Do you like to dress up when you go to work? Or do you prefer not to think about your wardrobe and simply wear a uniform style outfit or just something very casual? Do you not care at all what you look like at work, or do you feel insecure about what style is appropriate? Whatever your answer, you should read the following.
Many concerns arise when it comes to how to dressing in a way that makes a woman feel good and is appropriate at the same time. Many women feel that they want to look beautiful, but at the same time they don’t want to look too sexy or extravagant. Some women work in an industry dominated by men that makes the choice of wardrobe even harder. Can I look like a woman among all these men? Will they take me seriously when I dress up, or is it better to hide my feminine side and put it in a dark blue suit? When I meet a client, would it be more appropriate to wear a neutral outfit that doesn’t attract any attention, or is it suitable to dress up in a way that makes the others really look at you?
Let me give you my very personal point of view and share insights gained over the course of many years in the corporate world. The answer to all the questions regarding the appropriate dress code is not simple, yet it is pretty clear and follows some basic rules.
Be who you are, but take off the edges. Every woman is different and so is her look. Live the person that you are and don’t try to hide your true self by wearing an outfit that is not really you. On the other hand, be aware that in a business environment you are better off to tone down extravagances. For example, if you have beautiful legs and you like to wear short skirts, don’t overdo it at work. Keep the super short skirts for your private life and choose the Italian length for work. You are still showing legs, but in a moderate way. If you like to wear your hair long and curled, make sure that you tame it when you go to work. You can still wear your hair long, but make sure it looks elegant and styled. Whatever you like about yourself and whatever you like to wear to support your positive aspects is fine. Just make sure that you don’t overstate; stay moderate.
Dress the way you want to be seen. I worked in advertising, an industry that is quite relaxed about dress codes. You could basically wear anything you liked, but still there were recommendations. Clients, bosses and co-workers look at how you present yourself. If you want them to take you seriously, you better make sure you look the way you are. I don’t understand women that allow their cleavage to be seen and then wonder that nobody is listening to what they have to say. With a sexy outfit like that, you cannot expect the other person to stay focused on anything else but your boobs. Let me be clear here. I am not against showing off your most beautiful body parts, but you must pick the right time and the right place.
You can change your outfits in different environments, but still keep your style. There is no need to wear uniform style clothes, because that makes you uniform. You want to be authentic, you want to be different and, therefore, you will find a way to dress accordingly. Even though the dress code in your company asks for conservative dresses, there is always a way to bring some light into the darkness. A good way to do that is using fancy accessories or nice jewelry. Sometimes it is the little things that make a difference. Yes, fashion makes a statement, but you want to be in charge, and not the fashion industry.
Feel comfortable and self-confident in your outfit. Would you feel confident wearing jeans to a wedding reception? I hope not. The same applies to the work environment. You will not feel happy wearing a super sexy dress to a client meeting and everybody is staring at your body while you are presenting. At the same time you do not want to wear the most boring outfit that makes you indistinguishable from the chair you’re sitting on in a conference room. Wear something that feels comfortable (remember you have to wear this outfit all day long), but at the same time choose an outfit that boosts your self-confidence. The reason is simple. When you feel good about yourself, others will, too. Yes, you can wear a dress that shows off your curves. Just make sure the dress leaves yourself and the audience room for breathing!
Define your style. Having now talked about dressing appropriately in a work environment, it is now time for you to define your own style. What is your self-image and how do you want others to perceive you? After you have figured out the answers to these questions, it is time for a shopping tour with your best friend. Explain to her the purpose and let her help you find the outfits that make you sparkle at work without blinding others.
Be a woman and act like one.
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Reprinted from “Hertha Wolff-Arend | Be a Woman and Act Like One” a blog written by Hertha Wolff-Arend. Subscribe at http://beawomanandactlikeone.com/ and receive Blog updates by email.
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You’re so right about women dresscode – it can be a statement, it might contain a promise, it can create distance, it is able to state class and sometimes it might even say halleluja. I remember quite some time ago a boss of mine telling me that women have so many wonderful ways of expressing themselves via dresscode, jewelery and makeup/lipstick and by that creating a statement about themselves. And he also said that less was more in the context of jewelery and makeup/lipstick. This for me was quite eye opening and since then I inhaled to always consider what my business day will look like and to “style” myself accordingly.
Thank you for this great comment. It was very interesting to get the point of view of your boss who obviously was a male. Men have their own perspectives and in your case your boss basically confirmed my point of view. Thanks for sharing.
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