Wardrobe secrets for a business lady

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Since women have been actively engaged in career advancement, the question has arisen before us: what to wear when going to work? You need to look elegant, but not turn into a "blue stocking". Stay beautiful without becoming overtly sexy. Let's highlight the typical mistakes that business women make. So, a wardrobe for a business woman.

Mistake 1. You do not distinguish between business style and classic

And there is a difference between them. For example, the classic style of women's clothing involves fitted silhouettes, solid colors, and feminine accessories, while the business style is based on comfortable, functional clothing that provides freedom of movement. What these styles have in common is the taboo on extravagant trimmings and excessive eroticism like a deep neckline or bold cutouts. But in the case of the "classics", the emphasis is primarily on the elegance of the outfit, and in the business style - on comfort.

How to: when choosing clothes that you are going to wear to the office, be guided by how comfortable it is for you. During the fitting walk, sit down. Pay attention to the fabric: clothes made of dense, wrinkle-free and non-marking materials are suitable. Fitted silhouettes (as well as tight skirts) have a right to exist if they do not constrain movement.

Mistake 2. You are trying to look like you are not

This often happens to girls at the very beginning of their career, hr-experts say. When a young lady gets her first job, for example, as an assistant or secretary, she wears formal jackets and boring midi-skirts, but from habit looks more ridiculous than solid. Buys business accessories like leather briefcases, but they are uncomfortable to go to a friendly party at the end of a working day.

Fashion for business ladies for fall 2007

In the fall-winter 2007/2008 collections, there is a lot of gray - in particular, he was preferred by YSL, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors. Let's admit a slight silvery tint, but the "metallic" has noticeably lost ground, giving way to exquisite muted shades. As for the clothes themselves, girls are still advised to go to work in a two-piece suit with a palm skirt above or below the knee. Similar models were demonstrated by Miu Miu and Valentino.

How to: if you've always worn jeans and T-shirts, start getting to know business attire gradually. Do not buy a formal suit and shirts with a turn-down collar right away! Limit yourself to a modest button-down jacket and simple straight trousers. From accessories, purchase a spacious leather bag (such that A4 documents can be placed in it) and boots or shoes with a stable, medium-height heel. By the way, you can even wear a T-shirt or top under the jacket! If they are not decorated with rhinestones or bright inscriptions, most likely, no one will make a comment to you.

Mistake 3. You go to extremes

A tightly buttoned jacket, a turtleneck under the throat and a long skirt … If you think that such an attire should become your work uniform, you are deeply mistaken, because the existence of a dress code in the company does not negate the fact that you are a woman.

How to: even in banks, considered the mainstays of conservatism, the dress code usually allows for small slits on skirts, V-necks, an open jacket, a 7/8 sleeve. Many companies are also loyal to shorts, if, of course, they end at the knees, not the buttocks, and are made of gray or black suiting fabric.

Mistake 4. You think that business clothes can only be black, gray or dark blue

Do you prefer trousers? This season, you are free to choose between narrow, like Lanvin and Gianfranco Ferre, and voluminous, wide, like, for example, Max Mara. They should be combined either with strict short jackets, or with soft knitted cardigans in black or gray. And pay attention to the waist! According to the new rules, it is located exactly where it should, and not a centimeter lower. The accessories are a tightly tightened belt (Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler) and a headdress pulled low over the eyes in the best traditions of the western genre.

A very common and incorrect opinion, since even red may be appropriate in the office, if, of course, you choose the right shade. Under the ban, only bright, eye-cutting tones, but against the noble burgundy or muted dark green, hardly anyone will have objections.

How to: get some minimalistic blouses or simple tops in different colors. By changing them, you can quickly and easily refresh your outfit.

Mistake 5. You neglect accessories

Bags and shoes are not all that a business lady can afford as an addition to a suit. Remember shawls, belts, glasses and gloves.

How to: The minimal set of accessories consists of a chiffon cravat, a warm scarf or shawl, a thin waist belt, leather gloves and classic sunglasses with elegant frames. Here you can also add a bright keychain for a bag (recently fashionable things), a variety of hairpins, a headdress - for example, a gangster-style hat. According to most designers, it is the accessories that “make the image,” so you should choose them no less carefully than clothes, and always keep in mind the result you want to get.

Mistake 6. You have no idea what free-friday is

Four days a week you wear formal clothes, and on Friday you come to the office in ripped jeans? Not the best option for a girl who values her reputation.

How to: allow yourself to relax a little: a flying skirt instead of a tight tweed, a soft knitted pullover instead of a strict jacket … But only one detail in your appearance should say that today is Friday. You don't have to change your favorite costume at all, but only choose brighter and more sophisticated accessories.

Mistake 7: You spend too much on clothes

Many women believe that only an expensive business suit will help them create the image of a real professional. Meanwhile, according to psychologists, when someone makes an opinion about us, the price of an outfit does not play an important role. It is much more important that the suit is appropriate and fits well. Some executives generally discourage employees who dress expensively - less well-to-do colleagues can be frustrating.

How to: if you can afford a suit from the latest Max Mara collection, that's great! However, choose such things, the brand identity of which can only be determined by a specialist. The same goes for bags, shoes, and other accessories. And if your finances do not yet allow you to wear expensive outfits, just choose clothes from more democratic brands. Little secret: dark clothes with simple silhouettes usually look much more expensive than they actually are. And know: if your appearance does not suit the management, you have the right to ask for a special subsidy for the purchase of office clothes. In large corporations and banks, where the dress code is very harsh, this is quite normal practice.