Professional Dress for Women

CONTENTS

INTRO

BASICS

CORE WARDROBE

HOW TO BEGIN

4

5

8

11

“Over the years I have learned that what is important

in a dress is the woman who is

wearing it.”

~ Yves Saint Laurent

INTROYour professional appearance plays a large role in how you are perceived. However disconcerting it may be, the fact remains that how you look influences how others view you and how you are treated. It may even determine the jobs you get or the salary you command.

Seems unfair, doesn’t it? But looked at from a different angle, it presents a great opportunity that may actually give you the power to influence others. What if you could take charge of a room or a situation with confidence purely based on your flawless professional attire? When you can command attention the moment you walk into a networking event or a job interview, you hold power that few ever experience, since not everyone takes the time to create their persona.

What if I told you that by the end of this short guide, you will have the baseline knowledge to enhance your overall personal and professional game? Would you take the time to read and invest in yourself? If you answered yes, then get ready.

In putting this guide together, we have worked with award-winning consultant, Misbah Khatri, who provides insight on how to improve your professional dress and enhance your image in ways you never thought possible.

The following sections will cover the basics, your core wardrobe, and practical advice on how to get started, based on first-hand experience.

Topics will include:

• Your best accessory• The importance of fit• Getting to know your tailor• Your core wardrobe• Do’s and dont’s• Where to find great items

Let’s dive right in.

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1BASICS

Your Best Accessory

The first and most important item to think about when developing your professional appearance is not a piece of clothing, but a state of mind. Confidence is your single greatest accessory and will make you stand out above everything else.

Before you step into a networking event, interview, or client site, you want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. The clothes you wear do influence your state of mind, so if an outfit doesn’t make you feel and look confident, don’t wear it.

Opt instead for those “confidence items” - your favorite pair of shoes, that stellar jacket, or something else in your wardrobe that makes you feel like you can conquer the world! If you don’t own one of those, it may be time to go shopping! If you do own a “confidence item”, assuming it is work-appropriate, make sure to wear it to that important meeting. Misbah travels weekly for work and will routinely bring her “confidence shoes” even if she is not wearing them that week, because, you never know.

The key is to project an aura of professionalism that begins with your inner confidence. Once you have that, the rest is easy.

The Importance of Fit

While confidence is the most important aspect of professional dress, a close second is fit.

In fact, fit has a direct impact on how confident you feel. Ill-fitting clothes convey the wrong message in a professional environment and can be distracting. Something so seemingly inconsequential could keep you from being taken seriously at the workplace or in an

interview. There is a reason executives wear tailored suits!

That’s not to say that you need to spend gobs of money on expensive tailoring to find professional success. It simply takes a little time and understanding of your body type as you are building your core wardrobe (which we will cover in our second section).

The hardest part of building a professional wardrobe is figuring out your style, size, fit, and cut. What compounds this issue is that no store is the same. You need to take the time to determine which stores will work best for you.

There is good news, however! Many stores, ex: J. Crew, have dedicated staff members to help you identify the best fit or the ideal tailoring for your body type.

Once you know your style, size, fit, and cut you have more options. You will be able to buy well-fitting clothes off the rack. Even if they aren’t perfect, you can now go to a tailor and have them fitted to your exact specifications.

Speaking of a tailor, they should be at the center of your professional support system. Tailors are vital for your success. Ask for recommendations from people you believe have great style - odds are, they also have an amazing tailor.

The importance of fit goes way beyond just tailored clothes. Your fit must be pristine in all aspects, from your hair, makeup, and outfit, to your accessories, and your shoes. Therefore, your professional support system should also include a hairdresser you like and a makeup artist who can assist you with your style.

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Now, it’s easy to understand that most of us cannot afford an entourage filled with personal stylists and hairdressers. But that’s when you get creative and turn to the wide array of resources available on the internet. These include fashion blogs as well as hair and makeup tutorials on YouTube. The list is endless, but we have shortlisted a few you should follow at the bottom of this guide.

All items should create a total package of professionalism, style, and elegance.

