Every office has different rules and traditions in their business, but they all have one thing in common – the dress code. Professional business women should always look classy, stylish and no skin should be left distastefully uncovered. Sometimes, this business look can come off as dull, but if you know what to combine, you will still look stunning and professional.
The Image
Many ladies believe that if they are successful enough and manage to earn money from their business, the look is not that important. Well, if you show up at work wearing sneakers and a regular shirt and sweatpants, no one is going to take you seriously. It’s all about the image you create and business attire helps. Stylish and formal clothes that you wear at work will accentuate your skills, professionalism and qualifications. The more formal you dress the more competent and serious you look, which is always a big plus in the business world. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot wear comfortable and colorful clothes, it just puts an accent on dressing office-appropriately and creating your own elegant style.
Colors
When creating your business style, you can never go wrong with the classic black and white combos. Simple black pant suit combined with a white shirt or a top and a pair of pumps of a medium height are the safest play. Another timeless classic among colors is navy blue. Many women’s suits, formal dresses and other work attire are made in this royal shade and it suits everyone. If paired with a white shirt, statement necklace or even bright red pumps, this outfit will exude elegant professionalism you’re striving for. Despite the fact that black, white and navy blue are never going to be out of style, today’s fashion requires a bit more experimentation. Trends are inclined towards neutral and calm overtones correctly combined with each other, such as white, gray, deep gray, pastel tones, olive shades, brown and sand shades. Also, you can be bold and pick some accessories and details in wine color or other shades of red, but be careful not to pick the brightest ones.
The Length
Women love showing off some skin, but in the business world, that is not the best idea. There are several rules that need to be followed about how much skin you should show, and make sure to follow them:
- The neckline of your shirt should never go lower than 4 inches below your collarbones.
- The shortest sleeves you should wear are the ones extending to the end of your shoulders. No spaghetti straps allowed.
- No short hemlines. The safest length is at the knee or just an inch or two above them.
- Backless anything is not appropriate for the office. Leave those for casual parties. If you wish to wear such tops at work, cover them with a blazer or a stylish jacket.
The Materials
Sloppy, messy clothes will instantly create a sloppy image about you. Clients and colleagues will think you’re not dedicated to your job, since you couldn’t even iron your clothes. Opt for materials that don’t wrinkle easily, no matter how much time you spend sitting in one place. Your best choices are sturdy synthetic materials, such as lyocell and polyester, but you will also be safe with wool and cashmere. Just remember not to look tacky and pick the materials that you consider comfortable. However, if you don’t like synthetic materials, just be sure to iron the clothes before leaving for work.
Even though it is not right to judge the person by the clothes they wear, that’s just how it is in the business world. Don’t allow yourself to be treated with disrespect just because your wardrobe is sloppy. Create a serious image and don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals.