It is easy to do, so here are your tips for formal dressing which will help you succeed.



Here we will look at some basics and in part two some specific looks you can use that work well for all formal environments.

Getting dressed for the office doesn't mean you can’t be fashionable, you can, but you need to develop a personalized style that fits you and the office environment.

Your aim is to project a professional, dynamic appearance that indicates you are good at what you do – You mean business and you know how to get what you want and you radiate confidence in your ability.

Quite simply the style, colors and fit of your clothes will reflect in the way other people view your ability to do the job.

1. Fit

Trousers need to be fitted and there should be no visible panty lines.

Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough to sit down and move around in comfortably and not to tight.

Clothes need to fit so be aware of your size and don’t try and squeeze into smaller sizes.

Jackets should to be able to buttoned comfortably and blouses shouldn't have gaps or bulges between buttonholes.

2. Traditional career colors include:

Navy – Which indicates trust

Grey – Which indicates a conservative image

Black – Which is both chic and conservative

Note:

The above are all safe colors for women’s formal wear and have wide appeal.

Be wary of wearing red especially if you are in sales and marketing as it can be seen as confrontational especially by other women.

The three colors above all work well in trousers, skirts and shoes.

You can mix black with softer colors such as:

Light blue, lilac, orange, lemon, and stone.

Loud colors like bright pink and wild prints can be a bit much for many people so be careful with these.

3. Jewelry

You should avoid at all costs:

Jewellery that jangles (hoop earrings and stacks of bangles)

Wear only small amounts of jewellery that compliment your look and don’t lead it.

Examples would be: Stud earrings or single bracelets and a nice watch.

4. Handbags

Slouchy handbags look unprofessional, sloppy and don’t match a sleek look.

Instead choose structured styles with sharp lines to indicate a dynamic organized individual

Everything about you needs to project professionalism and efficiency.

Manicured nails, run-free hose, clean shoes and neat well styled hair.

Make sure you take care of everything right down to the smallest detail.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

6. Sexy clothes

Avoid See through garments, miniskirts, really high stilettos, plunging necklines flashy designer labels and to much leather.

If you try and radiate sex appeal to obviously people will think you are trying to rely on it rather than your business skills and it is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

7. Clothes should fit correctly

Avoid at all costs wrinkled clothes, too many layers and baggy-fit clothing.

Dressing for the office is all about striking a balance between style and looking competent, organized and efficient.

In part 2 we will look at some great clothes and color combinations but for now:

Follow the above tips and get ready to get that interview, close that deal or seal that promotion.