Every day, millions of businesswomen get dressed for a day at work. While doing so, each of these women is then presented with a dilemma: What should I wear?
With different professions and different expectations, the answer is unique to each person.
However, there are certain guidelines to which businesswomen must adhere. They have to look professional, but cannot over-do this by looking too bland or too flamboyant. They also must avoid overly tight clothes, but also must avoid baggy clothing at risk of appearing sloppy. These considerations need to be carefully thought out before going to work in order for a woman to be respected.
“It takes only three seconds to make an impression,” said Adriana Reed, owner of Ms. E’s Place, a boutique in Jackson Township.
Though this may seem excessively superficial, everyone, no matter their profession, is judged on their appearance at work. Therefore it is important to dress appropriately for certain professions. While people in a more artistic profession may dress in trendy, exciting clothes, these would be sorely out-of-place on someone who worked in perhaps a bank or at an insurance company.
“If you’re working with the public, you need to look good,” said Reed. “You are representing your company.”
"You can dress smart without losing the professionalism of the outfit,” said Ruthanne Wilkof, president and CEO of the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce. “You can wear the same outfit but by changing the accessories, such as your jewelry or scarf. Doing it wisely, you change the look of the outfit. Another important rule when dressing professional, use common sense. Again, a woman on a tight budget can wear a black suit and change it around with accessories. Fabric is also an important factor when choosing what to wear; especially in the summer time. Women will choose a fabric with body such as a polyester dress or skirt which is a clinging fabric filled with static. Keep this in mind when looking for a professional appearance. All these things are, in themselves, simple. You can't go wrong with suits, pant or skirt. The secret to a well dressed woman is common sense and professionalism.
“Important points such as washing your hair, or making sure your clothes are pressed with no stains, rips, or tears, a little make up to appear natural and a neatly combed hair do can make the difference when someone determines if they want to do business with you,” said Wilkof. “If you do not care about how you look, how are you going to care about the quality of service you will provide? First impressions are lasting impressions."
Dressing appropriately for a certain job also entails dressing conservatively and clean-cut when expected. Tight, low-cut or baggy clothing can often send the wrong message at work.
Barb Wise, from the consignment store Best Bib and Tucker in Hartville, agreed.
“Dressing up is never bad,” she said. “A suit is never too dressy. You are representing the company you work for.”
The way people view a person often directs how they expect their work to appear. If a person dresses sloppily, then their worked may be presumed to be sloppy and they may not even be hired to begin with.
“I think that people are sometimes confused about the business casual dress code and ‘Casual Friday,’ said Wise.
“Though you can wear jeans and dress down, it is important to not look sloppy,” she said.
Reed said she feels denim in the work place is a “no-no.”
“It’s too casual,” she said.
Dressing properly is necessary, but it does not need to be a daunting task. According to Forbes.com, there are a few simple guidelines to follow: know the audience, dress with variety and save weekend clothing for the weekends. It is imperative to dress properly for whatever the line of work may be, such as highly professional versus artistic. It is also a good idea to switch types of clothing every once-in-a-while. Variety keeps excitement and avoids people appearing bland. Lastly, people need to realize what clothing to save for their weekends rather than wearing it to work. Fun, bright colors may be fit for a weekend party, but they can often appear out-of-place in an office.
“Women can create hundreds of outfits by mixing and matching,” said Reed. One black suit, one red suit, one blue suit and one white blouse, a belt and a scarf are basic and you can create hundreds of looks.”
However, these guidelines are simply guidelines and not a code which women must follow. Plenty of women dress how they wish rather than following the status quo. Expectations on work dress have lifted throughout the years and people continually wear more exciting, unique and comfortable clothes to work, rather than only black suits.
Reed suggests women who are busty should wear V-neck shirts and sweaters because high necklines only accentuate the bust. To elongate a look, wear a shirt and pants of the same color and add a different color jacket.
“It gives a very long, sleek look,” Reed said.
“You should present yourself in a neat and professional, but comfortable way,” said Christa Kozy, president of the Lake Chamber of Commerce. “It is important to have confidence and keep your head held high.”
Whatever people choose to wear, they should still be sure to think before they leave their home. As much as people would like wear what they feel comfortable in, appearances do count, even when people prefer to pretend that they do not. In a place like the business world, where things cannot be taken for granted, it is a good idea to dress well and stay a step ahead of others.
