Maria Hussain
Islam Online, New Jersey

 So you're fresh out of college and ready to take on the world. Your first job interview - what are you going to wear? Let's face it. In America, employment is based only partially on your qualification for the job. They have already seen your resume, and they liked it. The interview is how they decide if they like you. It is the image you project that tells your potential employer if you are the man or woman for the job.

 Whether you are conscious of it or not, you always communicate. Within seconds, a potential boss has guessed your age, marital status, race, economic class, nationality, educational background, personal capabilities, character, goals, and if you can be trusted.

 In other countries, status is often based on tribal or regional associations, and people are respected or disrespected based on their birth. However, in America, nobody has even heard of whatever region or family name some may feel is superior, and nobody cares what your grandfather did for a living. Here, social status comes primarily from the personal power a person is able to internalize and project. That is the reason that "clothes make the man" in America.

 The way you dress, walk and stand, the force of your handshake, your tone of voice, and the directness of your eye contact all reveal if you are a valuable and important person or not. Business dress is all about maximizing the positive unconscious mental reactions we get from others.

 It is necessary for new immigrants and first-generation Americans to understand the symbolic value of the different styles of dress and social behaviors of the various sub-groups within American culture, in order to realize what messages we are putting out there and to make sure that they are the messages we want to be sending. That is how we take control over how others assess us.

 Because they lack this basic understanding of American culture, kids of foreigners almost always have trouble fitting in socially in school. They are often tempted to buy the trendiest outfits in order to look "cool." They don't have anyone to tell him or her, "A pair of straight-leg Levis might last you ten years without looking out of date. But those fluorescent orange shirts and bell-bottoms are going to look really foolish in a short amount of time, so they are not a good long-term investment." The other children unconsciously reject them because their clothes never look right.

 It may take years for these new Americans to realize that in terms of creating a future for themselves and forging a career in this country, there is far more merit to maintaining a "timeless classic" look. Within the American school system, values constantly change about who is "in" and who is "out," but the preppies are the upper caste at all times, because their clothing says "Leader." They wear ironed, button-down shirts, polos and penny loafers, the leisure clothes of the rich. These kids usually get good grades and do well in sports. They do not have to work hard for popularity.

 This same silent conversation that determines students' social success or failure in school by the clothes they wear continues in the office, but now it takes on new importance. Your clothes tell people not only your job rank, but also whether or not you intend to be promoted. If all the employees are equal in ability, when the supervisor wants to choose a project manager, he or she will choose the person who looks the most like a project manager. That is, the person who comes in with a freshly ironed shirt and polished shoes each day, whose fingernails are clean, who has taken the time to make polite small talk with both the bosses and the secretaries, demonstrating self-confidence and personability. The person who has self-respect will gain respect.

 It is especially important for the Muslims in America to understand the psychology of the American people in its finer details in order to be able to play the role of public relations agent for Islam in their everyday lives. Indeed, a smart-dressed Muslim businessperson who is well-mannered, well-groomed, standing tall on the subway, saying nothing, has done more to enhance the image of Islam in this country than another hard-working Muslim standing on the corner handing out 1000 pamphlets, no matter how pure his intentions.

 Islamic clothing guidelines present a challenging fashion statement. Can we identify ourselves as Muslims and still look respectable, employable, and smart? The answer is yes, but it is very important not to go halfway when it comes to Islamic dress.

 I recently read a fashion review where the American writer was appalled at the Muslim women's attempt to compromise with western dress, wearing the scarf with form-fitting pants or short skirts. As she described it, they were Muslim only from the neck up and it looked awful. The clothes took away the person's personality completely. So do not make a joke of yourself in front of the non-Muslims by compromising your dress. Your challenge is to find a way to wear business clothes in a truly Islamic fashion. And it can be done. A blazer worn over a long skirt with hijab looks very stylish and smart. You can also wear a nice blouse and sweater with loose pants.

 I have found that the more expensive department stores are more likely to have modest clothing. If you shop carefully, you can find clothes that are long, elegant, and appropriate for the office. Men should also strive to keep to Islamic guidelines, because American law defends their right to wear a beard on the job. However, it is imperative that the beard be kept neat and clean. Trousers should, of course, be loose.

