职业女性着装指南Business Attire for Women

Women’sDress:BusinessProfessionalandCasualX420DiscussionSession#81BusinessCasualforWomen Appropriateattire—knowdifferencebetweenbusinesscasualandcasualattire Fewerthan1/3ofallwhite-collarworkersstillrequiredtodressformally 4outof5ofthosedressdownonedayaweek Gainedgeinbusinesswithappropriateattire Besensitivetoyourindustry DressthepartfortheroleyouplayNotes: Knowingwhatisappropriatetowearwillbecriticaltoawoman’sbusinesssuccess.Womenneedtounderstandthedifferencebetweenbusinesscasualandcasualattire. Lessthan1/3ofallwhite-collarworkersarestillrequiredtodressformallyfortheoffice. Ofthepeoplestillrequiredtowearbusinessprofessionaldresstowork,4outof5arepermittedtoweardress-downattireonedayaweek. Beingknowledgeableaboutwhatisconsideredappropriatebusinessdressforbusinesscasualsituationsisthekeytogainingtheedgeinbusinesstoday. Themostimportantruleistobesensitivetotheindustryinwhichyouwork. Dressthepartfortheroleyouplay.NoSuits?? No,suitsstillimportant Businesscasual-blazerorcardigansweaterandacoordinatingskirt BusinesscasualisNOTsameascasualattire Awoman’sattiremustsaythatshemeansbusinesswith“authority”Notes: Whilesuitsareaveryimportantpartofbusinessprofessionalattire,theystillplayavitalroleinbusinesscasualattire. Businesscasualsuitsmayconsistof: anavyblazerandacoordinatingskirtor acardigansweaterwithawhiteorbeigeblouseandacoordinatingskirt Acommonlymademistakethatwomenmakeisnotrecognizingthatbusinesscasualisdifferentthancasualattire. Thewaywomenaredressedstillmustsaythattheymeanbusinessandsay“authority.”WhoCares? Awomanmustlookthepart Appearancemaymakeorbreakhercareer Firstimpressioncontinuestomakealastingimpression Recognizethevalueofcompany’sbusinesscasualguidelinesNotes: Awomancanhaveanextremeknowledgeoftheproductsandservicessherepresents,butifshedoesn’tlookthepart,shemaynothaveachancetogetthroughthedoor. Manyproductsandservicesaresimilartoday,whatmakesthedifferenceisthepersonrepresentingthem.What’simportanttorememberisthewayawomanlooksmaymakeorbreakhercareer. Thefirstimpressioncontinuestomakealastingimpression,especiallywhenawomanisdressedinabusinesscasualmode. Iftheorganizationsherepresentshasabusinesscasualpolicy,sheshouldrecognizethevalueoffollowingtheseguidelines.Theyweremeanttoassistherinknowingwhatisappropriatefortheenvironmentsheisrepresenting.BasicsofBusinessCasual Aclassicsuit Anavyorblackblazerandskirt Acardigansweater Aplainwhiteorcreamblouseinsilkorrayonoratailoredtee Withalightcoloredjacketorsweaterwearadarkercoloredblouse.Notes: Ifawomanhasn’talreadyinvestedinaclassicsuit,sheshouldbeginherbusinesscasualdressbymakingthatinvestment. Agoodfirstinvestmentisanavyorblackblazerandskirt. Inaddition,awomanshouldbuyacardigansweater,whichcangiveamorecasualappearanceonbusinesscasualdays. Aplainwhiteorcreamblouseinsilkorrayonisagreatclassicbasicforbusinesscasual.Analternativeisatailoredtee. Withabeigeorlight-coloredjacketorsweater,besuretowearadarkercolorblouseortee.Itwillgivethatadded“presence”inanoutfit.PantsandPantsuits Pantsuitsaregreatinvestmentsonbusinesscasualdays. Trousersandablazeroracardigansweaterarealsoappropriate. Twillpantsinblack,navy,orkhakiareappropriate. Ifyouareunsureifslacksareappropriate,simplymirrorthehighest-rankingfemaleinyourcompany.Notes: