Business Casual Guidelines for the Professional Woman
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Dress for Respect
Business casual dress has caused more than its share of chaos and confusion in the office. When professional dress codes in the office required shirt and tie for men and nylons and closed toed shoes for women (which wasn't that long ago) the acceptable dress was clearly defined.
Today with the business casual dress codes that most corporations have adopted, it has become a bit confusing as to what is professional and appropriate. But with the wide fashion choices, women should to be aware of some of the do's and don'ts for appropriate office dress.
- It is important that your apparel is always clean and untorn. No matter who the designer or how much it cost. Clothing that looks worn out is inappropriate for the office.
- No halter tops, spaghetti straps or plunging necklines.
- Shirts should comfortably cover your midriff. Even if you do have "six pack" abs. The office is not the place to show them off.
- Wear pants that comfortably cover your bottom when sitting in a chair or kneeling down. Keep your backside covered up.
- Stilettos - not appropriate for the office. Wear a reasonable heel or a chic flat. Save the sexy stilettos for date night.
- While on the subject of shoes it is also a good idea to avoid flip flops and athletic tennis shoes. Nice sandals, deck shoes or casual shoes are more professional.
- Semi short skirts can actually be worn appropriately when paired with leggings or tights. Never wear a super mini with bare legs and high heels to the office.
- Sweat outfits, even designer are not usually acceptable for an office environment.
- Avoid wearing clothing that has suggestive comments or promote drugs or alcohol.
Most of these suggestions may be obvious but are provided to help give some basic guidelines that will assure that you are taken seriously in the office.
If you are serious about advancing your career dress professional and lean on the conservative side. I enjoy being a woman but my experience has been that in order to be taken seriously in a corporate environment, it is important to dress polished and professional. Flattering feminine styles are wonderful but show less to get respect. Remember too that in most companies today there are numerous women executives that have paid the price for fair and equal advancement. They have broken through the infamous glass ceiling and have worked hard for recognition of their contributions to the organization. It will serve you well to earn their respect.
If you want your male colleagues to look you in the eyes and appreciate your thoughts and ideas, don't distract their attention. You undermine your own opportunity to be a recognized as a valuable member of the team.
A rule of thumb is that if you would wear the outfit to clean house or to the nightclub it is probably inappropriate for the office.
I have always believed that in order to advance in your career you should dress for success. I hope these tips will help you avoid the pitfalls of business casual dress.
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Comments
Great hub with wise words of caution for women who want to be taken seriously at work. From my years as an executive in the corporate world - the first or only woman wherever I was - I can state unequivocally that it was imperative to err on the side of conservatism, with a suited or preppy look... NO short skirts even with tights (still show too much leg), unless you want to be viewed as a cute little girl instead of a serious professional. And no semi-low-cut blouses even. Always be neat, preferably tailored (even good casual slacks with blouse), with nothing sleeveless unless it's a nice shell under jacket. Always wear clean shoes in good repair (no scruffs), as that speaks of puntilious attention to detail and quality, the kind of image gets the promotion over equally qualified peers. This is business. Leave the sexy diva at home!
And from Sandy Linver's "Speak Easy" coaching, I eliminated my 3-inch heels in favor of 1 1/2 to 2", because that lets you stand slightly differently and "command your space," to project authority and confidence. Your posture, body language, and dress carry as much import as your mouth in getting and keeping respect... AND PROMOTIONS!
That's your goal here, to sell your brains, skills, and strategic and managerial competence, not your body. The first gets respect. The latter usually gets appreciative (sometimes lewd) glances but dilutes or loses professional respect big-time. If you own the company and you want to be glamorous for media, that's different. But until then, be "conservative!"
Whether or not we like to hear it... dressing for success is a very huge part of the way people will react to you. I work with Interior Designers and Custom Architects builders etc. You want to make a good first impression with people like this so my wardrobe is well thought out based on who I am meeting that day. You walk in a meeting dressed like a professional.... you will be treated more like a professional... you walk in a room with a low cut blouse or to short of skirt... you will more than likely not be taken seriously... this is a good article.
I agree with what caregiver added however, I would still be on the conservative side as an owner of a company. I would want individuals that work for the firm as well as clients and business partners to view upper management including it's owner as a knowledgable, authoritative leader and dress the part. A thought to Cole Martin's first bullet...instead of spending the money on the designer clothing that looks worn out...why not invest on office attire, if you really want to advance in your career. I remember the first time I put on a suit...it was one of the best boost of self confidence I encountered.
Thank you for the comments and added pointers. As women in the work force we have had to identify and even refine the rules of the game. Thank you all for your comments and adding your own wisdom on this topic.
The article was informative and kept one's attention due to the style of writing. By sharing examples and keeping the writing tone "light", the message gets across without the reader become bored with "facts only".
This topic is of a serious nature due to so many companies now adopting the business casual attire. I agree in the past it was easy to dress for work, as we had no options other than business suits. Now, with so many more young individuals entering the work force, it is imperative compaines have a set policy and discuss proper buisness casual dress atire with each employee.
The article was vey well written. If women want to be taken seriously in their career, then they should dress the part!
Hi you commented on my hub 'beginners guide' - Incidentally I think you are doing a great job so far with your hubs. Your feedback proves this.
You mention about use of photos - if you use the arrows inside the photo capsule you can move them up the page but also push them over to the right. If you want to reduce the size, within the capsule there are 3 options including half or quarter width. Hope this helps - Good luck with hubbing !
Great job, easy to read and very informative. This is an important topic as I still see SO MANY mistakes! It is very important to keep it "toned down" and very professional at the office and in the board room! With so many styles to select from a woman must be VERY careful not to make a fatal error in the workplace.
I find this to be very informative. I was wondering about ideas for more creative fields of work, such as artists and designers. The pure traditional suite seems odd to wear such as a dark suite and high button blouses.
What are your opinions on white suites and a v-line silk top?
Charlotte thank you for-your comment and for reading my hub. My feeling is that various lines of work permit a more expressive style of dress but even so if you are wanting to be taken seriously stay clear of anything overly sexy. You can express your personal taste and style without showing too much. Subtlety is the most sexy style anyway. You never want to look like you are trying too hard.
I think a white suit and a silk top can be a stunning combination. I am sure that you have the eye for style or you wouldn't have even read this hub.
Thank you again,
working
Sharon S. Nicoll says:
8 months ago
The article is very good.