Business Apparel – Ladies

By: Janet Adetu Date: 6 years agoComment: 0 Category: Articles

ARE YOU DRESSED TO MEET EXPECTATIONS?

My Ladies you are ever really noticed when you are well dressed. It is all about your full package from your choice of clothing to your grooming standards and your final presentation. There is nothing like a bad hair day when you have an important client to meet or an important presentation to deliver, as they say everything communicates. More so for the female gender in the business world a lot does depend on your appearance, no matter how brilliant you may be technically. Beauty and brains are widely accepted which we cannot control. As much as I ask you to stand out and not just stand this must be done in the most appropriate manner that does meet business expectations. It should not in any way be seductive, enticing or send a message that is unacceptable in the business arena. The onus is on we women to make our mark, exceed expectations and have one voice where women in business matter.

We also have a major role to play in being role models ourselves for the young millennial coming right behind us. Technology has taken almost everything to another level, but above all the fundamental basics still always stand. As women we must always strive to look serious, disciplined, likeable, authoritative, respectful and to top it all elegant. “Walk like a lady, talk like a lady”

Again during my trainings I see some women put in a great effort to look good while others just could not be bothered. They may have had a bad morning or day before, they carry the burdens of life for all to see. By doing this they suppress their potential and kill the star qualities they have in them This is a clear case of sabotaging your true image. Do not shoot yourself in the foot the global economy is suggesting that you do what it takes to continue to shine like a diamond.

Again I say just like for the gentlemen since looking good is good business, and it takes just seconds to make a good first impression not to mention you will never get a second chance to make a good first impression, I would implore you to add a little more effort, don’t just stand, stand out when dressing for business.

Let us take a closer look at some steps you can take:

YOUR FORMAL SUIT

I like trendy suits that are also classic in nature
Follow the tide avoid heavy shoulder pads
Ensure that the hem of your skirt touches or rests below your knee
A miniskirt suit is quite inappropriate for serious business
Check your body proportions and ensure it fits well by buying

the right size

A suit that is too tight or too loose will not flatter your figure
Go for formal corporate colours like Black, Navy Blue, Charcoal Grey
Other colours like red, purple, cream, fuchsia also work well for networking occasions
Buy fabric like wool or blended material, try to avoid cotton only fabrics that may wrinkle
A female suit jacket looks better when buttoned always
For smartness let the length of the jacket fall 1/2 inch – 1 inch below your waist
Trouser suits are acceptable watch the tightness and length
Dawn your jacket with a broach
Avoid placing a pen at the front of your jacket
If your jacket squeezes your back line it is too tight

YOUR BLOUSE

Watch the neckline of your blouse
Self -test by bending down, if feel are uncomfortable then the

neckline is considered too low

Watch the heaviness of the fabric avoid free flowing transparent fabric
If the blouse is too tight do not manage it to avoid the button popping
Wear a mix of plain, patterned or stripped to suit the colour of the suit
Wear colour in a uniform and coordinated manner avoid colour rioting
Sleeveless blouses are to be worn with a jacket
Your jacket must always be worn during a formal meeting
The collar makes all the difference not too small, too short or too pointed or too frilly

YOUR EXTENDED WARDROBE –

SHOES

Formal shoes should have a heel from 2- 4 inches acceptable today
Open toe shoes are also acceptable the business arena now
Boots are worn for the appropriate climate
Black is the most formal colour to have in your wardrobe
Your shoes should be well taken care of – polished
Your shoes should match or compliment your bag belt
Avoid animal skin shoes in business
Avoid noise making in your shoes as you walk past check heels
Avoid rainbow coloured shoes in business too that is bright coloured shoes
If you must wear tights on an international assignment only with covered shoes and to match your skin colour
Watch out for worn out heels