By Ranjini Manian
How many times have we agonised over the question, “What shall I wear?”
The question becomes even more confusing if you happen to live in a place that is culturally distinct from your own with a totally different dressing style. Many of us these days travel abroad on work. Then the question acquires even greater importance, “What do I wear to work?”
There is the obvious factor of the weather. While cotton shirts and trousers are the norm in India, in colder climates, a jacket is a must. But apart from this, my advice would be to blend in with the locals and choose muted colours instead of that green shirt you might pick back home.
Formal versus casual
Make sure your accessories match your outfit and the occasion and that you're well groomed.
Men, carry a ‘bandh gala' Nehru suit as it is a much admired outfit, though a well-tailored, double-breasted suit is also a must. Ensure your clothes are of good quality lest they rip at the most unopportune moments.
Women, carry a stole that can be slung over your shoulder; this East meets West dressing style is elegant and would make you feel secure too. If a dot on the forehead is a must, then by all means sport it, with Indian clothes or Western wear, but be ready to answer why you do so — that it is the third eye of knowledge, reminding you to look inward. And ladies, tone down your make up — no kohl-rimmed eyes and bright lipsticks to the office. You would feel too dressed up!
For shopping or sightseeing, the thumb rule is wear what you're comfortable in — jeans, T-shirts, skirts and even shorts. Remember, the West is far more liberal in dress style than the Orient. But take care not to attract unwanted attention.
If you're invited to a wedding abroad, it would be all right to wear an Indian outfit, but make sure it isn't over the top in terms of both embellishments and accessories.
Besides being appropriately dressed, do give a thought to your own comfort. For instance, if you have a whole day meeting, don't wear something that is tight and is likely to make you uncomfortable. And if the air conditioning is likely to be going full blast, dress accordingly.
When in India …
On the other side of the coin, expats need to be aware that standards of dressing in India are different from the West. Women need to take care not to reveal too much leg or cleavage. While sightseeing, remember to carry a scarf, some temples require you to cover your hair.
Whether it's India or abroad, the saying “Clothes maketh the man” is valid. You are often judged by what you wear, particularly if you need to interact with bureaucracy.
I remember waiting at a local administrative office for a certificate. The place was teeming with people from all walks of life. Apparently, no one there had heard of the queue system with people clamouring to be heard and officials acting like they were in noise-proof bubbles. Then, in walked a lady, very well turned out in a silk sari, wearing matching jewellery and tastefully made up. The crowds parted for her like magic.
She was treated with utmost deference by everyone from the cleaning lady upward, and doors which had remained stubbornly closed earlier opened eagerly.
Like the others there, I thought she was a VIP, and spent some time fruitlessly trying to place her. When finally I got a chance to enter the concerned official's room, I found her seated inside while a peon sorted through files to find what she needed. She started a conversation with me, and I asked her about herself. It turned out she was an advocate and had come to collect some certificates for a client. I'm sure there were other advocates there on similar missions, but her way of dressing ensured priority treatment. If you dress well, you get treated well.
And remember, at times, ‘less is more' — understated clothes set off by classy accessories can speak volumes.
The author is the CEO of Global Adjustments, a Chennai-based company that specializes in relocation and cross-cultural training services, and a columnist with Business Line, the business daily from the Hindu Group of publications. With inputs from Ruchika Srivastava, Senior Manager, Operations, Global Adjustments, Haryana.