It will take time and money to round out your system, but think of it as an investment that is worth making. The fact is that when you walk into an interview, client site, or even a happy hour, you are being judged on your appearance. We live in a world where perception is reality, so how do you want to be perceived?

Are you going to be the person who owns the room and gets the great job you deserve? Or are you the person wearing the outfit which should be reserved for the club and is only remembered negatively despite your accomplishments?

Maximize Your Fashion Icons

After reading the above sections, you might be thinking: this is all great but what if I don’t have a specific “style?” That’s a reasonable question, and thankfully, one we have an answer to.

Who do you consider a fashion icon? Coco Chanel, Jackie O, Michelle Obama, others?

When you are first starting to build your personal brand, it’s perfectly fine to emulate others. Search online for individuals with a fashion sense that inspires you. Those are the people you want to resemble. Follow them online and start to notice trends.

What do they wear?

On a more personal level, who in your daily life has great fashion sense? Is it a friend, a colleague, or someone you see routinely? Ask for advice on where they shop and how they put an outfit together. These questions will give you a jumping off point to start building your core wardrobe.

“You can have anything you want if you dress for it.”

~ Edith Head

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2CORE WARDROBE

Your Core Wardrobe

Now that we have the basics down, we can move on to building your core wardrobe. A killer closet full of foundational items can set you on the path to conquering the business world.

If you are just starting your professional career, your wardrobe may not consist of those essential items. Perhaps you are just starting business school or were previously in an industry where your daily outfit consisted of a lab coat, overalls, or even sweatpants. Before becoming a successful consultant, Misbah was in a lab daily, where a lab coat was a must and heels or other accessories were safety hazards.

Whatever the case, if you are embarking on a new career or simply stepping up your game at your current one, it is time to look in your closet and make sure you have the fundamentals of a pristine core wardrobe.

Keep in mind that your core wardrobe is an investment in you, which means you should take the time to really understand your style before spending money. The previous section deliberately described your style, size, fit, and cut first because it is vital to have a good understanding of those elements before making a purchase.

Now, let’s look at the basics to set the standard for your style.

• Black pants: These are essential and should be made of good wool.

• Navy pants: Wear with items that don’t match the black pants.

• White button-down shirt: A crisp cotton shirt that works well by itself but can also be layered with other items. This should be a

• staple for professional events/clients.• White blouse: Keep it professional. Blouses are generally made of thinner materials, which may be see-through, so be mindful of that.

• 3-4 blouses: Have some in solid colors as well as some with patterns. The key is to exude professionalism.

• Fun blouse: You can express yourself! It’s not necessary to only wear dark or monochromatic colors.

• Well-fitted blazer: A blazer can immediately elevate an outfit and can work with both professional and casual pieces.

• Neutral cardigan: A cardigan in the Fall or Winter is a necessity. It is also handy if you are not sure whether that sleeveless blouse underneath is adherent to the company dress code.

• Trench coat: Find a coat that is suitable to your climate, and one that is the right length.

• Pencil skirt: Being a woman in a male-dominated industry doesn’t mean you hide your femininity. You can be elegant and a shark at the same time!

• Black flats: Your go-to shoe for work.• Black and nude heels: Make sure these are comfortable. If you find one that works well, purchase multiple pairs in different colors.

As a rule, always be aware of the company or event dress code. If you’re unsure of it, err on the side of caution and avoid open-toed shoes and sleeveless attire.

Your clothing is the foundation, but don’t leave out those accessories. These are the items that can give you that extra boost of confidence and take your style to the next level.

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Your Core Accessories

Let’s look at the basics of accessories.

Professional bag: This is one of your key accessories and therefore, it is important that you get it right. Opt for a structured leather or canvas bag which can hold your laptop but isn’t a piece of luggage. It’s always best to go with traditional colors like beige or black, and classic patterns that aren’t loud or distracting. White can get easily stained/worn and may start to look unprofessional over time. Also, this is huge - when it comes to all of your accessories, keep your audience in mind. If you are a consultant walking into a client site in oil and gas, leave the $3,000 bag at home as people are worried about their jobs. Be aware of where you are going and what will represent you and your company best.

