1. Business Professional
Women’s Dress:
Business Professional
and Casual
X420 Discussion Session #81

2. Business Casual for Women
Appropriate attire—know difference between business casual and casual attire
Fewer than 1/3 of all white-collar workers still required to dress formally
4 out of 5 of those dress down one day a week
Gain edge in business with appropriate attire
Be sensitive to your industry
Dress the part for the role you play
Notes:
Knowing what is appropriate to wear will be critical to a woman’s business success. Women need to understand the difference between business casual and casual attire.
Less than 1/3 of all white-collar workers are still required to dress formally for the office.
Of the people still required to wear business professional dress to work, 4 out of 5 are permitted to wear dress-down attire one day a week.
Being knowledgeable about what is considered appropriate business dress for business casual situations is the key to gaining the edge in business today.
The most important rule is to be sensitive to the industry in which you work.
Dress the part for the role you play.

3. No Suits?? No, suits still important
Business casual - blazer or cardigan sweater and a coordinating skirt
Business casual is NOT same as casual attire
A woman’s attire must say that she means business with “authority”
Notes:
While suits are a very important part of business professional attire, they still play a vital role in business casual attire.
Business casual suits may consist of :
a navy blazer and a coordinating skirt or
a cardigan sweater with a white or beige blouse and a coordinating skirt
A commonly made mistake that women make is not recognizing that business casual is different than casual attire.
The way women are dressed still must say that they mean business and say “authority.”

4. Who Cares? A woman must look the part
Appearance may make or break her career
First impression continues to make a lasting impression
Recognize the value of company’s business casual guidelines
Notes:
A woman can have an extreme knowledge of the products and services she represents, but if she doesn’t look the part, she may not have a chance to get through the door.
Many products and services are similar today, what makes the difference is the person representing them. What’s important to remember is the way a woman looks may make or break her career.
The first impression continues to make a lasting impression, especially when a woman is dressed in a business casual mode.
If the organization she represents has a business casual policy, she should recognize the value of following these guidelines. They were meant to assist her in knowing what is appropriate for the environment she is representing.

5. Basics of Business Casual
A classic suit
A navy or black blazer and skirt
A cardigan sweater
A plain white or cream blouse in silk or rayon or a tailored tee
With a light colored jacket or sweater wear a darker colored blouse.
Notes:
If a woman hasn’t already invested in a classic suit, she should begin her business casual dress by making that investment.
A good first investment is a navy or black blazer and skirt.
In addition, a woman should buy a cardigan sweater, which can give a more casual appearance on business casual days.
A plain white or cream blouse in silk or rayon is a great classic basic for business casual. An alternative is a tailored tee.
With a beige or light-colored jacket or sweater, be sure to wear a darker color blouse or tee. It will give that added “presence” in an outfit.

6. Pants and Pantsuits
Pantsuits are great investments on business casual days.
Trousers and a blazer or a cardigan sweater are also appropriate.
Twill pants in black, navy, or khaki are appropriate.
If you are unsure if slacks are appropriate, simply mirror the highest-ranking female in your company.
Notes:
Pantsuits are great investments on business casual days. They allow a professional look, and yet, allow a woman to dress down one notch.
In business casual environments, trousers with a blazer or a cardigan sweater, can give comfort that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Twill pants in black, navy, or khaki are appropriate for a woman’s smart casual environment. They also offer greater comfort on business casual days.
If you are unsure that slacks are appropriate for your business environment, simply mirror the highest-ranking female in your company.

7. Other Choices Basic skirts in black, navy, khaki, or taupe
Skirts should be same length as business professional skirt length or longer
A long skirt makes a feminine statement for business casual
Notes:
Skirts that she already has in her business professional wardrobe.
She may want to add other basic skirts in black, navy, khaki, or taupe. She can then mix and match those skirts with blazers or a cardigan sweater.
In a conservative environment, a business casual skirt length should be the same length as her business professional skirt length or longer.
Sometimes a long skirt can make a feminine statement for business casual days in the office. It also adds another look for a woman’s business casual wardrobe. Remember, when in doubt, mirror the highest-ranking female in the organization.