Pantsuitsaregreatinvestmentsonbusinesscasualdays.Theyallowaprofessionallook,andyet,allowawomantodressdownonenotch. Inbusinesscasualenvironments,trouserswithablazeroracardigansweater,cangivecomfortthatcanbedressedupordownforanyoccasion. Twillpantsinblack,navy,orkhakiareappropriateforawoman’ssmartcasualenvironment.Theyalsooffergreatercomfortonbusinesscasualdays. Ifyouareunsurethatslacksareappropriateforyourbusinessenvironment,simplymirrorthehighest-rankingfemaleinyourcompany.OtherChoices Basicskirtsinblack,navy,khaki,ortaupe Skirtsshouldbesamelengthasbusinessprofessionalskirtlengthorlonger AlongskirtmakesafemininestatementforbusinesscasualNotes: Skirtsthatshealreadyhasinherbusinessprofessionalwardrobe. Shemaywanttoaddotherbasicskirtsinblack,navy,khaki,ortaupe.Shecanthenmixandmatchthoseskirtswithblazersoracardigansweater. Inaconservativeenvironment,abusinesscasualskirtlengthshouldbethesamelengthasherbusinessprofessionalskirtlengthorlonger. Sometimesalongskirtcanmakeafemininestatementforbusinesscasualdaysintheoffice.Italsoaddsanotherlookforawoman’sbusinesscasualwardrobe.Remember,whenindoubt,mirrorthehighest-rankingfemaleintheorganization.Belts,Shoes,andHosiery Coordinatewiththeotheritemsworn Classicleatherpumpsorflatsinblack,navy,taupe,orburgundy Hosieryshouldbethesameshadeorlighterthanshoesandhemline Withshort-sleevedjacketortopskin-tonedhosieryisamust Makeblack,navy,orburgundyhandbagandbriefcasethesmallestsizepossibletostillbefunctionalNotes: Justasinbusinessprofessional,businesscasualbelts,shoes,andhosieryshouldbecompatibleorcoordinatewiththeotheritemsthatyouarewearing. Classicleatherpumpsorflatsstillmeanbusinesswithtailoredlooks.Theyarethebestchoiceforcomfortandstyle.Colorsthattestbestareblack,navy,taupe,andburgundy.Comfortableyetwell-maintainedflatsalsoworkwellwithbusinesstrousersandlongskirts. Hosieryisamust.Nobarelegs,evenwhenawomanhasaterrifictan.Followthisruleforwearinghosiery:Awoman’shosieryshouldbethesameshadeorlighterthanhershoesandhemline. Whenwearingashort-sleevedjacketortop,skin-tonedhosieryisamust.Thereasonisbecauseawomanwilllookbalancedbyhavingasmuchofherlegsshowingasherarms. Awomancanuseaqualityshoulderbagorbriefcasefromherbusinessprofessionalaccessories;though,ahandbagandbriefcaseshouldbethesmallestsizepossibleandstillbefunctional.Black,navyandburgundytestverywellinbusiness.Jewelry Jewelryshouldbethesameasbusinessprofessional--gold-toneorsilverjewelryisbest Basicisbest--followtheruleof13 Awomancan’tgetintotroublebeingdressedinasimple,elegantmannerNotes: Awoman’sjewelryshouldbethesameasshewearsonbusinessprofessionaldays.Gold-toneorsilverjewelrywilladdafinishingtouchtoheroutfitandstillletpeopleknowshemeansbusiness. Basicisbest.Whenwearingaccessories,sheshouldfollowtheruleof13.Sheshouldwearamaximumof13accessories,whichincludesglasses,earrings,necklaces,watches,bracelets,rings(oneoneachhand),abelt,scarf,ornatebuttons,andbuckles.Ifawomangoesmuchpast13,sheisover-accessorized. Awomancan’tgetintotroublebeingdressedinasimple,elegantmanner.Hairstyle,Make-up,andFingernails Hairshouldbeorgiveappearanceofshoulderlengthorshorter Makeupshouldaccentuatefeaturesratherthanjumpingout--eyesandlipsimportantcommunicationtools