1 A black jacket with matching pant and skirt.
Every woman needs at least one matching suit, preferably in a dark, neutral color (black, charcoal grey, light grey). Neutral colors should be the foundation for your wardrobe in business. This way, you can pair the jacket, pant and skirt with separates that are already in your closet for those business casual days.
2 A white shirt.
A white shirt with a collar represents the most Formal Business Attire.
3 A neutral underpinning.
A cream shell and/or with complimentary color. When I say complimentary color, remember that color used in Business should be reserved for shirts and underpinnings.
4 Closed-toe heels (Black).
With your neutral foundations, black heels will work with everything (grey suit, grey or black pants and your basic black suit). Peep toes may be in fashion, but not appropriate for corporate business. If your business is in the arts or fashion industry then they would be appropriate.
5 A grey and/or navy blazer with coordinating pants.
You want to have more than one jacket in your closet to mix and match with other pants and skirts in your closet.
6 A classic black dress that you can easily pair a jacket with.
It makes life easy, especially if you’re going to dinner and you choose to remove the jacket.
7 A structured handbag that projects organization.
There are many choices in handbags. Brightly colored and large handbags can be beautiful, but for Business Attire, a smaller basic black structured handbag will give you that professional and organized look.
8 Stud earrings.
Jewelry in business -- less is always more. Again, for the most Formal Business Attire, simple stud earrings with a strand of pearls goes a long way. You want people to remember you for your professionalism, confidence and authority, not your large hoop earrings and bangles hanging from your wrist. It becomes distracting. If you’re wearing a watch, shy away from digital and large fashion watches. Again, less is more.
9 Smaller leather belts (or none).
If you are wearing pants or a skirt that requires a belt, try to keep it to small leather belts, not the large trendy fashion belts or belts with metal and bangles hanging from them.
10 Make-up (natural in appearance and conservative).
It’s easy to think of your makeup as contouring and not so much as color. Eyes should be natural with neutral contouring, light contouring for the cheeks as well as on the lips. Think neutral. If you’re not sure what to do with your makeup, set up a makeover with a local color consultant or at one of the many makeup counters, making sure they know you want a natural business look.
These are the basics that every working woman needs in their closet. Keep in mind that business dress has become more casual, but you should always dress one step above the rest. The old saying “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is still new to remember. If you want to “Outclass The Competition” and be noticed for your ability and not your wardrobe, this Top Ten List is the way to go. Does Fashion have anything to do with Business Attire? Absolutely! Even the most conservative Business attire has fashion and you always want to look like you know what year it is. For those business casual days, you’ll add sweaters and jackets with colors that compliment you.
What bothers you the most about Women’s Business Attire today and what do you like the most? I look forward to your discussions.
Every woman needs at least one matching suit, preferably in a dark, neutral color (black, charcoal grey, light grey). Neutral colors should be the foundation for your wardrobe in business. This way, you can pair the jacket, pant and skirt with separates that are already in your closet for those business casual days.
2 A white shirt.
A white shirt with a collar represents the most Formal Business Attire.
3 A neutral underpinning.
A cream shell and/or with complimentary color. When I say complimentary color, remember that color used in Business should be reserved for shirts and underpinnings.
4 Closed-toe heels (Black).
With your neutral foundations, black heels will work with everything (grey suit, grey or black pants and your basic black suit). Peep toes may be in fashion, but not appropriate for corporate business. If your business is in the arts or fashion industry then they would be appropriate.
5 A grey and/or navy blazer with coordinating pants.
You want to have more than one jacket in your closet to mix and match with other pants and skirts in your closet.
6 A classic black dress that you can easily pair a jacket with.
It makes life easy, especially if you’re going to dinner and you choose to remove the jacket.
7 A structured handbag that projects organization.
There are many choices in handbags. Brightly colored and large handbags can be beautiful, but for Business Attire, a smaller basic black structured handbag will give you that professional and organized look.
8 Stud earrings.
Jewelry in business -- less is always more. Again, for the most Formal Business Attire, simple stud earrings with a strand of pearls goes a long way. You want people to remember you for your professionalism, confidence and authority, not your large hoop earrings and bangles hanging from your wrist. It becomes distracting. If you’re wearing a watch, shy away from digital and large fashion watches. Again, less is more.
9 Smaller leather belts (or none).
If you are wearing pants or a skirt that requires a belt, try to keep it to small leather belts, not the large trendy fashion belts or belts with metal and bangles hanging from them.
10 Make-up (natural in appearance and conservative).
It’s easy to think of your makeup as contouring and not so much as color. Eyes should be natural with neutral contouring, light contouring for the cheeks as well as on the lips. Think neutral. If you’re not sure what to do with your makeup, set up a makeover with a local color consultant or at one of the many makeup counters, making sure they know you want a natural business look.
These are the basics that every working woman needs in their closet. Keep in mind that business dress has become more casual, but you should always dress one step above the rest. The old saying “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is still new to remember. If you want to “Outclass The Competition” and be noticed for your ability and not your wardrobe, this Top Ten List is the way to go. Does Fashion have anything to do with Business Attire? Absolutely! Even the most conservative Business attire has fashion and you always want to look like you know what year it is. For those business casual days, you’ll add sweaters and jackets with colors that compliment you.
What bothers you the most about Women’s Business Attire today and what do you like the most? I look forward to your discussions.
Copyright© 2010 by The Protocol School of Washington® and ABI, advanced business image & etiquette
2 comments:
Thank you Leah for posting this excellent info. I already know the answer to my only question -- how about the guys?
And the answer: Be patient boys, our turn is only a month away.
Absolutely, Brian. Next month we will feature TOP TEN MUST HAVES FOR MEN IN BUSINESS.
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