Perfect Guide on Business Attire for Women

Business Attire WomenBusiness Attire WomenImage credits: Christina via Unsplash

Business Attire Women

There is always that time when you either worked in an office, attended some high-end corporate meetings, or were invited to a professional interview. If you have, you understand how difficult or challenging it can be to dress up for the occasion.

Things have become more challenging in today’s corporate world, and having that perfect balance between professionalism and fashion wear is not a walk in the park. However, this should be a thing of the past as we are here to guide you towards the proper work wear thoroughly. Ranging from suit wear to sophisticated separates, you will feel more rejuvenated and ready for work. Read on to get all the goodies we have for you.

What is a Business Attire?

Before going deeper, we need to understand what business attire is. The answer is simple. Business attire is a formal dressing code worn in a business or corporate setting. It indicates a sense of professionalism and an intelligent look. Generally, it is standard for men to dress in suits. However, women can have different interpretations of business attire.

Determining Your office Dress Code

As mentioned above, your dressing code in your office is highly determined by the company’s norms. Professional business attire has a lot of purpose in the office. Whether you are in a corporate firm or a business firm, it is expected that you will know what to wear in your office. It is also your responsibility to show respect to your employers and colleagues by dressing accordingly. Before entering the office, you need to remember that you are already judged as having high professionalism just because of your clothing or work attire.

Congratulations, you have been hired! This is usually the best news, but how do you figure out what to wear to work? For the first one or two weeks, observe what women of your rank dress in. You can also note what the supervisor wears whenever there is a momentous occasion and how they dress on regular days. Observing what your office colleagues are wearing is the best barometer for determining the right choice of clothing to put on.

Business Casual Attire vs. Formal Business Attire

There is a significant difference between these two attires. Due to this, it is always critical to know which of them you are dressing for and to do it well. With business casual, the dressing is somehow more relaxed than office wear. On the other hand, formal dressing is more complex, and one can wear it when meeting a client or doing an office presentation.

Business Attire for the Office

Whenever you dress up for the office, it is critical to feel more comfortable as what you are dressed in is what you will have for the rest of the day. Due to this, pants make the perfect choice compared to skirts or dresses. However, if you have worked in the same office for an extended period, you will better understand the office standards required. Due to this fact, you can play around with your wardrobe without much worry about being poorly dressed.

Business Attire for Interviews

Dressing up in business attire is usually the perfect choice for job interviews. As long as you are in white, black, or grey, you will have a better chance of being hired rather than being asked what color your wall is. If you feel that the dress code for interviews can be relaxed, you shouldn’t be ashamed to show some individuality. However, keep in mind that business attire is supposed to allow one to convey a sense of professionalism while wearing them.

Summer Business Attire

Picking up an outstanding outfit for summer can be challenging, but not impossible. Rocking some loose skirts, pants, and dresses while maintaining that professional office look throughout the season is the way to go. Having an official blazer at your desk for emergency meetings is also a classic move. However, summer may be too hot, hence tempting you to wear some open-toe shoes, but avoid falling into that trap and put on closed-toe shoes as they are ideal office wear.

Winter Business Attire

Having a minor tweak here and there in your office wear while preparing for winter is always a good move. Some women tend to cover up better during this time of the year. It is also to be noted that it’s great to cover up with a blazer or a cardigan, as it adds warmth to your outfit. This will significantly help you out as you will look comfortable, avoid some fashion faux pas and feel happy as well.

Business Attire for Women’s Evening Wear

If you have been invited to an evening event in your office, make sure you are dressed comfortably. You can go for some long skirts and dresses if you want to. However, keep the heels at bay or wear closed-toe shoes for better results. Your dress code definitely doesn’t point towards the sexy side, but instead is still quite classy and elegant.

Business Skirts

A classy businesswoman never jeopardizes when it comes to the length of her skirt. Having the length of your skirt slightly below the knees is advisable, but a bit longer is even better. The slit should also be the right length, not too long or too short. Your skirt should not be too tight, but the right fit, ensuring you walk easily and sit more comfortably. Depending on your like, a pencil or A-line are both great options.

Business Shirts for women

You will never go wrong when you have a button-up shirt for business. However, if you are in the creative field or have the choice to build your corporate style, you can have more fun with your shirt and still be professional. If you want to go overboard, try a buttoned-up top with some large belts in a bold color, as it is sure to make an impact. Make sure that your top is crisp and clean!

Business Pants

There is a wide variety of business pants for women, ranging from cigarette cuts and straight-leg to boot cuts. Anytime you stand next to the mirror, choose what sits well on your body, bearing in mind the length. Take your pants to the tailor if they are cuffed at the bottom instead of trying to DIY them. A good office color selection may range from grey to neutral navy or black.

Business Dresses

A perfect business dress should not be too tight on you. It should fit perfectly, not be too loose or too tight. If you want to look good and still feel comfortable, go for a more flared dress with a few inches of flare rather than a fitted dress. This will give you some comfort while still looking professional. Your footwear shouldn’t be too high or extremely low either. A good office color selection may range from grey to neutral navy or black.

Business Shoes & Accessories

No matter what the occasion is, something that doesn’t change is the type of shoes you wear. Whether business casual or formal, the perfect shoes are always the same, and nothing else is an acceptable substitute. Pumps or closed-toe shoes are the best for business wear. They are simple and classic, giving off a sense of professionalism and authority.

The business bag you carry with you should be professional looking as well. Loose dresses and casual slacks are only worn with flats. However, if you have to wear heels, make sure they are a perfect 2″ heel or even lower. This ensures that your outfit is still professional and not overly sexy.

A watch is also a classic accessory to wear anytime as it adds classiness to your outfit and makes an impression on others around you at work.

FAQ

Can we wear short skirts as business attire for women?

This depends on how short your skirt is and also your work policy. A very short skirt may not be a good presentation for the company, as most clients may feel uncomfortable.

Can we wear jeans as business attire for women?

No. Jeans are not ideal for business wear. Jeans will only make you uncomfortable, and they can also give you a bad image.

Does business attire for women include tank tops?

Tank tops are versatile wear for women in business. However, it is good to have a blazer at your office in case of an urgent meeting with high-end clients or corporates.

What is the best business attire for women?

It is good to wear something tidy whenever a lady dresses up for business. Having a neat button-down shirt or a blouse and a blazer should never miss in your wardrobe. Shoes also need to be tidy. You can have some flats, two-inch heels, or loafers. A belt and some jewelry should also wrap this up.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, business attire for women is not that hard to find. The most important thing is to keep your company’s image up and let people know that you are the alpha female in the office.

It is evident from this article that there’s more than one way NOT to dress for work, so keep it classy and professional in your attire choices. And remember: always look good, feel good, do good!