We hear it all the time, “you have to dress for success” if you want to make it in this world. Typically, one would assume it is obvious what this phrase is telling us to do. Often times professionals say that you should dress for the job you wish to have.
Professional dress codes are a major part of the big world of careers. You will find people in the business world dressed for success when they are going on interviews, giving presentations and just on the job. Her Campus IUP is here to help you decipher what is acceptable in the workplace as opposed to what will more than likely get your name crossed off the potential hire list.
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If You Mean Business
When we look at movies like Miss Congeniality or the classic Working Girl, the female leads can usually be seen wearing pant suits. You really can’t go wrong sporting a matching top and bottom set on your way to an interview or to work if you already hold a position. As long as the suit is not too flashy, with too many colors and patterns, it is beneficial for you to wear this getup. A woman wearing a pant suit really shows Human Resource managers that you mean business and will be serious about the work you do for the company. Pick out your simplest design and strut your stuff.
(Buy the Express suit shown here!)
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If Pants Just Aren’t Your Thing
There are so many girls in the world who express their disdain for wearing pants for some strange reason. If you are one of those girls who fit into this category, there is still hope for you. When it comes to dressing for success, wearing a pant suit is not the only option. Many females prefer to wear skirts instead as it allows them to display their femininity while still showing the men how it’s done. The best skirt for the office would be the pencil skirt as it is sleek enough to play up any top, while it also keeps you completely covered up. Avoid wearing miniskirts and minidresses at all costs. There is no place for flaunting your stuff in the workplace. It is inappropriate no matter the circumstances. You need to continue to be professional if you want to be taken seriously in the business world.
(Buy the J.Crew Pencil skirt shown here!)
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If You Want to Be Fashionable
The most common outfits women are seen wearing in business environments are the ones they mix and match themselves. For instance, grab your favorite pair of black slacks and pair it with a cute short-sleeve coral button down. Mixing and matching these different outfits will not only allow you to maintain your professional image in your workplace, but it may also grant you a few compliments from your co-workers (and who doesn’t love compliments?). However, you have to remember not to try to get too crazy with mixing and matching your pieces. No one around the office will take you too seriously if you look like you spend all of your time trying to look like a Forever 21 mannequin. Be original, but remain professional.
(100% Thrifted outfit shown. Spotted at Style.Spot.Run. Go here for more inspiration!)
Here at Her Campus IUP, we believe that dressing for success can range from pant suits to pencil skirts to slacks. The fate of your future can be in your closet; so grab that blazer, leave those jeans alone and be professional!
Images Courtesy of:
Polyvore
Express
J.Crew
Style.Spot.Run.