Dressing For Success: Tips for Savvy Women

For women, professional dress is often a topic that causes a lot of confusion. We suggest that you dress for the Back to Business Women’s Conference as if you were going to an interview – use it as a practice run so that when you do have an interview you aren’t suiting up for the first time in a long time.  Even though workplaces have evolved to be much more casual today than they were in the past, there is still an expectation that you wear a suit to an interview.

Here are a few suggestions for business attire.  Our motto is: keep it simple and err on the conservative side.

• You can’t go wrong with a black or navy blue suit and a light-colored blouse. Both pantsuits and skirts are fine. A skirt that ends at your knee looks both stylish and professional.  You shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money for a basic suit.

• A pair of solid-colored pants or a skirt with a blouse works well also.  Avoid loud patterns and low-cut necklines. If you’re not going to be wearing a suit to work once you get that job, don’t invest in a suit now.  Instead, go with a nice-looking pair of dark pants or a skirt and blouse that fit well. Look for a pair of tailored pants and make sure they are clean and well-pressed.
• Keep your jewelry simple.
• Much has been written about the impression that shoes make during job interviews. They don’t have to be fancy, but they do need to look polished, and not worn.
• Avoid trendy looks and go for more of a classic style.  You don’t have to be boring, but a well-tailored, professional look says a lot of positive things about you before you even open your mouth to wow a potential employer. First impressions count for a lot!

What’s “Business Casual” all about?

And here’s a word about “business casual” because this is a phrase that often leaves people wondering what exactly they should wear:  Business casual should be more business and less casual!  While a full suit is not required, go for a tailored skirt or suit pants and a blouse.  You’ll still want to make a businesslike impression.