Text 2. Dress for success 

It is undeniable that garments form a large part of people’s first impressions. 

In much of the world, a person dressed inappropriately will not be taken seriously, 

especially in a business situation.

Argentina: very formal 

The Argentines have adopted British traditions towards clothing, usually 

wearing formal, conservative outfits, even in many social situations. Foreign busi-

ness executives visiting Argentina should do likewise. Businesswomen in Argenti-

na should be sure to wear stylish shoes. 

Brazil: casual but stylish 

By contrast with Argentina, style is the most important factor in Brazilian 

dress. Well-cut, fashionable clothing is expected of Brazilian executives. Many 

male executives manage to do without ties. But remember that Brazil is very large, 

and the degree of casualness varies. Rio de Janeiro is more casual than Sao Paulo, 

which itself is more casual than Brasilia. Brazilian women consider carefully ma-

nicured nails to be very important. Women who wear open-toed shoes should have 

a pedicure as well. 

Saudi Arabia: modesty 

Air conditioning is common, so businesspeople should expect to wear full 

business suits to a first meeting. If it seems appropriate, men can dispense with ties 

and jackets at subsequent meetings. Despite the heat, legs and upper arms must be 

kept covered. Shorts are not acceptable, even for casual wear. Many foreigners 

have fallen foul of the Matawain (religious police). Clothes may not be tight: 

women, especially, should wear loose-fitting clothes, Baggy clothes also make sit-

ting on a floor or cushion more comfortable. 

France: stylish; best quality 

As one would expect, the inventors of haute couture put a premium on style. 

Even low-paid, entry-level executives buy the best clothes they can afford. The 

typical French posture (very straight, even when sitting) makes their clothes look 

even better. Unlike the USA, businessmen in France do not usually loosen their 

ties or take off their jackets in the office. One note on color: wearing a blue shirt to 

a meeting may generate some unwanted attention from your French associates. As 

blue shirts are worn by raw French military recruits, you may be labeled un bleu “a 

greenhorn.” Frenchwomen are famous for their hard-edged, feminine chic: a smart 

tailleur and good shoes are a must; a short skirt and lacquered nails certainly do not 

signify a lack of business savoir-faire. Frenchwomen are savvy! 

UK: custom tailoring 

Traditionally, the British looked suspiciously at clothes that were trendy or 

obviously new. In the past a gentleman wore well-made but well-worn clothes. 

Today, however, only academics wear old clothes. British business executives are 

likely to have a new, custom-tailored wardrobe, though conservative styles are still 

preferred. Women should remember that English weather is often cold and wet. 

One of the reasons tweed is so popular in England is because it is both warm and 

comparatively water-repellent.

Comprehension 

1. Explain what is meant by: 

social situations; to dispense with ties; to fall foul; haute couture; hard-

edged; feminine chic; water-repellent. 

2. Give synonyms for: 

garment; to adapt a tradition; formal, conservative outfits; stylish; well-cut; 

fashionable; casual; to put a premium on sth; savvy; to signify; trendy. 

3. Finish the following sentences. 

1. Argentine businessmen are always dressed… 

2. For Brazilians the most important factor in clothes is… 

3. It’s unthinkable in Saudi Arabia… 

4. The French appreciate, when… 

5. Traditionally, the British wear… 

4. Answer the following questions. 

1. Have you ever been to any of the countries mentioned in the text? What 

can you say about the clothes people wear? 

2. What is choice of garments in each of the countries conditioned by? 

3. What do you know about religious police in Saudi Arabia? Why can’t a 

woman wear tight clothes? 

4. Can you distinguish French woman among other nationalities? How? 

5. Has British conservative style in clothes changed? In what way? 

Written reflection

Write a summary of the text in 10-12 sentences.

2. Communication style. What do you think is happening here?

The US marketing manager of a major car producer was finding it increa-

singly difficult to work in Japan. In meetings, the Japanese colleagues hardly ever 

said anything. When they were asked if they agreed to his suggestions they always 

said “Yes”, but they didn't do anything to follow up the ideas. The only time they 

opened up was in a bar in the evening, but that was getting stressful, as they 

seemed to expect him to go out with them on a regular basis.

3. In small groups think about the introductions described below. Dem-

onstrate these introductions to the class and afterward explain what was said. 

1. Self-introduction to someone at a party (between two men; a man and a 

woman; and two women). 

2. Self-introduction to a colleague at a business conference (between two 

men; a man and a woman; and two women). 

4. Watch the introductions and answer the following questions as a 

class. 

1. How much touching is there in each introduction? 

2. How much distance is there between the two people in each introduction? 

3. What are some differences between the social and business introductions? 

4. What are the differences among introductions involving two men, a man 

and a woman, and two women?