Recently, one of my friends approached me with –what I realized while working on it- a tricky question. She is a very successful business woman and told me that it is really hard to find clothes that are appropriate for work but still have a feminine touch. This is true.
Your goal to getting dressed for work is to project a competent, professional image. Especially being a woman in an executive position, you don’t want to look sexy fashion victim. It is hard enough to stand up to the stronger sex.
Depending on where you work, those dress codes can vary. As for me, being in fashion, there are no rules. Believe me, I have always enjoyed that part.
But for bankers, lawyers or any other more conservative jobs, it is very important that you send the right message. Your fashion choices will speak volumes about your commitment to do your job.
Here are some rules that might help to find the right formal business attire:
- Business suits (a matched skirt and jacket), pantsuits (matched pants and blazer) and pumps of good quality are on your must-haves list together with crisp shirts, shift dresses (can be a great alternative especially in the summer) and a classy coat.
- Don’t opt for too bold or fancy colours and stay away from wild prints! Traditional shades are navy, grey, black, white and beige. You can mix those trustworthy hues with soft feminine pastel colours.
- Keep the length of your skirt at or below the knee. A pencil skirt should be loose enough to sit down comfortably. And please no gaps between the buttonholes of your blouse.
- If you want to send a fashion statement and work on your career image, put the emphasis more on the cut. A sharp tailored jacket can do wonders.
- Invest in your accessories. Choose classy jewelry like stud earrings, a nice ring without overdoing it. Your handbag should project an organized image therefore I recommend to choose structured styles, like frame bags.
- Needless to say, work on your polished appearance. Manicured nails, neat hair, clean, scuff-free shoes and run-free hose are obligatory.
I put together some looks that fulfill the business dress codes but still have a certain fashionable twist.
Start shopping and enjoy looking profashional!
LoL, Sandra
