Monday, March 14, 2011

Beaming Business (Part 3-Formal:Women)

Okay ladies, it's your turn to be updated on formal business attire! Sorry for those of you who were eagerly awaiting!
I believe in what I like to call a "4 piece suit." It is essential and extremely important for all to have a well fitting suit that includes, jacket, pants, skirt, and dress. It is extremely important because this way you have numerous options to choose from.
I recommend splurging!! A black suit can be an investment piece and will never go out of style. You can never go wrong with plain black.
I feel there are far less rules when it comes to women's clothing. Men have less options but more strict rules. Women can play with their outfits a little bit.



Dress pants: I recommend staying simple with your investment pieces. Slight flare, wide leg, boot cut, straight leg are all acceptable.

Jackets: Make sure your suit jacket matches your pants. Although it is not a necessity, it looks sharper, well put together, and more professional (and suits should match). If you are going for a more edgy look and slightly less formal you can wear a jacket that is well tailored but not necessarily the same color. ex) black blazer with a navy dress.

Skirts/Dresses: As I said before in my earlier posts, it is not necessary to have your hem-line below your knee. Just because you are dressing professionally does not mean you need to look like a grandma. Whoever tells you that is lying or simply does not know what they are talking about. We are all adults here, I would hope we can judge what is appropriate and what is not. Just make sure you are not wearing a mini skirt. As for stockings.....? Honestly I have seen it all. After being told by certain fellow students I must wear stockings and my dress should be below my knee instead of at my knee, I was beside myself laughing when i attended a recruiting session where the women recruiters were not wearing stockings and their skirts were above the knee!!!! Those classmates may have been misinformed or jealous, I don't know....but they were wrong. Do what you think is right. To be safe wear stockings....or opt out and wear pants.

Tops: button downs are a great option but make sure thy fit properly. Nothing looks worse than a woman in a boxy button down. If you can escape that factor, tuck it in ( I think it should be tucked in anyway honestly). Nothing should be too low cut. We want to look great but we are not marketing ourselves sexually. haha Women need to stay appropriate. Do not be falling out of your shirt or flashing your belly button. Keep it classy. A little ruffles always look nice under a jacket. Also, please try and prevent showing bra straps. It looks bad and is not professional.
Tops should have sleeves. Sleeveless tops are an iffy topic and are more acceptable in the casual world.

Coats: no puffers. wear a peacoat

Shoes: oxfords are very in for the ladies today-edgy yet classy. flats on occasion. If it's formal i would go with an oxford or boot style shoe. When wearing a dress or skirt I would opt for heels- make sure they are closed toe. Peep toes are acceptable for a fashion forward company. If it is a corporate banking company go with a closed toe shoe. Do not wear tights or stockings with peep toe shoes!!

Accessories: nothing over the top ladies! lets not wear leopard hoops and 25 bracelets. Keep it classy and simple. Preferably studs or delicate tiny earrings, a watch or simple bracelet, simple necklace. Belts, handbags-keep it simple

Hair/Nails: Do what you want. Just don't look disheveled. Clean cut and out of your face. No crazy nail colors. Preferably light colors-not bright yellow or green.

Makeup: It enhances beauty so wear it!! Just don't wear orange lipstick or orange eyeshadow. haha

Marc Jacobs knows how to get it done when making women's suits

For my bargain shoppers out there check out: macys.com, jcpenny.com, thelimited.com, amazon.com, overstock.com, anntaylor.com

For my label junkies check out: jcrew.com, bananarepublic.com, nordstroms.com, neimanmarcus.com, anneklein.com, net-a-porter.com


Dress for Success!!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

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