Belts: Choose quality leather belts that match your pants and shoes. If your pants have belt loops, then you should wear a belt to look complete. Misbah explained the importance of details. As you move higher up in a company or industry, people will be looking at you to see if you are detail-oriented. If you forget to wear a belt, will you forget something vital on an important project?

Jewelry: Keep it simple and don’t be distracting. If your items make a lot of noise, don’t wear them. There is a right and wrong place for that statement necklace, so keep your audience in mind. Simple jewelry can go a long way in completing your look.

Perfume: Again, simplicity is your goal - less is more. If people can smell you coming and going you are using too much.

The above items constitute your basics. Over time you will add to your wardrobe and develop a style that is unique to you, but you first need a solid foundation to set a standard of excellence.

As you are building your core wardrobe, think of these items as long-term investments. These are not items you buy out of whim, wear once, and then relegate to the back of your closet. These are pieces that are timeless and should be carefully selected to build your professional presence. They should be of high quality and cared for properly. As with everything else in your career, when it comes to your wardrobe, set your goals high and achieve them through hard work and dedication.

So now that your goals are set, how do you go about acquiring these core elements of your wardrobe? In the final section, Misbah pulls all the advice together to help you get started. We will look at where to shop, how to score amazing deals, and even consider some elements you may not have given much weight to previously.

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3HOW TO BEGIN

Getting Started and Where to Shop

Projecting confidence, having a fantastic tailor, and planning for the core items for your closet are essential. Yet, to finalize your professional persona you will need to know where to shop.

Getting Started

Your starting point will be different depending on where you are in life.

• If you are a student, start by dressing up for class. This doesn’t have to be business formal - business casual will suffice, but nothing lower.

• If you are looking for a job, make sure to dress professionally each day, even if you are just running errands. Most of all, resist the temptation to stay in your pajamas even if you’re home all day.

• If you are trying to elevate your career, as cliche as it sounds, make sure to dress for the role you desire. After all, it starts with your state of mind.

Your goal is to be comfortable in business clothes and carry it off with confidence. Too many people think they can immediately “turn it on” for an interview, but if you haven’t been in the habit of dressing professionally, it can be a challenge to suddenly make the transition from everyday casual attire. Having a great sense of style requires practice and is not something that happens overnight, which is why you should start now.

The image you project at interviews, networking events, and client meetings should simply be an extension of who you are and one that matches your talents abilities, so be ready to present your best self at a moment’s notice.

Where to Shop

Onto the fun part - shopping!

Misbah recommends shortlisting a diverse group of stores for varying needs. With a new store that she may not be sure about, she starts by watching who is going in and out and looks for people with a similar style to her. If you are a young professional around the age of 25, you will most likely want to avoid a store filled with shoppers who look like 50-year old executives and vice versa. She also recommends speaking with store attendants who may be able to help you find the right pieces.

Your best bet is to begin with trying out multiple stores in various categories. Over time, as you start to get a better sense of your unique style, you will be able to narrow down the list to just a select few. Here are some to start with:

Department & Chain Stores:

• H&M, Ann Taylor, and The Loft: Three stores where you can find the basics needed for your style.

• Banana Republic: Most of the stores have employees who are more than happy to help you. This would be an ideal start for when you are defining your style, fit, and cut. The store also offers petite sizes, which is a definite plus.

• Zara: A good place to start, but make sure to opt for the more professional pieces as opposed to the trendy ones.

• J. Crew: A great store to fill out your core wardrobe, also offers a student discount.

• Brooks Brothers: These items might be more expensive, but view them as pieces for long-term use.

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• Forever 21: This is where Misbah was slightly embarrassed. She confessed to shopping here, but only rarely and specifically for pure textile pieces. If she finds a real silk shirt she will buy it.

• Charlotte Russe: Another store which will have pure cotton or silk, but be judicious in your selection.

• Francesca’s & Target: These are perfect for accessories.

