Business Casual Guidelines for the Professional Woman

Dress Cheap Polo Ralph Lauren for Respect Business casual dress has caused more than its share of chaos and confusion in the office. When professional dress codes in the office required shirt and tie for men and nylons and closed toed shoes for women (which wasn’t that long ago) the acceptable dress was clearly defined.

Today with the business casual dress codes that most corporations have adopted, it has become a bit confusing as to what is professional and appropriate. But with the wide fashion choices, women should to be aware of some of the do’s and don’ts for appropriate office dress.

It is important that your apparel is always clean and untorn. No matter who the designer or how much it cost. Clothing that looks worn out is inappropriate for the office.

No halter tops, Cheap Furla Handbags spaghetti straps or plunging necklines.

Shirts should comfortably cover your midriff. Even if you do have “six pack” abs. Keep your backside covered up.

Stilettos not appropriate for the office. Wear a reasonable heel or a chic flat. Nice sandals, deck shoes or casual shoes are more professional.

If you are serious about advancing your career dress professional and lean on the conservative side. I enjoy being a woman but my experience has been that in order to be taken seriously in a corporate environment, it is important to dress polished and professional. Flattering feminine styles are wonderful but show less to get respect. Remember too that in most companies today there are numerous women executives that have paid the price for fair and equal advancement. They have broken through the infamous glass ceiling and have worked hard for recognition of their contributions to the organization. It will serve you well to earn their respect.

If you want your male colleagues to look you in the eyes and appreciate your thoughts and ideas, don’t distract their attention. You undermine your own opportunity to be a recognized as a valuable member of the team.

A rule of thumb is that if you would wear the outfit to clean house or to the nightclub it is probably inappropriate for the office.

I have always believed that in order to advance in your career you should dress for success. I hope these tips will help you avoid the pitfalls of business casual dress.

Caregiver 007 5 years ago from Florida

Great hub with wise words of caution for women who want to be taken seriously at work. From my years as an executive in the corporate world the first or only woman wherever I was I can state unequivocally that it was imperative to err on the side of conservatism, with a suited or preppy look. NO short skirts even with tights (still show too much leg), unless you want to be viewed as a cute little girl instead of a serious professional. And no semi low cut blouses even. Always be neat, preferably tailored (even good casual slacks with blouse), with nothing sleeveless Cheap Furla Handbags unless it’s a nice shell under jacket. Always wear clean shoes in good repair Cheap Michael Kors Handbags (no scruffs), as that speaks of puntilious attention to detail and quality, the kind of image gets the promotion over equally qualified peers. This is business. Your posture, body language, and dress carry as much import as your mouth in getting and keeping respect. AND PROMOTIONS!

That’s your goal here, to sell your brains, skills, and strategic and managerial competence, not your body. The first gets respect. The latter usually gets appreciative (sometimes lewd) glances but dilutes or loses professional respect big time. If you own the company and you want to be glamorous for media, that’s different. But until then, be “conservative!”

Terri Rucker 5 years ago

Whether or not we like to hear it. dressing for success is a very huge part of the way people will react to you. I work with Interior Designers and Custom Architects builders etc. You want to make a good first impression with people like this so my wardrobe is well thought out based on who I am meeting that day. You walk in a meeting dressed like a professional. you will be treated more like a Cheap Polo Ralph Lauren professional. you walk in a room with a low cut blouse or to short of skirt. you will more than likely not be taken seriously. this is a good article.

zprice 5 years ago

I agree with what caregiver added however, I would still be on the conservative side as an owner of a company. As women in the work force we have had to identify and even refine the rules of the game. Thank you all for your comments and adding your own wisdom on this topic.

Bela 5 years ago

The article was informative and kept one’s attention due to the style of writing. By sharing examples and keeping the writing tone “light”, the message gets across without the reader become bored with “facts only”.

This topic is of a serious nature due to so many companies now adopting the business casual attire. I agree in the past it was easy to dress for work, as we had no options other than business suits. Now, with so many more young individuals entering the work force, it is imperative compaines have a set policy and discuss proper buisness casual dress atire with each employee.

Tracy Munchoff 5 years ago

The article was vey well written. If women want to be taken seriously in their career, then they should dress the part!

Rik Ravado 5 years ago from England

Hi you commented on my hub ‘beginners guide’ Incidentally I think you are doing a great job so far with your hubs. Your feedback proves this.

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