What to Wear to My First Show?!: An Absolute Beginner's Guide

[PCBritt]

I'm at about $950! But i've got a catalog show going too, so hopefully i'll qualify by the end of August because my 30th day is the 30th!!

 

[chefmelody]

It really depends on the type of show I'm doing, but most of the time I wear nice jeans and clean athletic shoes with a PC logo v-neck shirt. I also have bad ankles, though, so standing for a couple hours in dressy or even casual shoes becomes painful for me. If the party is going to be more dressy, though, like say a Sips & Dips (Bites & Bevs now!) party in the evening, I'll wear long slacks that mostly cover up the shoes. The ones I wear are pretty nondescript grey anyway, so it's not a big issue, I think.

 

[chefann]

You can totally dress up an outfit, too, just by wearing a fabulous necklace or pair of earrings. Not anything that looks "hoochie", but something striking that fits your personal style. It's really amazing what a difference that can make, even if you're wearing a pair of jeans.

And don't forget a little touch of makeup, too. A little lip gloss will make you look so put together.

(KG, Jason, John, Dave and the other men here are free to ignore both of these suggestions.)

 

[angmillar]

I'm at about $950! But i've got a catalog show going too, so hopefully i'll qualify by the end of August because my 30th day is the 30th!!

WOOHOOO!!!! You're almost there!

 

[angmillar]

You can totally dress up an outfit, too, just by wearing a fabulous necklace or pair of earrings. Not anything that looks "hoochie", but something striking that fits your personal style. It's really amazing what a difference that can make, even if you're wearing a pair of jeans.

And don't forget a little touch of makeup, too. A little lip gloss will make you look so put together.

(KG, Jason, John, Dave and the other men here are free to ignore both of these suggestions.)

OH YES! I always wear some cute earrings, necklace, and make up.

I always did that when I was a full time teacher as well. I always worked with a few teachers that looked like they had just woke up, and I didn't want to look like that!!

 

[PCBritt]

Everybody cross your fingers, I'm almost to $1000 for my first show!

 

[tlennhoff]

Everybody cross your fingers, I'm almost to $1000 for my first show!

That is fantastic. Make sure your host knows what she'll get for getting it up to $1000. What a great start to your business. May all your shows be this great.

 

[chef_kimmo]

Everybody cross your fingers, I'm almost to $1000 for my first show!

That is so awesome. Call your host and challenge her to get to $1,000. I am sure she can get you one or two more orders. That after the show host coaching really works. You could be qualified from your 1st show.

I had a host one time that I just kept pushing her saying Oh, I know you can make it to the $500 level and when she was almost there I would add another $100 to it (of course, she was a friend) and it worked so great - her show ended up being $800 and that was a catalog show.

Congratulations!:balloon:

 

[PCBritt]

We made to $1000!!!! I am so motivated now to do more shows since my first one did so well!!

 

[pamperedlinda]

Woo Hoo! You go girl

 

[cathyskitchen]

We made to $1000!!!! I am so motivated now to do more shows since my first one did so well!!

Woohoo! That's awesome Brittany!! Way to go! Keep up the momentum and we'll see you on stage in some capacity next year at conference, I'm sure!

As for dress code at a show, I never wear jeans - I just personally think it's too casual for a business person to wear (I'm very traditional). I wear "business casual" attire, meaning khakis and a shirt - either short-sleeved cotton tops in summer, or 3/4 button-down or cotton tops in winter. I get too hot (even in winter!) to wear sweaters or anything like that, so I keep it to just a few choice tops, and it makes it MUCH easier to get ready for a show if I know what I'm going to wear ahead of time.

I love Ann's suggestion about the slippers or loafers in the winter, too, if you live in an area that gets snow. I hate tracking in salt/brine or whatever my boots have on them, so I always change into something at the host's house in winter. I also have done shows at host's houses that are "shoeless" and wore my big pink fuzzy slippers, and everyone loved it!

I think it makes you look more "human" sometimes if you add a little fun to your wardrobe. I usually wear my silver whisk (for reaching $15K in sales), my charm bracelet (from 25th anniv. year) and a pair of knife earrings that I got from a catalog last year when they came out with the forged cutlery. Whoever notices my jewelry and that it is "chef" themed gets a freebie from me for noticing ;-). They always think it's neat that I do that, too.

 

[jenm42]

I guess I must be completely in the minority!Wow! I think I must be the only one here who does NOT dress up for shows! I mostly wear jeans and T shirts, denim shorts or capris in the summer. Most of the time sneakers, sometimes sandals.