Local Boutiques:

• There are several small, independent retailers in any given city that carry many of the essentials for your core wardrobe. Misbah recommends local Houston favorite, Wish.

Budget-friendly Stores:

• Thrift stores and consignment stores such as Buffalo Exchange & Salvation Army offer incredible savings, but it will take time and effort to find great pieces - another reason to start now!

• Outlet stores for high-end names such as Nordstroms (Nordstrom Rack) & Saks Fifth Avenue (Saks Off Fifth) are also highly recommended. Just make sure to look for the store brand and not the outlet brand - there is a difference.

The above stores will easily help you set the right foundation for your new wardrobe. However, there is another essential component to your professional style that we haven’t covered yet. It is a topic which needs to be addressed but isn’t spoken about often - your intimates.

Having the right fit and style for your intimates is absolutely essential to completing your look. Get it wrong, and you could draw a lot of unwanted attention, which is the last thing you

want in a professional environment. Some tips to keep in mind are:

• Visit a store that specializes in intimates such as Victoria’s Secret to get measured for your correct bra size. Then, ask an attendant to help you pick out the right items.

• Always have a pair of nude underwear - one that matches your skin tone.

• Have at least one convertible bra that allows you to vary the position of the straps to match the style of top or dress you’re wearing. Bra straps should never be visible.

• Similarly, make sure to find the right underwear to go with various styles of pants, skirts, or dresses. With tight-fitting clothes, you will want to make sure your underwear doesn’t leave a silhouette.

• When buying stockings, it’s best to stay away from patterns or bold colors. Classic, solid colors, or nude tones as well as transparent styles are always a safe choice. Stay away from those fishnets!

• Like with anything else, don’t forget to buy yourself something nice that is just for you. It’s always a treat to wear something sexy that makes you feel empowered and on top of the world. In fact, add this to your list of “confidence items” mentioned earlier.

Summary

We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of how to create your professional persona. While there is no substitute for hard work and competence at the job, your professional style should be a reflection of your skills and dedication. A good fashion sense alone will not take you far (unless you work in the fashion industry), but it can certainly help you get noticed for the right reasons and elevate your career.

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As a woman, it may feel like the odds are stacked against you at the workplace, especially in a male-dominated industry where the “old boys club” mentality is alive and well. However, it is possible to succeed on your own terms and be a boss while maintaining a level of femininity.

For Misbah, the idea of investing the time and having a certain level of awareness and pride around her wardrobe spread to other aspects of her work life. It eventually helped shape her professional identity, which led to her becoming a successful consultant.

At BizLatte, we believe that you are in control of your life and have the ability to do great things. Ask yourself this - who do you want to be? The person who puts time and effort into their professional self to reach incredible heights or someone who settles for mediocrity and makes excuses for why they are not where they want to be?

The choice is yours.

Extra Resources

For your convenience, we’ve shortlisted some bloggers and YouTubers to follow for fashion, hair, and makeup inspiration.

Fashion Blogs:

• 9to5Chic• Extra Petite• Wendy’s Lookbook• The Small Things

YouTubers:

• Kathleen Lights• Marianna Hewitt

Share your Success Stories

At BizLatte, we’re committed to elevating others around us, and we’d love to see how you’re coming along in creating your professional persona, so feel free to share your pictures with us through Instagram or Twitter using #BizLatte.

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About Misbah

A special thank you to Misbah Khatri for allowing us to interview her and for all the amazing advice she has selflessly given. As a young woman, still in her twenties, her spirit and her list of accomplishments are truly awe-inspiring.

Misbah is a consultant at Alvarez & Marsal, which she joined after completing her MBA at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business. While at Bauer, Misbah served as president of the UofH National Association of Women MBA’s (NAWMBA) chapter and was named Outstanding Student for her academic and extracurricular achievements.

One thing that is apparent about Misbah is her sense of style. She owns the room when she walks in and is always put together professionally. Therefore, when we at BizLatte were searching for someone to provide advice on professional dress for women, she was the natural choice.

Thank you Misbah for challenging me and providing the information for this guide.

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