 We also have to be careful about cultural habits because some Muslim cultural traits can give the wrong message to others. I once watched a Muslim woman apply for a job, all the while staring at the manager's shoes. Needless to say, she was not even considered for the position. Staring at the floor may be a gesture of respect and modesty in Jordan, but in America, this behavior says, "I am highly insecure, and I do not relate well with others."

 It is necessary for us to make direct eye contact, if only briefly, in order to assert one's self-confidence to potential employers. There is a world of difference between this and flirting. When sharing an office with persons of the opposite gender, it is necessary to be polite. You must greet men and women pleasantly. If someone is about to shake your hand and you wish to decline, you must explain without delay, "Although shaking hands with women/men is against my religion, I am very pleased to meet you." If you fear losing your chance at a job offer, then give a quick shake with a firm grip and no one will ever accuse you of anything inappropriate. SOME BASIC RULES

 Shower every morning, brush your teeth, and wear deodorant if necessary. The smell of curry and garlic oozing out of your pores might not be noticeable to you, but to those with less aromatic dietary habits, it may be difficult to work near you. The same is true for cologne and perfume. Use it sparingly, or not at all. This is not Eid. A worker whose smell disturbs others will not get far, no matter what his capabilities.

 Match your belt with your shoes, and your socks to either your pants/skirt or your shoes. In most cases, black is the best color for your shoes and belt. If you are in a position of authority, man or woman, you must wear a suit. Your clothes should be ironed carefully the night before.

 Keep your color choice very conservative: black, gray, dark blue. When you are new on the job, pay attention to what others are wearing. If the atmosphere is somewhat relaxed, expand your wardrobe but use the color brown very sparingly. A man's brown suit screams "foreigner" or "schoolteacher from the Midwest."

 Buy high-quality fabrics. Wool trousers, no blends. Cotton/Polyester blend shirts are okay only if the cotton ratio is higher than the polyester. However, pure cotton has the highest status. Cotton shirts need to be sent to the drycleaners to be starched and pressed professionally for that "crisp" look.

 If you are a shy man and want to appear more confident at a meeting, wear a bold print tie with the color red. If you are a large, loud person and don't want to distance others, wear a cool blue tie.

 Women, stay away from florals, bright colors, pinks and pastels. Save the flowing hippy skirts and shalwar kameez for a Saturday picnic. The business world does not value soft femininity. Wear deep, strong colors like deep purple, forest green, chocolate brown, charcoal gray, and maroon. A white or off-white blouse is fine.

 Don't overdo the jewelry. Men, a wedding band and a nice watch are enough. Women, one ring and one bracelet per hand and one decorative pin to hold your scarf in place are the limit. When you have a good quality piece of jewelry, you don't need to clutter it with more jewelry. It looks trashy.

 Watch your posture. Stand and sit up straight. This is good for your health, and gives people the idea that you are self-confident, trustworthy, and righteous.

 

HIJAB AND BUSINESS ATTIRE:

 I believe it is possible to wear hijab in a businesslike manner. Indeed, it is often recommended for women executives to don scarves as a sign of fashion flair, so why not wear the scarf pinned neatly around the face and draped elegantly over the bosom and shoulders? Again, stick to dark colors. Floral borders and prints may be used in moderation, but white scarves are a bit intimidating. Never tie the scarf beneath the chin or behind the neck because these styles tell people, "housewife," or "field worker".

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From Samer

 If this were success, I think would prefer failure. The article smacks of elitism, eh? There is nothing to be ashamed of in looking like, acting like and being an immigrant. You should see some of the "trashy" things people wear to work here in southern Indiana. --People are people and that's the spice of life.

 Folks, immigrants make this country great. Instead of post-colonial shame, we should be proud of the aunties and uncles out there with their floral shalwar kamees, garlic and curry bouquet, brown suit and mis-matched socks. *Their innocent habits are as counter culture as body-piercing, tattoos, coming out and "down-changing" careers.* In fact it's more joyful and substantive. Immigrants, with their old world wisdom, bring new life to a naive country. If you can get away with it, by all means look, act and be immigrant!

 Shine on aunties and uncles! The world is your oyster. Speak from the heart and you will always smell right, act right and look right.

Shine on,
Samer

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From Shabana

 I think that both perspectives have something of value. When going to interview for a badly needed job, "extreme" cultural individualism might be of value with some NGOs and academic institutions, but the business world (which the article specifies) is somewhat merciless and demanding in its norms (as is the legal world).

