I've had several years of having to dress in business formal attire and I know what works and what doesn't. High-school and college students seem to have a problem with this. For as many times as we've heard buy a blazer and some suit pants, girls seem to think that lycra skirts are still acceptable and guys think that their suit pants should still sag. STOP.
I recently attended a DECA Marketing conference and had to give several presentations during midterms during the past weeks. (my excuses for not posting, sorry.) Let me just recount some of my experiences
- Pantyhose are still acceptable and preferred. Let me be clear, everyone's legs look better with pantyhose. That's what they're for. And if you look at pantyhose as another accessory, they are just one more great addition to your outfit. And a note about fishnets... I have no problem with fishnets, as long as they are tastefully black or nude and not extremely noticeable. Unless, you are role-playing a sexy secretary, big-ole fishnets are not cool.
- Closed toe shoes are a must. This isn't time for a summer picnic where you wear your platform sandals. Pumps are the most appropriate. And I know the question will arise, what about a peep toe??? Well, okay fine. Wear the peep-toe, but in all honesty, that went out of style like 2 years ago.
- Guys, patterned shirts are your new best friend. Wear a checkered print or a gingham, mix and match with paisley or other prints. You really can't go wrong unless it's flannel or wrinkled.
- Speaking of button-down shirts... Ladies, denim shirts do NOT count as a button down business shirt. I know they were all the rage the past two years, but they still are not business wear. Pick something that covers and that will suffice. Nothing with words or phrases on it either.
- Lycra skirts are not business wear! Wear those to the club all you want but your skirt should hit only a few inches above the knee! Not a few inches below your butt. Again, if you want to role-play the sexy secretary with your sig other go for it, just don't actually think that you can wear that.
- DO wear nice jewelry. Pearls are a favorite of mine. They go with almost everything and will always have a prestigious aire to them.
- Mix it up. Pants suits serve a purpose, but mix it up from time to time with bright shirts, long skirts, brightly colored pumps (not all at once) will show you're confident, appropriate, and well dressed.
Below I have a picture of an outfit that I used to judge at the conference. The skirt is mid calf length with a slit up to the knee in the back. It with the Tommy Hilfiger shirt are a perfect combo of traditional and out of the ordinary for a business outfit. You can hype this look on Lookbook! Besos!