I don't give a hoot about looking professional. =) I want to look casual and FUN, like someone you would buddy around with. My shows are mostly party, and not like a "show" at all. Sometimes I wear an apron, but not always.

I do make sure that I look (and act) clean, however. It's just not okay to be touching your hair or wiping your face while you're touching people's food. So, that I do pay attention to. I also make sure to wash my hands (again) just before we start, just so everyone's sure.

I'm sure that a great lot of you out there will totally disagree with my super-casual approach. However, I don't think this has hurt my business in any way... I earned TPC in sales (this was my first year with PC) and promoted to Director with 13 recruits in 12 1/2 months. So.... is it hurting me? I have so many bookings that I can't do them all.... I have a wait list for September and October right now, and have bookings into Nov and December already.

I normally stay pretty quiet here... but there were so many of you with the business-casual thing that I thought I might pipe in, for those who don't want to be business-casual and weren't sure if that's okay. I guess it just depends on YOU!

Hope that helps someone out there... everyone else... please don't attack me too badly... =)

=) Jen

 

[cathyskitchen]

Hey, Jen - if it works for you, GREAT! Like I said, I'm just very "traditional" when it comes to "dress code" and I would feel funny if I wore jeans. But, if you're more comfortable and are making TPC while wearing jeans, then hey, who am I to tell you any different!! Good for you!!

 

[PCwithStay-C]

Jen, I like your style!! NJ hey?? Wonder how close you are to me??I was feeling a little like maybe I am a too casual for shows, but that is how I am. I would feel 'wrong' being dressed up. And that would probably show in my manner!?!?!? I also have never worn a lick of makeup in my life (all 25yrs of it!!) so thats another thing I dont do. And the only jewelry I wear is my wedding rings (usually take them off when we start) and my anniversary necklace. Once I get my charm bracelet fixed Ill wear that too.
So I keep everything pretty low key. Its nice to know Im not such a loner

 

[jenm42]

Hi Stacy...

It's good to hear from someone else with a style more casual like mine. I thought perhaps that I was the only one! =) And honestly, if I had to dress up, I probably wouldn't do this anymore. I like running MY business the way I want to. =) I'm glad I'm not alone!

You are about 2 1/2 hours from me, according to Mapquest. I didn't realize that you were so close! =) I'm all the way in south NJ near Atlantic City. Visit sometime!

=) Jen

 

[JAE]

You can totally dress up an outfit, too, just by wearing a fabulous necklace or pair of earrings. Not anything that looks "hoochie", but something striking that fits your personal style. It's really amazing what a difference that can make, even if you're wearing a pair of jeans.

And don't forget a little touch of makeup, too. A little lip gloss will make you look so put together.

(KG, Jason, John, Dave and the other men here are free to ignore both of these suggestions.)

Ann
What in the world is "hoochie"?

 

[Addie4TLC]

I don't wear my apron, I hate the denim one, but seeing that I am soooo close to being a Future Director, I will be getting a nifty red one soon. My Director gives those out to her FD's. I don't know if everyone does, but she does. Plus a cute little FD pin. Anyway, I will wear that! I will probably sleep in it for the first few days. Not sure what husband is going to think about that.......but oh well!!

Red? Really? I got the Blue as a FD and the red once I became Director. I thought those were the colors, maybe it is just my Director's choice. Good for you congratulations on your upcoming promotion!!

I love the denim apron personally and I only wear my other aprons for my trainings especially when I'm going to recognize someone for promoting to FD, that way we both take a pix with our color aprons.

As far as shows I vary a lot. I'm most comfortable in a skirt, pc logo shirt or a nice blouse with nice but comfortable shoes. If I wear sandals and the host has people leave their shoes a the door then I pull out my "footies", but spare "indoor" shoes is a great idea!! I don't wear jeans because with the extra weight I've gained I don't feel they look good on me. But I'm working out and maybe soon I can wear dressy ones to my shows. I agree with the person that said to follow the Host lead. If they tend to be very casual, showing up too spiffy (sp?) may be a turn off. If they are known for dressing up then maybe dress up slightly. Everyone has their own style though, what's important is to wear a BIG SMILE.

 

[GourmetGirl]

I am another person on the jeans side of things... For me, I am 23 and PC is my fun job. I tend to wear Jeans/khakis, a PC logo shirt and a nice pair of pointy-toe flats or I have done capri's, a logo tee, and flip flops. It all depends on the audience/weather outside. I feel so stuffy after being at work all day in heels, slacks and a shirt, that I am not about to keep wearing that all night while I am trying to have a good time! I think no matter what type of home show I am at, I could care less about what the consultant is wearing as long as she is comfortable in it. I do always wear make-up, jewelry, and my hair pulled at least half back with my bangs pinned back...