8. Belts, Shoes, and Hosiery
Coordinate with the other items worn
Classic leather pumps or flats in black, navy, taupe, or burgundy
Hosiery should be the same shade or lighter than shoes and hemline
With short-sleeved jacket or top skin-toned hosiery is a must
Make black, navy, or burgundy handbag and briefcase the smallest size possible to still be functional
Notes:
Just as in business professional, business casual belts, shoes, and hosiery should be compatible or coordinate with the other items that you are wearing.
Classic leather pumps or flats still mean business with tailored looks. They are the best choice for comfort and style. Colors that test best are black, navy, taupe, and burgundy. Comfortable yet well-maintained flats also work well with business trousers and long skirts.
Hosiery is a must. No bare legs, even when a woman has a terrific tan. Follow this rule for wearing hosiery: A woman’s hosiery should be the same shade or lighter than her shoes and hemline.
When wearing a short-sleeved jacket or top, skin-toned hosiery is a must. The reason is because a woman will look balanced by having as much of her legs showing as her arms.
A woman can use a quality shoulder bag or briefcase from her business professional accessories; though, a handbag and briefcase should be the smallest size possible and still be functional. Black, navy and burgundy test very well in business.

9. Jewelry
Jewelry should be the same as business professional--gold-tone or silver jewelry is best
Basic is best--follow the rule of 13
A woman can’t get into trouble being dressed in a simple, elegant manner
Notes:
A woman’s jewelry should be the same as she wears on business professional days. Gold-tone or silver jewelry will add a finishing touch to her outfit and still let people know she means business.
Basic is best. When wearing accessories, she should follow the rule of 13. She should wear a maximum of 13 accessories, which includes glasses, earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, rings (one on each hand), a belt, scarf, ornate buttons, and buckles. If a woman goes much past 13, she is over-accessorized.
A woman can’t get into trouble being dressed in a simple, elegant manner.

10. Hairstyle, Make-up, and Fingernails
Hair should be or give appearance of shoulder length or shorter
Makeup should accentuate features rather than jumping out--eyes and lips important communication tools
Fingernails should be well maintained with subtle polish or the natural look
Notes:
When it comes to fingernails, hairstyle, and make-up, women should realize that they are very important parts of her overall look.
A woman who means business should invest in an easy to maintain hairstyle that will enhance her business casual wardrobe. Her hair length should be shoulder length or shorter or at least give that appearance by being pulled back or up.
Her make-up should accentuate her features rather than jumping out. A woman should recognize that her eyes and lips continue to be important communication tools for her.
On business casual days, a woman’s nails should be as well maintained as they are on business professional days. Subtle polish colors or the natural look work best. Once again, a woman should mirror the highest-ranking woman in her organization.

11. Mistakes in Business Casual Dressing
Dressing too casually
4 of the most commonly made business casual faux pas:
Not wearing hosiery
Wearing a skirt that is too short
Wearing sleeveless or halter tops and see-through blouses
Wearing stretch pants
How to decide what is appropriate
Look good
Dress up a notch
Thinking an outfit inappropriate means it probably is
Notes:
The main mistake that women make when dressing in a business casual mode is dressing too casually.
Here are 4 of the most commonly made business casual faux pas:
Not wearing hosiery in a business environment.
Wearing a skirt that is much shorter in length than she would when dressed in a business professional mode.
Wearing sleeveless or halter tops and see-through blouses.
Wearing stretch pants rather than a tailored pair of slacks.
When a woman is entering a business environment and is unsure if the situation calls for business casual, she should remember she can’t get in trouble looking good.
Dressing up a notch is much better than dressing down a notch. A woman can always take off the jacket; however, she can’t remove a jacket if she hasn’t brought it with her.
If a woman thinks an outfit is inappropriate, it probably is.

12. Don’t wear business casual attire when…
Not yet invested in business casual attire
When talking about salary or a performance appraisal
When unsure of outfit
When outfit is not cleaned or pressed
When unsure about an organization’s dress code on a visit
When interacting with potential clients or international clients
Are jeans appropriate?
When the highest-ranking woman or CEO wears them to work
And, only if they are cleaned, pressed, and in good condition
Notes:
A woman should not wear business casual attire in these situations:
When they have not yet invested in business casual attire.
When scheduled to talk with someone about salary or a performance appraisal.
When she puts on an outfit and wonders if it’s appropriate for work.
When dress down attire is not cleaned or pressed.
When a woman is visiting an organization and wonders what the dress code is at that organization.
When she’s interacting with potential clients or international clients whose dress is business professional.
Jeans are appropriate when:
The highest-ranking woman or CEO wears them to work.
When it’s considered appropriate in an environment, women should make sure that jeans are pressed and in good condition. No matter what she wears with business casual, they should always be well maintained, cleaned and pressed.

13. What Does a Woman’s Personal Appearance Say About Her?
Respect for herself and others
How much attention to detail she has
Interest in professional future
Notes:
A person’s taste in clothes says a lot about the respect she has for herself and the others in her organization.
If a woman is dressed in inappropriate attire, meaning her skirt is too short, she has too many accessories, or her clothes are wrinkled and poorly maintained, people may equate her appearance as a sign that she does not pay attention to detail at work. Why risk the chance of not looking good? Dressing up a notch in a dress down environment will assist women in achieving their professional goals.
A woman can bet her professional future that her appearance does make a difference.

