How To Buy Work Appropriate Outfits

When you join the corporate world, it is inevitable that you will have to change the way you dress, at least for 5 days a week. There is decorum that it being followed by corporate men and women when it comes to what is called power dressing.  It is more or less measured in the cut, the colors, the fit, the length and style of office wear. It is a gauge of your ability to perform well in your job. Of course fashion plays an integral part in choosing office wear, but there are other factors that you have to carefully consider and invisible rules that you have to follow as set by professional image builders and HR practitioners.

Here are some to the tips that can guide you when you choose your work appropriate outfits in business casual, both for men and women.

Pants, Suit Pants, Slacks. Choose dress slacks, pants and suit pants in cotton, wool and other sturdy synthetic fabrics in fine weave. Choose dark colors and styles that you can mix and match. Belted ones are preferred. Pants should fit perfectly and loose enough to allow you to move freely and do not bind and bulge when you sit down.

Blouses, Tops, Jackets and Shirts. Invest in casual shirts, nice-looking fine-knit shirts, turtlenecks, dress shirts and tops for an equal mix of tops for all seasons. Choose neutral and pastel shades that will go well with skirts and pants. Classic construction in tops is preferred. Fine prints and stripes are acceptable. Bold colors may be toned down with a dark jacket. Rich colors like dark blue and navy, dark green, burgundy, dark purple, deep reds are good colors to choose.

Skirted Suits, Dresses and Skirts. The ideal length for skirts is one that reaches just above the knee. It can be in A-line or tapered, with a single slit at the back. Longer skirts mid-calf length can have a side slit that reaches up to the knee to facilitate movement. If you want to wear dresses, avoid those with bold, large and noisy prints.

Shoes.  Closed toe shoes, flats and medium-heeled shoes are acceptable. Choose shoes in leather and in conservative colors. Some nice boots and dress heels that go well with dress pants and formal skirts are also acceptable.

Hosiery. For women, wearing hosiery is a personal choice. When you opt to wear stockings, sheer ones are preferred. The color of the stockings should not be lighter than the color of the skirt. Avoid fishnets and patterned stockings, unless you are working in a creative and artistic industry that allows for self-expression. Same goes for men. Your socks should not contrast with the color of your pants or slacks. Wear dress socks and avoid ankle socks that show a lot of flesh when your pants are hitched.

Ties, Scarves. Choose those in conservative and formal colors. Avoid very wide and printed ties. Scarves are fine for ladies, as long as they are complimentary and stylish and will not hinder you while you work.

Invest in basic corporate colors like black, navy blue and gray for skirts, jackets and pants. You can mix and match them with colored tops. These colors are staples for professionals.