Professional Dress Attire For Women

What is the appropriate way to dress for a job interview? Do you wish you could easily find a sample of business causal dress? Is there a place to quickly locate workplace dress guidelines for women? So much depends upon our appearance. We wish it wasn’t so, but it is. People form opinions about us based on how we are dressed, how clean we appear and how we carry ourselves. One occasion on which you really want the right opinion formed about you is during a job interview. Especially, if you have been out of the workforce for a while, you don’t want it to be evident. You want to look up-to-date and ready to tackle today’s challenges. When you land that job your appearance should remain professional. Doors will open in your career when you maintain an appropriate standard of dress and high work performance. So, what are standards in professional dress attire for women?

“Dress for where you want to go. Not where you are now!”

Our friend, Sallie Matlack, a team leader with Weekenders, made that statement. She also provided some great tips for dressing professionally. Weekenders, is a business that helps women create a wardrobe that fits their lifestyle and budget. These tips come from her presentations. You’ll no longer have to wonder about the appropriate way to dress for a job interview. No need to search for a sample of business casual dress. These tips provide helpful insight into workplace dress guidelines for women.

Grooming is key.

Haircut--clean and styled
Make up--everyone needs some, understated is best
Shoes--polished and updated, not worn out. Closed toed pumps are your most professional look
Purse--polished and not cumbersome. Are there a few things that could be removed?
Accessories—study mannequins to see what the current styles are, Always complete with jewelry-- necklace, earrings, one ring maximum on each finger

Treat yourself to an update by a professional in each of these areas every six months. With time you will develop your own style and professional look.

Undergarments

Slips greatly enhance the drape of a skirt, should never show below or through the slit
Minimize panty lines (they add pounds) choose proper fit, thong, or even better a shaper
When tucking tops in, tucking them into the panties or panty hose give a smoother fit, the top blouses out better and accentuates the waist (this is true for men also)
Tops fitting too tight add weight and cause “back bulges”. Either go up a size or wear a shaper for a smooth line
Panty hose of at least 9% Lycra or Spandex will resist cling. 8% will definitely cause cling.

You’ve invested in your career, college, or training. Now it’s time to invest in yourself and your appearance. Figuring out professional dress attire for women is not difficult if you follow these rules.

General Dressing Tips

Shoulder Pads—Every inch added to extend the shoulders reduces 3 inches visually in the hips
Monochromatic dressing—makes us all look taller and thinner, a richer look
Vertical lines--made with clothing, accessories, and color contrasts make us look taller and thinner
Blazers—are a must for a professional environment
Ask a friend whose appearance you admire for feedback or to help you go shopping
Buy your clothing to fit the size you are now! No one sees the tags. Too tight and they add pounds, too loose and you look sloppy
Invest in a full length mirror to appraise your final look
Shoe color should match or be darker than the hemline
Hosiery—never darker than the shoe, avoid orange shades
Pants worn too small will cause a “smile” in the rise, or worse a “camel toe” Remember no one sees the size label. Don’t be afraid to move up a size or two.
Though dress pants are gaining acceptance, skirts and dresses are still the preferred professional look.
A sleeve should always be worn in the office. Sleeveless tops and spaghetti straps must be covered by a jacket.

Provocative Attire does not belong in the workplace!

Yes, many fashion magazines now say, “don’t be afraid to show cleavage”. This is NOT for the workplace! This is a distraction and will actually cause hostility, rumors, and distance from fellow employees, the ones who count anyway.
Avoid showing the midriff, see-thru blouses, and short skirt lengths

“Since Dressing is a learned skill for me I have a favorite “exercise” I like to do to get feedback. Periodically I like to go to the store and return something without a receipt. Knowing both sides of this exchange, I know it’s good feedback for me. The person taking the return does not mean to judge, it’s unconscious. By looking like an authority figure, I’m able to return items with very little effort. Don’t get me wrong, I have the receipts (somewhere)…this is an exercise in feedback from my environment. Try it!!!,” suggests Sallie.

The secret to having the look of authority--wear a blazer or finishing jacket, tasteful make up, and accessories!

Once you’ve figured out the appropriate way to dress for a job interview you’ll know how to maintain that professional dress attire without too many more workplace dress guidelines. It doesn’t hurt to always be on the lookout for a sample of business casual dress to keep your look fresh.

It takes a little extra time and not a lot of money to look professional and ready to take your place in the job you really want.