image that is unique to you.

Show up in the Correct Outfit for the Situation

Specific work occasions call for appropriate business attire. If you know that you must lead a meeting, teach a class, attend a sales meeting with clients or appear at a senior level gathering, it’s wise to find out the expected dress code. Unless your company has become all casual, the dress code of each situation is usually defined by the specified dress code if you have one, or your manager. These occasions are often moments for you to make a splash and stand out. Here are a few tips for dressing appropriately for a variety of business occasions:

Formal occasions. Show up in a suit, dress and jacket or trouser suit. Use pattern and color to showcase your personality and personal style.

Semiformal occasions. This type of situation requires the jacket or blazer over trousers or a skirt. A short or long-sleeved professional dress is a great alternative. 

Informal day to day workplace dress. Blouses and shirts or sweaters worn with slacks, trousers, skirts are all great options. Cardigans and twin-sets work well in air conditioning. Work dresses of all types are always appropriate and can connote a polished look. 

Renowned Personal Branding Consultants – London Image Institute:

Creating and nurturing a powerful personal brand that resonates with potential employers, clients, and colleagues requires guidance and expertise. This is where London Image Institute steps in. With years of experience in personal branding and image consulting, we can help individuals of Latin American backgrounds unlock their full potential.

London Image Institute offers an array of services, including:

– Personal Branding Workshops

– Style and Wardrobe Consultations

– Color Analysis

– Etiquette and Networking

Contact Us Today

Ready to take control of your personal brand and leave a lasting impression in the professional world? Contact London Image Institute today to discover how our team of experts can assist you in developing a powerful personal brand specifically tailored to suit your Latin American skin tone. Visit our website at www.londonimageinstitute.com or call +1 (404) 255-0009 to book a consultation for your new career and embark on a transformative journey to career success!

Thank you to Coca Sevilla of Mexico for her contributions to this article. She is the Managing Director of AlterEgo, a full service image consulting firm, specializing in Personal Branding, Image and Communication for individuals and corporations. cocas@agencia-alterego.com.