Dressing the Part At Work

Sage advice in the workplace has always been to “dress for the job you want.”  However, with an increasingly business casual culture, the line between business appropriate and a hot mess have been forever blurred.  I’ve had to catch myself a few times in the mirror trying to determine if tall black boots with a particular skirt passes the business appropriate test.  Unfortunately, it is not until you get to the office, and get the once over from a colleague that you figure out you’ve made the wrong call.  And of course, that is the same day your boss calls you in to join an important meeting.  

The College of Business at the University of Missouri offers the following definitions for business casual:

Particularly for women:

• Pants/Skirts: Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored.  If you are in doubt about the industry “standard”, observe women in the industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.
• Skirt Lengths: Often vary from season to season. Avoid extreme trends, especially with short lengths and/or high slits. Before choosing a skirt to wear, sit down in it facing a mirror. Be critical and ask yourself if the image is a person who looks appropriate in a business environment.
• Shirts/Sweaters: In addition to tailored shirts, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women.
• Jewelry/Accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color.
• Cosmetics: Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.
• Shoes: Shoes should be leather or micro-fiber. Regardless of style, avoid extremes. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes.
• Hose: Hose are not essential for business casual, but are recommended with shorter skirts and in more formal environments. Trouser socks or knee-high hose are appropriate with slacks.
• Purse/Bag: A tailored purse is best and one that hangs on your shoulder is often advantageous as it frees your hands for greetings (hand shakes) or holding a beverage. Often, leaving your purse locked in the trunk is preferable if you are uncertain what to do with it.

And let’s not forget, every woman has their  particular accessory to express their individuality (whether worn, tattooed, or pierced).  However, its not for 9 to 5. 

• Emily Post suggests:   “Your best bet is to leave the piercing jewelry at home and cover the tattoos. The fact of the matter is, they can be distracting—which is the last thing you want right now. The focus should be on you, not your body art. Remember: You’re not trying to make a personal statement; you’re trying to get [or keep!] the job.”   Emphasis added.

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