14. Business Professional Dress
Women must look right to get foot in the door
Only suits?
Some companies have unwritten rule for suits only
In other companies, business professional dress can mean suit, dress, pantsuit, or blazer and skirt
Notes:
The first impression in business continues to make a lasting impression. Many women have invested much time and money in a college degree; however, if they don’t look the part, they will not get their foot in the door.
They’ve worked hard to land a position within a company that requires a business professional look. If they’re interested in being taken seriously, they will invest in business professional attire. Investing means paying a price that will produce long-term results. That’s how women should think when building their wardrobe. Buy less, pay more. Buy clothes that have a classic look, are made well, and can be worn the majority of the year.
Some companies have maintained a conservative look. Their unwritten rule is that a suit is to be worn at all times.
In other companies, business professional dress can mean a suit, dress, pantsuit, or a blazer and skirt.
Whether a woman is a traditionalist or fashion-forward, her business wardrobe should be geared to the company she represents or wants to represent or to the business relationship she would like to acquire.

15. Business Professional Basics
Suits in black, navy, gray, and taupe
Brighter colored jackets and skirts from business casual may be blended into business professional
Skirts that are calf-length are appropriate
A blazer and coordinating skirt is appropriate when policy is more relaxed
Long-sleeve classic style dress in a good color
Black, gray, navy, and tan are good color choices--project authority
Avoid floral designs and other prints
Notes:
Suits in black, navy, gray and taupe are very good colors to invest in when beginning a business professional wardrobe.
However, women have a little more leeway than men when dressing professionally. Therefore, if women have brighter colored jackets and skirts in their business casual wardrobe, they can blend those items into their business professional wardrobe.
Skirts that are calf-length remain appropriate.
If a company has a more relaxed attitude about business professional dress, a blazer and coordinating skirt will give a more casual look.
A woman may also consider investing in a long-sleeve classic style dress in a color that looks good on her.
Black, navy, gray, and tan test very well and project a sense of authority.
Clothing consultants recommend that a woman stay away from floral designs and other prints if she wants to project a sense of authority.

16. Wool, gabardine, cotton, and silk
Best fabrics:
Wool, gabardine, cotton, and silk
Man-made fabrics that give the same look—scrunch test
Blouses:
Solid colors
Cream, white, and other muted as well as bright colors
Cotton, silk, and blouses made of man-made fibers that have quality look
Blouses of good quality, styles, and colors
Notes:
The best fabrics for a business professional wardrobe would be:
wool, gabardine, cotton, silk or any fabric that works for you rather than making you work for it.
Also, man-made fabrics that give the look of the above fabrics test very well. One way that a woman can tell if a fabric tests well is by giving it the “scrunch test.” When she releases the fabric, if it wrinkles, she should leave it at the store rather than buying it.
The blouse that a woman chooses to wear with her suits will have a great impact on the total look of the suit.
When building a wardrobe, solid colors are the wisest investments.
When building her wardrobe, a woman should invest in blouses in cream, white, and other muted and bright colors. Most blouse colors test fine in business.
While cotton and silk test the best, women can choose blouses of either synthetic or man-made fibers that have the same quality look as those made of natural fibers.
Women should choose blouses of good quality, styles, and colors that are becoming to her.

17. Belts, Shoes, and Hosiery
Match or be compatible with outfit
Classic leather pumps with closed heel and toe
Black, navy, taupe, and burgundy.
Heels -- 1 ½ to 3 inches high
Hosiery same shade or lighter than shoes and hemline -- Dark hose with same color long-sleeved suit
Accessories—leather, classic, black, navy, taupe, or burgundy
Purse/ briefcase compact and functional--small as possible
Notes:
The belts, shoes, and hosiery that a woman chooses with business professional attire should be those that match or are compatible with the rest of her outfit.
The classic leather pump with closed heel and toe is still the best suited for business.
Recommended colors of shoes include black, navy, taupe, and burgundy. Wearing leather pumps rather than those made of synthetic material will help convey a richer appearance and will allow her feet to feel more comfortable longer.
Heels should measure approximately 1 ½ to 3 inches in height.
When it comes to legs, hosiery is a must in business. Women should follow the rule of wearing hosiery in the same shade or lighter than her shoes and hemline. Dark hosiery can add that finishing touch of class when wearing a suit in a similar color as long as the sleeves are long.
Accessories should also be made of leather.
When a woman buys a handbag, briefcase, or portfolio, she should be sure to purchase classic rather than trendy items. Once again, black, navy, taupe and burgundy are recommended color choices.

