Gone are the days when all boardrooms were full of men. In today’s business climate, women are not only part of a business’ board. Some even lead it. Women have climbed the business ladder, and more are coming.
Getting a seat in the boardroom is step one. Step two is looking at the part. This is because women tend to face scrutiny on what they wear, especially those in the business sector. Women are often pressured to dress to impress. With that, read this article and jot down some notes for the top five business attires for women.
Business Professional
If you want a more traditional form, this is the type of attire you are looking for. This is usually used in conservative office settings or with strict dress codes. The attire will provide you with a professional look as this attire is well-fitted and tailored to fit.
This outfit usually consists of a blazer, trousers, or a skirt. Blazer’s sleeves must end at the wrist and fit perfectly at the edge of the shoulders. Trousers’ cuts should be based on what best flatters the employee’s body type but must hit the shoe’s midway point. At the same time, the skirt’s length is critical and should finish around the knees or below for the wearer to comfortably sit and walk.
Another option is wearing the ever-tested business suits. Many styles and suits for women are usually classy and stylish. It commonly uses neutral colors, plain fabrics, and no decorative details. Hence, these basic business suits are appropriate for all formal and business activities.
Casual
This type of attire is usually worn if you have an informal office. This is encouraged, especially if all employees in the office also wear jeans, shirts, and open-toed shoes. It will help employees move quickly as they are comfortable with their clothes.
Being comfortable with what you wear is crucial as you will be wearing the clothes all day. This will also be the most convenient way for the office to understand its employees’ personalities based on the clothes they choose to wear.
However, make sure that the jeans you choose are allowed. It is also better to wear darker ones without rips and tears. You should also avoid wearing skintight and boyfriend jeans as these might not be appropriate in the office.
Business Casual
This attire is the most commonly worn by employees. It is good with all types of offices. You can wear this for interviews, client meetings, and normal office days. This attire allows you to achieve a sophisticated look while balancing casualness and formality.
Business casual is usually achieved by wearing a dress to appear dressy while retaining a conservative look. It is very important to wear a dress that is not very tight, short or revealing. It just needs an appropriate cut to showcase the employee’s personality. Another modern option for women is a slim suit with a non-collared shirt if they prefer an edgier look.
Smart Casual
Employees usually wear this attire if they have a more flexible office. This allows you to maintain the comfort of the clothes while achieving a professional and clean look. It allows you to look polished and smart while still showcasing your personality.
The accessories worn in this attire are usually statement necklaces and earrings. They add more personality to the outfit, and the color helps in making it stand out. When wearing a blouse, you can choose the sheer type or with sleeves. However, its material should be either silk or rayon because it gives you elegance while maintaining modernity.
Business Formal
This style is reserved for the most formal settings in the office, like award ceremonies or company benefits. It is usually worn to project sophistication. Employees wear their best clothes just to fit into the business formal categorization.
Women usually wear long gowns. If long gowns are not available, another popular choice today is a female tuxedo accessorized with a set of pearls. It is considered the most conservative accessory appropriate to all format settings. Shoe wear is around two to four inches to give you additional height while maintaining comfort.
In Conclusion
It is vital to remember that before choosing what type of business attire to wear, always know first your office’s dress code. Following the office dress code is critical, but these dress codes must also be updated to avoid discrimination against women, which is still rampant in the traditional office setting.
Moreover, knowing your body type in choosing the business clothes you want to wear is crucial. This will help you choose what type of attire and clothes you are most comfortable with and would look the best on you. It would be best to remember that it is always important to prioritize comfort before style when selecting clothes.
