Business Wardrobe for Women
Does your business wardrobe help you stand out in a world that is doing its best to make you fit in?
Does your professional business attire fairly announce your confidence, your capabilities and your career goals?
Does your work-wear wardrobe reflect how very extraordinary you are?
It should. In today’s competitive marketplace, you don’t just sell a product or service, you sell your self.
To successfully sell your self, image is key. Science has proven that it takes three seconds for someone to form an impression of you based on your body language, demeanor, mannerisms—and how you dress. Right or wrong, first impressions are lasting ones.
That’s why you want to create a positive image consistent with who you are and what you do, one that’s appropriate to both your situation and your audience.
Contact us today about how to dress for a job interview.
Dress to Impress. Dress for Success.
This is not just common sense. It’s dollars and cents. In today’s economy, when employers have more hiring options than ever, looking good is not just an option. It’s critical.
According to statistics in a recent Newsweek magazine article, professionals can:
Your image is not just about common sense or dollars and cents. It’s about the confidence that comes from knowing you look good. When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you can focus on the task at hand rather than your appearance.
“Working with Laurel was a life-changing event. It opened new career doors for me and made my position as a newly promoted executive banker more relevant. And it has made a huge impression on my clients and the bank’s board of directors. I now look like the successful professional that I am.” – Elizabeth H.
Need help dressing for success as a business woman? Call for a consultation.
How to Dress for a Job Interview
First impressions are lasting ones. Nowhere is that more true than during a job interview. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a woman transitioning into the workforce or a break-out entrepreneur, your professional priority is to stand out from the competition. How do you do that? Want to learn what work clothes will help you stand out? We can help.
Dos and Don’ts of Dressing for an Interview
Wearing professional business attire to a job interview is an indicator of how serious you are about getting the job, the promotion, the sale or the client. Here are some general dos and don’ts:
- Be conservative.
Color is key. Interview attire for women should include a dark two-piece suit in gray, navy or black. Pair it with a light colored blouse or shirt and add a simply styled necklace or brooch. - Pants vs. skirts?
A pantsuit is now an acceptable choice for a job interview in most professions. If you choose a skirt suit, make sure the hem falls at the knee. - Casual wear
Work clothes for women should not include jeans, tees or canvas shoes unless you work in Silicon Valley or in creative fields such as publishing or fashion. - Lingerie
Make certain no lingerie straps or hems show. As to hosiery, choose a nude or sheer beige version. - Footwear
Your shoe selection needs to be professional and understated. A mid-heel, closed-toe pump is the best choice. - Handbags
Large purses can easily take the place of a briefcase; just don’t carry both at the same time. - Accessories
Anything that calls attention away from you and your qualifications is a no-no. No dramatic scarves, statement jewelry or distracting colors. - Hygiene
Your scent shouldn’t enter the room before you do, so nix strong perfumes or lotions. Nails ought to be short and nicely manicured with neutral-tone polish. Hair needs to be neatly groomed and worn away from your face. Makeup should be natural-looking. And any body piercings or tattoos need to be covered with clothing or extra-heavy makeup.
No matter where you work, clothes are an important part of how you’re perceived. That’s why it’s important to dress for success. Need help dressing for success? Call for a consultation.
By wearing professional business attire, you tell others how serious you are about your future. When you change your look, you can change your life.
“As my [consulting] business grew, and I found myself more in the public eye…I knew I wasn’t presenting the best me that I could…I chose to work with Laurel because… I was confident that she would help me polish my outer image to reflect the inner me…I have to say I’m thrilled with the result…My professional image now expresses the real me.” – Winnie A.