Wellergize Your Workforce Speakers: Marilyn Wetston

Recently, there has been much conflict over what is appropriate and acceptable attire in the workplace. [Ed. note: For instance, our 2009 blog post on Cleavage in the Workplace is one of our single highest searched blog posts.]

What you and your staff wear can establish your credibility and reinforce the principles and the direction of your company.

It is helpful to have a dress code based on realistic parameters for your workplace and for the work being done. As simple as this seems, assessing and conveying what is acceptable and positive can be fraught with political mines.

Often, the conflict is brought to the fore because one employee has repeatedly crossed the line creating discomfort to either staff or clientele. This puts management in the unfortunate position of being the "fashion police" -- and having to address the issue without singling that person out and creating stressful confrontation.

Defusing the conflict

Marilyn Wetston, the Wardrobe Doctor, is an expert on evaluating the needs of any individual and/or workplace and communicating and demonstrating what is the ideal wardrobe for the environment. In many instances, corporations have solicited Marilyn to speak about personal branding and image in general, which she does in an entertaining and informative way.

Marilyn acts as a facilitator/presenter of positive image and dress code, circumventing the necessity for conversations between management and employees that might be perceived as "politically incorrect". When Marilyn is informed in advance of any specific "wardrobe malfunctions" she is able to address the problem in a neutral way without singling out the offender. Suddenly, a potential flash-point has been neutralized and even turned into a pleasurable session.

Speaking Topics & Workshops

• Building a Basic Work Wardrobe
  Understanding coordination, body type, and your unique qualities to select clothing that helps you achieve your personal best look.
• The Language of Dressing
  Learn how to use your wardrobe to convey your professional message
• Your Wardrobe as an Extension of Your Business Card
  This personal branding session is for small groups of management and management-track employees only.

About Marilyn

Marilyn has taught the importance of wardrobe and image for countless educational institutions, corporations, professional organizations, and individuals. In this work, Marilyn has assisted Human Resource professionals and management in developing and/or reinforcing positive dress code policies. She has also educated employees on the significance of their workplace attire without eroding their sense of personal style.

For over 30 years Marilyn Wetston has been acclaimed as the "Wardrobe Doctor". Known for Marilyn's, her store in the Fashion District of Toronto, Marilyn is the busy host of a weekly radio programme (From a Woman's Perspective) on AM 740. Marilyn is also the author of regular columns in Sun Media's Osprey publications and in magazines across Canada.

In the last few years, Ms. Wetston has been invited to present and teach individuals from CEOs to front-line workers the benefits of understanding personal branding and utilizing it to forward their careers.

Marilyn will tailor her presentations to meet the needs of the group she is addressing.