FingernailsshouldbewellmaintainedwithsubtlepolishorthenaturallookNotes:Whenitcomestofingernails,hairstyle,andmake-up,womenshouldrealizethattheyareveryimportantpartsofheroveralllook. Awomanwhomeansbusinessshouldinvestinaneasytomaintainhairstylethatwillenhanceherbusinesscasualwardrobe.Herhairlengthshouldbeshoulderlengthorshorteroratleastgivethatappearancebybeingpulledbackorup. Hermake-upshouldaccentuateherfeaturesratherthanjumpingout.Awomanshouldrecognizethathereyesandlipscontinuetobeimportantcommunicationtoolsforher. Onbusinesscasualdays,awoman’snailsshouldbeaswellmaintainedastheyareonbusinessprofessionaldays.Subtlepolishcolorsorthenaturallookworkbest.Onceagain,awomanshouldmirrorthehighest-rankingwomaninherorganization.MistakesinBusinessCasualDressing Dressingtoocasually 4ofthemostcommonlymadebusinesscasualfauxpas: Notwearinghosiery Wearingaskirtthatistooshort Wearingsleevelessorhaltertopsandsee-throughblouses Wearingstretchpants Howtodecidewhatisappropriate Lookgood Dressupanotch ThinkinganoutfitinappropriatemeansitprobablyisNotes: Themainmistakethatwomenmakewhendressinginabusinesscasualmodeisdressingtoocasually. Hereare4ofthemostcommonlymadebusinesscasualfauxpas: Notwearinghosieryinabusinessenvironment. Wearingaskirtthatismuchshorterinlengththanshewouldwhendressedinabusinessprofessionalmode. Wearingsleevelessorhaltertopsandsee-throughblouses. Wearingstretchpantsratherthanatailoredpairofslacks. Whenawomanisenteringabusinessenvironmentandisunsureifthesituationcallsforbusinesscasual,sheshouldremembershecan’tgetintroublelookinggood. Dressingupanotchismuchbetterthandressingdownanotch.Awomancanalwaystakeoffthejacket;however,shecan’tremoveajacketifshehasn’tbroughtitwithher. Ifawomanthinksanoutfitisinappropriate,itprobablyis.Don’twearbusinesscasualattirewhen…NotyetinvestedinbusinesscasualattireWhentalkingaboutsalaryoraperformanceappraisalWhenunsureofoutfitWhenoutfitisnotcleanedorpressedWhenunsureaboutanorganization’sdresscodeonavisitWheninteractingwithpotentialclientsorinternationalclientsArejeansappropriate?Whenthehighest-rankingwomanorCEOwearsthemtoworkAnd,onlyiftheyarecleaned,pressed,andingoodconditionNotes:Awomanshouldnotwearbusinesscasualattireinthesesituations: Whentheyhavenotyetinvestedinbusinesscasualattire. Whenscheduledtotalkwithsomeoneaboutsalaryoraperformanceappraisal. Whensheputsonanoutfitandwondersifit’sappropriateforwork. Whendressdownattireisnotcleanedorpressed. Whenawomanisvisitinganorganizationandwonderswhatthedresscodeisatthatorganization. Whenshe’sinteractingwithpotentialclientsorinternationalclientswhosedressisbusinessprofessional.Jeansareappropriatewhen: Thehighest-rankingwomanorCEOwearsthemtowork. Whenit’sconsideredappropriateinanenvironment,womenshouldmakesurethatjeansarepressedandingoodcondition.Nomatterwhatshewearswithbusinesscasual,theyshouldalwaysbewellmaintained,cleanedandpressed.WhatDoesaWoman’sPersonalAppearanceSayAboutHer? Respectforherselfandothers Howmuchattentiontodetailshehas InterestinprofessionalfutureNotes: Aperson’stasteinclothessaysalotabouttherespectshehasforherselfandtheothersinherorganization. Ifawomanisdressedininappropriateattire,meaningherskirtistooshort,shehastoomanyaccessories,orherclothesarewrinkledandpoorlymaintained,peoplemayequateherappearanceasasignthatshedoesnotpayattentiontodetailatwork.Whyriskthechanceofnotlookinggood?Dressingupanotchinadressdownenvironmentwillassistwomeninachievingtheirprofessionalgoals. Awomancanbetherprofessionalfuturethatherappearancedoesmakeadifference.BusinessProfessionalDressWomenmustlookrighttogetfootinthedoorOnlysuits? Somecompanieshaveunwrittenruleforsuitsonly