Your clothes express a great deal about the confident, super-achieving professional that you are. Dressing to impress is never more important than when you’re stepping out for a professional rendezvous. Clothes that exude professionalism, control and comfort can go a long way in cementing your image as the perfect power woman who will deliver as she promises. Here are a few tips to dress right and crack that business meeting that will propel your career further:
Suits: A business suit is a great choice as professional attire. It clearly spells out that the meeting is important to you and that you take your career very seriously. A crisp suit in a neutral color with either long pants or a skirt epitomizes seriousness of purpose. Team this up with a collared shirt or a simple shell-top and you’re ready for your climb up the ladder.
Pants: Stick to tailored pants with a crease for an important event. Khaki, twill, and corduroy are good fabric choices. Denims and heavy cotton materials are a strict no no! Try to avoid synthetic fabrics like rayon and polyester blends. Make sure the pants are neatly ironed and are as wrinkle-free as possible. The hem should cover the ankle but not drape to the floor.
Skirt suits: Skirt suits are highly recommended for women. They are classy, stylish yet professional. The right color and material are important but the correct length is most critical. High slits in skirts are never appropriate. If you can’t walk comfortably in a skirt, it is either too small or too tight.
Shoes: Closed-toed pumps in a color that complements the rest of your outfit are an excellent choice for business meetings. Avoid wearing chunky heels, flat soled-shoes, stilettos, or shoes with too much height. Shoes that let you walk comfortably are imperative as they become a demonstration of your professional control. If you walk with difficulty, your client might assume that the clumsiness will show in your work as well!
Wear minimal accessories: Jazzing your look up with accessories that attract too much attention is another taboo. It’s a good idea to wear a classy analog watch. An elegant bag is a must to complete your look. Be sure that everything is muted and sophisticated. Garish and loud can lead to an immediate lack of trust.
Color and Patterns: Conservative colors and fabrics remain a standard in business attire. Dark gray, black or navy-colored pants and suits are the safest bets and embody professionalism like few other hues can.
Avoid color and pattern extremes; Plaids and subtle patterns that appear solid from across a room are conservative and appropriate. Wide stripes and fabrics with a high sheen are too distracting for business meetings.
Other Details: Whatever you wear, make sure that it’s clean and well-appointed. Washed out clothes, creases and unpolished shoes can have a seriously negative impact on the kind of impression you’re making. Having a professional or formal work get-up is necessary as it encourages others to take you seriously.
Cost / Quality: Nobody expects you to flaunt the expensive brands that the CEO across the table may be dressed in. But try to invest in quality that will look right for a business environment. Steer clear of fakes or clothes that show laziness of any kind. If you appear like you paid attention to every detail, the deal is most likely going to be closed in your favour too!
Shop these from Fashion&you
