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Should business women dress to impress?
December 1st, 2009 by Barry PotierThis week the Recruiter published an article by Jane Dawson of Business Wardrobe, on how women in business should dress to impress. Business Wardrobe is an online boutique for designer office wear and offers a one stop shop for professional women. Jane says that the clothes you wear instantly communicate your personality and here are her 5 top tips for women to make the right impression in business:
1. Choose your colour carefully: Colour can be an important factor in boosting confidence and projecting your style and personality.
Dark colours (black, purple, navy) = authority, knowledge and responsibility.
Brown = reliability.
White = clean and formal.
Bright colours (red and yellow) = power and control.
Lighter colours (pastels) = femininity and softness.
2. Accessorize: Whether its shoes, bags or jewellery, accessories can make a real difference to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Accessorising according to the seasons latest trends can help convey a powerful message to colleagues and clients.
3. Quality: Investing in a quality business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future and your self confidence. A last minute dash to the high street to purchase office wear which lacks personality and design is a common experience for many modern businesswomen but we haven’t got the time to hunt for clothes in small boutiques. This is where online shopping comes into its own. It is a pleasurable experience and an opportunity to shop at online boutiques where you can find unique pieces and purchase quality, tailored clothing at the click of a button.
4. Make a statement: A statement piece such as a bright red or purple coat will always make an impact and allow you to stand out from the crowd. A striking, on-trend piece will affect your confidence and reflect your personality.
5. Be individual: A corporate look doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with fashion, why save your best clothes for the weekend and limit your work wardrobe to staple dark suits every day of the week! However, where a dark suit is required, beautiful tailoring, exquisite fabrics, detailed design features and on trend accessories can add individuality.
Do you agree with Jane’s top tips?
This article has provoked negative comments on Recruiter so far including that women should be remembered for their business acumen and not what they are wearing. Whether you are are male or female think carefully about the clothes you choose to wear for interviews and work and how you can dress to impress. The way we look, body language and what we say all have a big impact. You have all seen people that are dressed inappropriately for interviews and in the office and know how others react and you don’t want that to be you!
Have your say do you dress to impress or want to be accepted for your individualism?
Tags: businesswomen, fashion, women at work, your business wardrobe
December 17th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
The first thing we do is assess someone on first sight. Not everyone we meet on a daily basis will spesk tp us or be invovled in our meetings, yet who knows how influential they may be.
I remember men based on what they wear if I have not spoken to them so why should we think women are not remembered for the same thing?
When you then interact with someone, what clothes you have on is less important and what you say, how you behave are much bigger issues. However I knew a lawyer who only ironed the front V of his shirts because he wore a jacket all day. When the office aircon broke, he had to take his jacket off and everyone referred to him as the guy with the creased shirt!
I like the article, I wear something red when I have a meeting that is predominantly male (happens more frequently than not in my line of work!) or if I am presenting. If I want to influence someone I tend to stick to darker colours/browns and if I need to be creative eg workshops etc I wear something yellow!