Inothercompanies,businessprofessionaldresscanmeansuit,dress,pantsuit,orblazerandskirtNotes:Thefirstimpressioninbusinesscontinuestomakealastingimpression.Manywomenhaveinvestedmuchtimeandmoneyinacollegedegree;however,iftheydon’tlookthepart,theywillnotgettheirfootinthedoor.They’veworkedhardtolandapositionwithinacompanythatrequiresabusinessprofessionallook.Ifthey’reinterestedinbeingtakenseriously,theywillinvestinbusinessprofessionalattire.Investingmeanspayingapricethatwillproducelong-termresults.That’showwomenshouldthinkwhenbuildingtheirwardrobe.Buyless,paymore.Buyclothesthathaveaclassiclook,aremadewell,andcanbewornthemajorityoftheyear.Somecompanieshavemaintainedaconservativelook.Theirunwrittenruleisthatasuitistobewornatalltimes.Inothercompanies,businessprofessionaldresscanmeanasuit,dress,pantsuit,orablazerandskirt.Whetherawomanisatraditionalistorfashion-forward,herbusinesswardrobeshouldbegearedtothecompanysherepresentsorwantstorepresentortothebusinessrelationshipshewouldliketoacquire.BusinessProfessionalBasics Suitsinblack,navy,gray,andtaupe Brightercoloredjacketsandskirtsfrombusinesscasualmaybeblendedintobusinessprofessional Skirtsthatarecalf-lengthareappropriate Ablazerandcoordinatingskirtisappropriatewhenpolicyismorerelaxed Long-sleeveclassicstyledressinagoodcolor Black,gray,navy,andtanaregoodcolorchoices--projectauthority AvoidfloraldesignsandotherprintsNotes: Suitsinblack,navy,grayandtaupeareverygoodcolorstoinvestinwhenbeginningabusinessprofessionalwardrobe. However,womenhavealittlemoreleewaythanmenwhendressingprofessionally.Therefore,ifwomenhavebrightercoloredjacketsandskirtsintheirbusinesscasualwardrobe,theycanblendthoseitemsintotheirbusinessprofessionalwardrobe. Skirtsthatarecalf-lengthremainappropriate. Ifacompanyhasamorerelaxedattitudeaboutbusinessprofessionaldress,ablazerandcoordinatingskirtwillgiveamorecasuallook. Awomanmayalsoconsiderinvestinginalong-sleeveclassicstyledressinacolorthatlooksgoodonher. Black,navy,gray,andtantestverywellandprojectasenseofauthority. Clothingconsultantsrecommendthatawomanstayawayfromfloraldesignsandotherprintsifshewantstoprojectasenseofauthority.Blouses: Solidcolors Cream,white,andothermutedaswellasbrightcolors Cotton,silk,andblousesmadeofman-madefibersthathavequalitylook Blousesofgoodquality,styles,andcolorsBestfabrics: Wool,gabardine,cotton,andsilk Man-madefabricsthatgivethesamelook—scrunchtestNotes:Thebestfabricsforabusinessprofessionalwardrobewouldbe: wool,gabardine,cotton,silkoranyfabricthatworksforyouratherthanmakingyouworkforit. Also,man-madefabricsthatgivethelookoftheabovefabricstestverywell.Onewaythatawomancantellifafabrictestswellisbygivingitthe“scrunchtest.”Whenshereleasesthefabric,ifitwrinkles,sheshouldleaveitatthestoreratherthanbuyingit.Theblousethatawomanchoosestowearwithhersuitswillhaveagreatimpactonthetotallookofthesuit. Whenbuildingawardrobe,solidcolorsarethewisestinvestments. Whenbuildingherwardrobe,awomanshouldinvestinblousesincream,white,andothermutedandbrightcolors.Mostblousecolorstestfineinbusiness. Whilecottonandsilktestthebest,womencanchooseblousesofeithersyntheticorman-madefibersthathavethesamequalitylookasthosemadeofnaturalfibers. Womenshouldchooseblousesofgoodquality,styles,andcolorsthatarebecomingtoher.Belts,Shoes,andHosieryMatchorbecompatiblewithoutfit