 

[Addie4TLC]

I am another person on the jeans side of things... For me, I am 23 and PC is my fun job. I tend to wear Jeans/khakis, a PC logo shirt and a nice pair of pointy-toe flats or I have done capri's, a logo tee, and flip flops. It all depends on the audience/weather outside. I feel so stuffy after being at work all day in heels, slacks and a shirt, that I am not about to keep wearing that all night while I am trying to have a good time! I think no matter what type of home show I am at, I could care less about what the consultant is wearing as long as she is comfortable in it. I do always wear make-up, jewelry, and my hair pulled at least half back with my bangs pinned back...

I LOVE pointy-toe shoes!!! I wore them too much in the 80's though and it messed up my feet! My big toe has never been the same.

 

[heather9892]

when it cools down again and i can fit into them!
i will be wearing my black jeans with the pc shirt i have and i always have my "indoor" shoes with me

 

[Kathytnt]

Hoochie - means trashy or trampy where I live

 

[Addie4TLC]

Hoochie - means trashy or trampy where I live

It means that here in d'hood too!

 

[PCwithStay-C]

Hi Stacy...

It's good to hear from someone else with a style more casual like mine. I thought perhaps that I was the only one! =) And honestly, if I had to dress up, I probably wouldn't do this anymore. I like running MY business the way I want to. =) I'm glad I'm not alone!

You are about 2 1/2 hours from me, according to Mapquest. I didn't realize that you were so close! =) I'm all the way in south NJ near Atlantic City. Visit sometime!

=) Jen

Nope, we can both be cas' together

Atlantic City hey hmmmm Might like to make a trip of that sometime. DH and I have often talked about going.

 

[soccermama]

I go casual or business casual, depending on the group.

For example, when I'm doing a show for my friends, I wear jeans and button down shirt (they've told me that if I show up in slacks they'd kick me out! lol)

I have several customers in Real Estate and other businesses where they all dress up most of the time, so I feel a need to dress up with them, or I'd look out of place at the show.....

And when in doubt about the "dress" for a show, I choose my long denim skirt a nice blouse and an awesome piece of jewelry

 

[chefann]

Hoochie - means trashy or trampy where I live

Yep- that's what I meant. You know the look- giant, flashy earrings and way too many necklaces, bracelets and rings. Karin Logston had a tip when I saw her speak last, that you should only wear one piece of jewelry on each area: 1 pair of earrings, 1 necklace or pin, 1 bracelet or watch on each wrist, 1 ring on each hand, 1 ankle bracelet. That's a maximum - not a minimum.

 

[jenniferp417]

Karin Logston had a tip when I saw her speak last, that you should only wear one piece of jewelry on each area: 1 pair of earrings, 1 necklace or pin, 1 bracelet or watch on each wrist, 1 ring on each hand, 1 ankle bracelet. That's a maximum - not a minimum.

That's a good tip - EXCEPT: my ears are double-pierced. I think it'd look worse to have empty holes. I wear tiny studs in my top holes anyway, and something a bit larger in the bottoms. I think that's perfectly acceptable.

Now for someone with six holes in each ear... maybe either tiny studs or leave those out, I dunno.

Even professionalism is such a fuzzy line!

 

[ljeffries]

I do think that you should dress for your customers - meaning - dress the way you think they will dress or one step up. If your shows are more casual, then go for the casual look. It seems to me that most of my guests wear more 'business casual' attire, typically not many wearing jeans. I wear a suit and tie to work, so business casual is 'casual' to me. SO, I typically wear khakis or dress pants and a logo polo or other pc shirt. I have worn jeans to shows before, too. Whatever works for you, style-wise, you can still look professional.

 

[trps]

That's a good tip - EXCEPT: my ears are double-pierced. I think it'd look worse to have empty holes. I wear tiny studs in my top holes anyway, and something a bit larger in the bottoms. I think that's perfectly acceptable.

Now for someone with six holes in each ear... maybe either tiny studs or leave those out, I dunno.

Even professionalism is such a fuzzy line!

I am a person with 5 holes in one ear and 2 in the other (from college 12 yerars ago but they don't go away) any way I wear 2 earing in one ear and 1 in the other and have never had a issue and am a teacher by day and it is just not an issue bUT I do wear a small stud in the middle lobe and small hoops in the "regular first" hole. It is more how you present yourself people don't notice.