13 Fashion Rules For Every Professional Woman

While people will tell you that dressing in professional attire is just a superficial convention, the truth is that in the workplace, the way you dress signals your attitude towards the company you work for and your position there. It's not always easy to decide what fits into professional attire and what doesn't, but if you follow these rules then you can't go wrong.

Consider The Suit

While suits aren’t appropriate in every workplace, there’s a reason for them. A suit may seem extravagant, but it is actually designed to make the focus less about the clothes. If you have ever wondered why so many professionals across cultures all over the world wear very similar business suits, it is because they don’t want people to focus excessively on what they’re wearing.

Office Scents

Your choice of perfume and the amount you wear should depend on the nature of your workplace. If you are the manager of a warehouse with lots of open space, you might be able to get away with wearing a heavy floral. However, if your office is poorly ventilated, use restraint.

Plain Mug

The coffee mug you use at work probably shouldn’t have anything printed on it. It’s a distraction, and such mugs rarely enhance one’s appearance. The company logo is an exception to this.

Blend In

The way you dress at work should not make you stand out. Looking either sloppy or excessively groomed and fashionable can have this effect. The idea is to blend in and be dressed appropriately for your job so that people focus more on your work and less on your appearance.

Don’t Show Excessive Skin

This rule doesn’t apply only to women. The point of men’s suits, after all, is to cover their bodies so that less attention is drawn to the physique. Keep it classy; you’re at a place of work.

Keep It Traditional

Your outfit could be perfect for work, but if it’s made with the wrong materials then it will only get you negative attention. Leather suits or rubber shoes aren’t meant for the workplace. Look for traditional materials in your work wear.

Subtle Makeup

Don’t wear large amounts of makeup unless you live in a culture where it’s the norm. Like your clothing, your makeup should be conservative so that you won’t stand out from the crowd at work. Try and find the appropriate level.

Don’t Pull Up To The Office Blasting Music

This rule applies to any style of music, including classical. The music coming out of your car is part of your overall appearance and style, and having it blaring from your car can annoy your co-workers.

Be Comfortable

Although appearance is important, it shouldn’t impede your comfort. If you aren’t comfortable, the quality of your work will go down. There are plenty of professional styles, so just find the one that you are most comfortable in.

It Has To Fit Right

While your choice of clothes might be appropriate and comfortable, they might not fit. Perhaps you have recently gained or lost weight. If it’s obvious that certain clothes no longer fit, consider setting them aside for the time being.

Don’t Smoke Outside The Entrance

There’s really little explaining to do here. It just doesn’t look good when people see you outside the front entrance of the office with a cigarette dangling from the corner of your mouth. If you need a smoke break, then go somewhere where your boss is less likely to see you.