Classicleatherpumpswithclosedheelandtoe Black,navy,taupe,andburgundy. Heels--1½to3incheshigh Hosierysameshadeorlighterthanshoesandhemline--Darkhosewithsamecolorlong-sleevedsuit Accessories—leather,classic,black,navy,taupe,orburgundy Purse/briefcasecompactandfunctional--smallaspossibleNotes:Thebelts,shoes,andhosierythatawomanchooseswithbusinessprofessionalattireshouldbethosethatmatchorarecompatiblewiththerestofheroutfit. Theclassicleatherpumpwithclosedheelandtoeisstillthebestsuitedforbusiness. Recommendedcolorsofshoesincludeblack,navy,taupe,andburgundy.Wearingleatherpumpsratherthanthosemadeofsyntheticmaterialwillhelpconveyaricherappearanceandwillallowherfeettofeelmorecomfortablelonger. Heelsshouldmeasureapproximately1½to3inchesinheight. Whenitcomestolegs,hosieryisamustinbusiness.Womenshouldfollowtheruleofwearinghosieryinthesameshadeorlighterthanhershoesandhemline.Darkhosierycanaddthatfinishingtouchofclasswhenwearingasuitinasimilarcoloraslongasthesleevesarelong. Accessoriesshouldalsobemadeofleather. Whenawomanbuysahandbag,briefcase,orportfolio,sheshouldbesuretopurchaseclassicratherthantrendyitems.Onceagain,black,navy,taupeandburgundyarerecommendedcolorchoices.Jewelry 14caratgoldorsterlingsilver Accentuateprofessionalattire Eliminateapiecewhenindoubt Simplicityiskey Followtheruleof13 Nodanglingearrings Classic-stylewatchwithblack,gold,orsilver-tonebandNotes:Awoman’stasteinjewelryisatruewayofsayingwhosheisandthequalitythatsheprojects. Sheshouldinvestinearrings,necklaces,rings,bracelets,orpinsin14caratgoldorsterlingsilver.Asshebuildsherjewelryattire,gold-toneorsilver-tonejewelryaregreatsubstitutes. Womenneedtobesurethattheirjewelryaccentuatestheirprofessionalattireratherthandetractingfromit. Whendressing,ifshethinkssheiswearingtoomuchjewelry,it’ssafesttoeliminateapiece. Simplicityisthekey. Whenindoubt,followtheruleof13.Ifawomanhasonmorethan13accessoriesincludingornatebuttons,thatmeansthatsheiswearingtoomany.Whenwearingrings,awomanshouldwearnomorethanoneringoneachhand. Andremember,nodanglingearrings. Awatchwillprobablybewornmorethananyotherpieceofjewelry.Womenshouldinvestinaclassicstylewithablack,gold,orsilver-toneband.Hairstyle,Make-up,andFingernailsEasytomaintainhairstyle Hairlength—appearanceofshoulderlengthorshorter Make-up--accentuatefeatures Eyesandlipsareimportantcommunicationtools Fingernails--wellmaintained,subtlepolishcolorsornaturallookEyeglasses Glassesdenoteserious/intelligent ConservativeframesNotes:Awomanwhomeansbusinessshould: investinaneasytomaintainhairstylethatworksforher. Hairlengthshouldbeshoulderlengthorshorter,oratleastgivethatappearancebybeingpulledbackorup. Make-upshouldaccentuateawoman’sfeaturesratherthanjumpingout. Awomanshouldrecognizethathereyesandlipsareimportantcommunicationtollsforher. Herfingernailsshouldbewellmaintainedwithsubtlepolishcolorsoranaturallook.Mirrorthehighest-rankingwomanintheorganization.Besidesbeingfunctional,glassescanbearealbenefittowomeninbusiness. Studieshaveshownthat,attimes,peoplearetakenmoreseriouslywhenwearingglasses.Thesestudieshaveshownthatpeopleareperceivedasmoreintelligentwhenwearingglassesthanwhennotwearingthem. Whenselectingframes,awomanshouldchooseconservativeonesiftheyrepresentorinteractwithindividualsrepresentingrigidcorporatecultures.Ifworkisinamorecreativefield,awomanmayhavethefreedomtochoosemorefashion-forwardframes.Appropriateness