bizMe

Many women consider business attire to be boring, stodgy, or even masculine. We are here to break that myth! You can look professional and feminine every day in the office.

As women we have less direction and more rules on what is and isn’t appropriate. The gals at bizMe have covered a long list of Office Fashion No’s and why Sexy is not a corporate look. We agree with all of this advice and want to take it a step further with some of the things you can do.

Some articles of clothing naturally feel more feminine then others, like dresses and skirts for example. To add a professional quality to these ladylike pieces look for structured fabrics, tailored seams, and appropriate hems and necklines.

This first dress takes a traditional plaid pattern and gives it a twist with graphic painted strokes. A slight scoop neck, puff sleeves, and a belted waistline play up your curves without making the look overtly sexy. Our second career look is a sleeveless dress made out of suiting fabric which will layer nicely under a professional blazer or can stand on its own in business casual offices. This style features a skinny belt which enhances the polished feel of the dress. And then, the timeless wrap dress– versatile and easy enough for casual days at the office. We recommend wearing a demi-cami underneath to keep your look office appropriate.

On the other end of the spectrum, blazers are considered very professional. Tailoring is the most important feature and this look can be made more feminine with softer fabrics and pleat or ruffle details. A nipped in waist will show off your curves in a very professional way. This first jacket has subtle pleats on the patch pockets and princess seams giving the perfect touch to this otherwise traditional styling. Instead of black, tan, or charcoal, try pink tweed with three quarter sleeves and one button closure.

As recently noted in The New York Times, Dressing for Success is New Again (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/fashion/17CODES.html?pagewanted=1&8dpc&_r=3). The rise of AMC TV series “Mad Men” has made dressing up fashionable. While The New York Times article focused on menswear, this show has also inspired many womenswear trends. With an easy femininity, ruffled blouses look chic layered under jackets and pencil skirts feel pulled together and professional. Adding peep toe pumps completes the look for any career minded dame.

A New Year is upon us and while you are fine tuning your resolutions, take some time to consider your professional image. Are you dressing to impress every day at the office? We want you to usher in 2010 looking professional, feminine, and chic and we are here to show you how. Follow our tips and get your look right every time!