18. Jewelry 14 carat gold or sterling silver
Accentuate professional attire
Eliminate a piece when in doubt
Simplicity is key
Follow the rule of 13
No dangling earrings
Classic-style watch with black, gold, or silver-tone band
Notes:
A woman’s taste in jewelry is a true way of saying who she is and the quality that she projects.
She should invest in earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, or pins in 14 carat gold or sterling silver. As she builds her jewelry attire, gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry are great substitutes.
Women need to be sure that their jewelry accentuates their professional attire rather than detracting from it.
When dressing, if she thinks she is wearing too much jewelry, it’s safest to eliminate a piece.
Simplicity is the key.
When in doubt, follow the rule of 13. If a woman has on more than 13 accessories including ornate buttons, that means that she is wearing too many. When wearing rings, a woman should wear no more than one ring on each hand.
And remember, no dangling earrings.
A watch will probably be worn more than any other piece of jewelry. Women should invest in a classic style with a black, gold, or silver-tone band.

19. Hairstyle, Make-up, and Fingernails
Easy to maintain hairstyle
Hair length—appearance of shoulder length or shorter
Make-up--accentuate features
Eyes and lips are important communication tools
Fingernails--well maintained, subtle polish colors or natural look
Eyeglasses
Glasses denote serious/intelligent
Conservative frames
Notes:
A woman who means business should:
invest in an easy to maintain hairstyle that works for her.
Hair length should be shoulder length or shorter, or at least give that appearance by being pulled back or up.
Make-up should accentuate a woman’s features rather than jumping out.
A woman should recognize that her eyes and lips are important communication tolls for her.
Her fingernails should be well maintained with subtle polish colors or a natural look. Mirror the highest-ranking woman in the organization.
Besides being functional, glasses can be a real benefit to women in business.
Studies have shown that, at times, people are taken more seriously when wearing glasses. These studies have shown that people are perceived as more intelligent when wearing glasses than when not wearing them.
When selecting frames, a woman should choose conservative ones if they represent or interact with individuals representing rigid corporate cultures. If work is in a more creative field, a woman may have the freedom to choose more fashion-forward frames.

20. Appropriateness Dress up a notch rather than down a notch
Give extra edge by looking good on her way up ladder
Quality clothes
Investment
Thinking an outfit inappropriate--probably is
Notes:
When a woman is unsure of what is appropriate, or inappropriate, she should dress up a notch rather than going down a notch.
She can’t get in trouble looking good. A woman can always take the jacket off; however, she doesn’t want to be in a situation where she wishes she had put something on before arriving.
Choose to wear quality clothes. A woman should wear high quality, classic clothes that do not date her and will last.
Business professional attire is an investment.
If a woman thinks an outfit is inappropriate, it probably is.

21. What Does a Woman’s Appearance Say About Her?
Respect
Attention to detail
Credibility
Achieve professional goals
Notes:
Respect
Attention to detail
Credibility
Achieve professional goals

22. Business Dress Codes Company manual Dress by and for example
Distributed to potential and present employees
Followed
Enforced
Dress by and for example
Knowledgeable
Sensitive to own industry
Dress the part for the role you play
Notes:
If you are the person who sets your business casual or business professional guidelines, recognize that you will be doing others a favor by incorporating your expectations into a company manual.
Make sure that these guidelines are distributed to potential and present employees.
Let them know that these guidelines are to be followed.
When they are not followed, let your employees know that you mean business by sending people home to change. This action will teach others not to dress inappropriately.
Remember, practice what you preach. The way you and the top leaders in your organization dress will tell others what you really mean.
Being knowledgeable about what is considered appropriate business dress is the key to gaining the edge in business today.
The most important rule is to be sensitive to the industry in which you work.
Dress the part for the role you play.

23. Sources:
What Does Business Casual for Women Mean? What Does Business Professional Dress Mean for Women Today? Ann Marie Sabath, founder of At Ease, Inc.

24. USE: a. Strongly Agree b. Agree c. Disagree d. Strongly Disagree e
USE: a. Strongly Agree b. Agree c. Disagree d. Strongly Disagree e. Don’t Know
EVALUATION QUESTIONS
1. I found the presentation material easy to understand.
2. This discussion session increased my knowledge on the subject presented.
3. I will be able to use some of the information from this discussion session in the future.
4. The presenter was well prepared for this session.
5. This presentation should be repeated in future semesters.