Dressupanotchratherthandownanotch Giveextraedgebylookinggoodonherwayupladder Qualityclothes Investment Thinkinganoutfitinappropriate--probablyisNotes: Whenawomanisunsureofwhatisappropriate,orinappropriate,sheshoulddressupanotchratherthangoingdownanotch. Shecan’tgetintroublelookinggood.Awomancanalwaystakethejacketoff;however,shedoesn’twanttobeinasituationwhereshewishesshehadputsomethingonbeforearriving. Choosetowearqualityclothes.Awomanshouldwearhighquality,classicclothesthatdonotdateherandwilllast. Businessprofessionalattireisaninvestment. Ifawomanthinksanoutfitisinappropriate,itprobablyis.WhatDoesaWoman’sAppearanceSayAboutHer? Respect Attentiontodetail Credibility AchieveprofessionalgoalsNotes: Respect Attentiontodetail Credibility AchieveprofessionalgoalsBusinessDressCodes Companymanual Distributedtopotentialandpresentemployees Followed Enforced Dressbyandforexample Knowledgeable Sensitivetoownindustry DressthepartfortheroleyouplayNotes: Ifyouarethepersonwhosetsyourbusinesscasualorbusinessprofessionalguidelines,recognizethatyouwillbedoingothersafavorbyincorporatingyourexpectationsintoacompanymanual. Makesurethattheseguidelinesaredistributedtopotentialandpresentemployees. Letthemknowthattheseguidelinesaretobefollowed. Whentheyarenotfollowed,letyouremployeesknowthatyoumeanbusinessbysendingpeoplehometochange.Thisactionwillteachothersnottodressinappropriately. Remember,practicewhatyoupreach.Thewayyouandthetopleadersinyourorganizationdresswilltellotherswhatyoureallymean. Beingknowledgeableaboutwhatisconsideredappropriatebusinessdressisthekeytogainingtheedgeinbusinesstoday. Themostimportantruleistobesensitivetotheindustryinwhichyouwork. Dressthepartfortheroleyouplay.Sources:WhatDoesBusinessCasualforWomenMean?WhatDoesBusinessProfessionalDressMeanforWomenToday?AnnMarieSabath,founderofAtEase,Inc.EVALUATIONQUESTIONS 1.Ifoundthepresentationmaterialeasytounderstand. 2.Thisdiscussionsessionincreasedmyknowledgeonthesubjectpresented. 3.Iwillbeabletousesomeoftheinformationfromthisdiscussionsessioninthefuture. 4.Thepresenterwaswellpreparedforthissession. 5.Thispresentationshouldberepeatedinfuturesemesters. USE:a.StronglyAgreeb.Agreec.Disagreed.StronglyDisagreee.Don’tKnowNotes: Knowingwhatisappropriatetowearwillbecriticaltoawoman’sbusinesssuccess.Womenneedtounderstandthedifferencebetweenbusinesscasualandcasualattire. Lessthan1/3ofallwhite-collarworkersarestillrequiredtodressformallyfortheoffice. Ofthepeoplestillrequiredtowearbusinessprofessionaldresstowork,4outof5arepermittedtoweardress-downattireonedayaweek. Beingknowledgeableaboutwhatisconsideredappropriatebusinessdressforbusinesscasualsituationsisthekeytogainingtheedgeinbusinesstoday. Themostimportantruleistobesensitivetotheindustryinwhichyouwork. Dressthepartfortheroleyouplay.Notes: Whilesuitsareaveryimportantpartofbusinessprofessionalattire,theystillplayavitalroleinbusinesscasualattire. Businesscasualsuitsmayconsistof: anavyblazerandacoordinatingskirtor acardigansweaterwithawhiteorbeigeblouseandacoordinatingskirt Acommonlymademistakethatwomenmakeisnotrecognizingtha