The Power of Appearance: Grooming Future Retail Leaders by Ms. Ritu Saluja for PGDM-RM (2025–27)
On 11th July 2025, Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini organized a highly engaging workshop on Appearance Management and Power Dressing for the PGDM-Retail Management (2025–27) batch. The session aimed to help students understand the significance of personal grooming and professional attire in building a strong corporate image right from the beginning of their careers.
The workshop was led by Ms. Ritu Saluja, Director at Lions Club International and a seasoned expert in professional development and image management.
Ms. Saluja opened the session by emphasizing the importance of first impressions in the professional world and how appearance plays a crucial role in shaping them. She involved students in several hands-on activities designed to make concepts like color coordination, industry-specific dress codes, and daily professional essentials more relatable and practical.
One of the highlights of the session was a color analysis activity, where students were divided into groups and assigned different colors. Each team explored the psychological impact of their assigned shade—discussing both the positive and negative associations—and how these can influence perception in a corporate setting.
Another interactive segment required students to align dress codes with different professional domains such as Tourism, Hospitality, and Corporate sectors. Teams brainstormed and presented attire appropriate for each, developing a deeper understanding of how to dress according to industry standards.
Adding a creative touch, students were asked to illustrate a working professional of their choice. One team presented a Brand Manager, describing key elements like a formal outfit, wristwatch, and work bag, effectively applying the principles of power dressing.
Ms. Saluja also shared practical grooming tips and listed essential items every professional should carry—like grooming kits, hand sanitizers, breath mints, and subtle accessories—to maintain a polished and confident appearance throughout the day.
The session struck the perfect balance between being informative, interactive, and fun, with students actively participating and walking away with meaningful insights into how appearance and grooming directly contribute to professional success.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
- Importance of first impressions in professional settings
- Basics of color coordination and its psychological impact
- Industry-specific dress codes for Tourism, Hospitality, and Corporate sectors
- Practical grooming habits and daily professional essentials
- How power dressing contributes to personal branding and confidence