 And then this can become cultural isolationism. There will obviously need to be some limits to this...We've all personally known young men and women who cannot or will not look an employer in the eye, or parents who cannot believe that their children will not have arranged marriages, or second generation muslims who are unable to have equitable or professional relationships with members of the opposite sex.

 Of course the tone and occasional sarcasm of the article could be tempered with some cultural pride.

 Intercultural exchange is part of the dynamism of culture: American culture needs the dynamism of immigrant cultures, but immigrant cultures should have the benefit of the same dynamism.

Shabana

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From Yasmeen

 This article is interesting, but i don't know if i'd subscribe to the limitations of color and style toward the end of the piece-- even though i work for a most *conservative* real estate firm. everyone from my grandmother to my co-workers say that bright colors suit me both b/c of my young age and especially my skin color-- as long as you don't look like an austin powers reject, i think colors are to be celebrated! and on casual fridays i have worn salwar kameez (as well as indian-print "flowing hippy skirts"!) to work and have been greeted only w/ compliments and "oohs" and "aahs." of course judgment is always required, but i do think that most places of business, esp here in the casual, bring-your-dog-and-skateboard-to-work Bay Area, are becoming more exposed to different cultures and thus the rules are breaking down-- to our benefit!

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From Salah Gupta,

 I dont think this article has anything to do with cultural elitism. People in the business world are just as likely to have a problem with someone dressed like Leisure Suit Larry or Keanu Reeves ala Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures as they would with someone with the "smell of curry and garlic oozing out of their pores." I work in one of those "come in your underwear as long as you do your job" type Silicon Valley companies and I have yet to see anyone show up to a meeting in boxers and slippers. Unfortunately, in the world we live in, clothes do maketh the man. However, having said that, I dont think it matters what you wear but how you wear it. If you feel comfortable in a shalwar kameez and can carry it off gracefully and confidently, it is much much better than doing the Ally McBealesque tugging at your mini skirt every half a second. The same goes for a hijab or duppatta for women or a kifaye or thob for guys. If you are confident that what you are wearing is decent, poeple will find it decent. After all, you create you own reality. When I have had the chance to interview someone at work, every interviewee comes wearing the same black/navyblue/green suit but you can easily tell who is and who is not comfortable in that suit. And unfortunately, although I do have to focus mainly on a person's technical qualifications, I have to admit that it does freak me out a bit when the guy across from me is all squirmy and keeps pulling on his collar as if he's about to asphixiate.

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From Abdul-Karriem

AS-SALAAM ALAIKUM
Here Here Salah,

 Hijab is the covering of the private areas for muslims (men& women!!!) One wears clothing that meets that standard ane d i is socially appropriate in conveying the message you want to convey. If the message you want to convey is that you are willing t be a corporate serf (the tie is today's symbol of corporate fealty) then express that. If you want to convey that you understand the social rules of the business environment yet have something unique & valuable to contribute combine say a suit (w/ a hankerchief impeccably folded into the triangular shape of the top of the Kabba) with a collarless shirt.

 I presently am CEO of a startup in cloak-mode. I have found throughout my varied career in a wide range of industries that clothes do make a statement. The question is is the message a coherent one to your audience (in other words, does your audience get what your trying to say).

 Even More importantly will Allah be pleased with the message you broadcast. Because, ultimately, it is to ALLAH we turn to for our Razak. I have found the Haqq of Allah, like in the Hadith Quddsi (statement of Allah related by the Prophet SAS) "If ALLAH is pleased with his servant he tells the Angels to tell creation, O' creation love my servant and creation does. Also if ALLAH is displeased with a servant then he tells the Angels to tell creation to hate his servant, and it does". I have found that when I have made sober reasoned decisions about the honest upright muslim persona I am going to evince (not project like a false front), then ALLAH opens the doors to higher opportunity & knowledge than ones available to the average joe Six Pack. And the funny thing is (cultural Orientation aside) the rules for modest dress are almost the same (except for covering the hair, and for the top levels of corporate America and the example of Men &women who do are viewed positively).

 Finally one important thing the dress guidelines do are to distinguish us and set us apart. This because that makes it harder for you to blend in and become just like those we are supposed to be a model (example to). And how could you be a model even on the Runway in Paris if you weren't distinct (the root of distinguished).

This Article and the discussion of it were taken from AMILAnet