Ribbon Lanyards

How to Accessorize Your Work Wardrobe with Beaded and Ribbon Lanyards

Lanyards were once considered utilitarian implements. In fact, the history of the lanyard goes all the way back to the 1600s when lanyards were used in nautical settings to secure items on a ship to ensure they wouldn’t be tossed overboard. Later they were used in the military by soldiers as a way to secure swords and bayonets during battle.

Today lanyards are more than just tools. From beaded and ribbon lanyards and to wrist ribbons and badge reels, they pervade the business world. Because of their prevalence they have been incorporated into everyday work attire. They are still very useful tools, but they are much more. They are also fashion accessories and expressions of personal style.

Fashion is important in the business world. Presenting yourself in the best way possible can mean getting that new client, landing a raise, or being selected for that big promotion. Many times your careful attention to detail will be the thing that sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. So what does your lanyard say about you?

Beaded Lanyards

Beaded lanyards are stylish. They add a certain flair and pizzazz to your work wardrobe. To make the most of them as fashion accessories try to coordinate them with your clothing instead of matching them to your wardrobe. For example if you are wearing a black suit, matching black beads may not be the best choice. Instead reach for a lanyard with boldly colored beads. They will stand out against your clothing, looking more like jewelry that you hand-picked for the occasion.

Be careful when selecting beads for the formal work wardrobe. Some plastic beads can look gaudy or cheap. Find beaded lanyards for badges that have a crystal or gem-like quality. Metallic beads offset with bright, colorful accent beads are also a nice touch.

Ribbon Lanyards

Lanyards made from ribbons are more appropriate for the casual work environment. They go nicely with khakis and polo shirts or dress slacks and a button-down blouse. You can find ribbon in a multitude of solid colors and printed patterns.

Ribbons also work extremely well in the most casual settings. You can find fun patterns with monkeys, flowers, playing cards, and tie-dyed ribbons, but these are not appropriate in most professional office settings. They are great for parks and recreation workers, lifeguards, elementary school teachers, and coaches.

Additional Tips for Looking Your Best
• Avoid old, ratty and tattered lanyards.
• Steer clear of bright or childish patterns in formal professional settings.
• Look for lanyards that accentuate your style.
• In some work settings lanyards with the company logo are required. Keep a few on hand in case one gets dirty, frayed or damaged.

Your appearance speaks volumes about who you are. When you care about the little details of your personal appearance, you send a signal to your employers and customers that you will also pay attention to the little details while you are on the job.