Business Fashion 101

It’s 7 AM and the clock is ticking. You frantically rummage through your wardrobe, and suddenly a wave of anxiety crashes into your fashion confidence. A hundred and one questions bombard your thoughts. Is that skirt too short? Should I wear a tie? Is that colour unprofessional? After an exhaustive attempt at deciphering the line between business formal and corporate casual, you settle on a black pant suit, hardly content with your decision.

Mulling over what to wear for work should not be this nerve-racking. Although impressing your boss should be a priority, your confidence is only as good as the outfit you’re wearing.

The best way to approach this fashion conundrum is to know what to wear and when.

BUSINESS FORMAL
Interviews are always business formal.

Men are expected to wear a jacket and tie. A crisp, white ironed shirt under a black, charcoal gray or navy suit is the best approach. The tie should be conservative; therefore, avoid distracting patterns.  Solid colours, such as dark blue or red, and subtle patterns, such as lines, are preferred. The jacket’s sleeve should leave half an inch of room for the shirt to be seen. Belts should be a dark colour – brown or black, and should match the shoes.

For women, a dark pantsuit or skirt suit, with simple accessories can leave a lasting impression if the colours are appropriate. Traditional career colours for suits include chocolate brown, navy, gray, red and black, which work well with softer colours, including ivory, pale yellow, ice blue and lilac. A skirt should be knee-length or longer, and if form fitted, should still be loose enough to sit down comfortably. Opt for simple jewelry, such as a pearl necklace, stud earrings or a single bracelet. Jewelry that jangles is very distracting.

BUSINESS CASUAL
A popular misconception is that business casual, or ‘smart’ casual, is just simply casual. Many companies insist on a jacket; however, a tie is not needed. Collared shirts, khakis, and golf shirts are seen as acceptable business casual attire. Women are usually allowed to wear capris, as long as they are tailored and of dress pant material (not denim).

Despite what many employees may think, there is room for bright and bold colours in the business world. A woman can wear a black skirt suit, with red peep-toe pumps, and still look highly professional. Scarves and handbags are another way to add a splash of colour to your business ensemble, as long as they evoke class and elegance. Likewise, make-up should be clean and classic, not overpowering. Wear the make-up; don’t let the make-up wear you.

The safest approach to dressing appropriately for a job is having the Human Resources department send you a copy of the dress code policy, which articulates the company’s seasonal guidelines. If the company does not have a policy and you want to know the difference between business formal, business casual and casual Friday attire, emulate your boss. The best way to project a professional image is to imitate someone in power.