April 2003 Newsletter

Dressing -Casual in Business and Flirty after Five

This month I am going to focus on the second level of Business Casual dressing. That is Business Casual – Smart. As a professional Image Consultant I am often asked by business clients for tips to make their everyday business dressing simpler. The guidelines to business dressing in this article should help you understand what is required when you are expected to wear business style clothes and your job description includes the words, creative, accessible, team player, original and friendly.

I am also going to discuss with you some tips to formal dress codes. Formal Dressing can be a dangerous arena when you don’t know whether to wear your long dress, your little black dress or if pants are acceptable. In this issue I will cover what is generally meant by the terms Cocktail Dress, After five dressing and Lounge suit.

BUSINESS CASUAL SMART DRESSING

This whole style hinges on a two-piece outfit. By adding a jacket you will be raising the level of dressiness you are presenting.

WOMEN
Jackets-Unlined, unconstructed, can be short or have 3/4 length sleeves.
Skirts - Short (no more than two centimetres above the knee) or long.
Pants – Solid or patterned in khaki, linen, silk blend, corduroy, wool (light to medium weight) wool blends or microfiber.
Tops - Blouses or knitted tops, twin and cardigans, long or short sleeves or polo shirts.
Dresses- May be plain, floral or knitted.
Jumpers - Lightweight turtleneck, v-neck, cardigan or crew neck.
Shorts- Walking shorts to the knee but only with a blazer.
Shoes- Leather pumps or trouser shoes in a thin to thick sole. Flat, low or stacked heels
are acceptable or as are loafers in a smooth or embossed suede.
Hosiery-Trouser socks in either solid colour or pattern. Sheer or opaque tights coloured
to match the hemline or shoe.
Scarves-Bright and bold
Watch-Gold or silver face, metal or leather band
Brooches/Necklaces-Of a medium-size in a matt finish gold or silver, craft designs of
ceramic, beads or ethnic motif.
Earrings-Hoops, short, dangle or drop in a gold or silver matt finish.

Ideal fabrics-Light to medium-heavy weight, loosely woven fabrics with some texture.
Wool crepe, wool, flannel, twill, linen blends, raw silk or corduroy.
Prints-All patterns and designs will work as long as they're no larger than a dollar note
folded in half.

MEN
*Two Piece Outfits Collared shirt with optional tie

Shirts- Must have a collar, long or short sleeves, polo shirts, t-shirts worn under
shirts as long as it is not white.
Pants – Khaki, chino, linen, silk blend, corduroy or wool (light to medium
weight). Cuffed or uncuffed.
Jumpers-Turtleneck, v-neck, cardigan, crew neck and vest.
Shoes-Thin to medium leather or rubber sole. Loafer in leather or suede.
Socks-Coloured, bold or argyle
Ties-Bright and bold
Belts-Embossed leather, calfskin or reptile
Watch-Gold or silver face, metal or leather band

Making it work-The smart-casual outfit does not require a jacket or a tie.
It is simply pants and collared shirt.
Co-ordinate clothing and accessories with similar colour and
texture.

Overall impression-accessible, friendly, team player, original, competent and
creative.

When it works best-Internal meetings
Informal relaxed atmospheres,
Conferences and training sessions,
Exhibiting at a trade show
And to the company picnic.

FORMAL DRESSING

Cocktail/After Five/ Lounge Suit

For a woman this event can be a lot of fun to dress for. If this is a business occasion and not a party with friends that you are attending after work then it is safest to wear Traditional Business or Classic Business Casual attire. Before you attend you may want to put on a strappier shoe, jazz up you jewellery and deepen your make-up. The LBD (little black dress) is also appropriate. Wear it with some fun strappy shoes, glitzy jewellery, a great wrap and you are set for the evening.
Once again, remember, if this is a business event you don’t want your clothing too revealing but if it is social, with friends, you can let yourself go. Pull out your little glitzy cocktail dresses; sequins can be worn and very rich colours. It is not a formal occasion so floor length is not required for this occasion. A small clutch bag is also a great accessory.

For the men if this is a business occasion and not a party with friends then it is safest to wear traditional business attire. A dark jacket with trousers, a business shirt and tie. If the occasion is more social then you could dress in smart business casual attire.

If you are ever in doubt call your host and ask them. I have been to some occasions where it has stated Lounge suit yet the host did not want to wear a suit or tie so it was explained you could really just come in smart casual. It pays to ask.

Before I sign off this month I wanted to remind everyone that with the start of a new season it is a great time to go through your wardrobe and give it a really good once over. If you can’t remember what to do or the thought of going through your closet sends chills up your spine you might like to read my November 2002 article – Spring into Spring.

I hope you have enjoyed this issue of the Corporate Confidence newsletter. Next month I will focus on Business Casual relaxed. It is the most casual way to dress but that doesn’t have to mean sloppy and I will discuss further what the other formal dress codes are.

Once again please don’t keep me a secret and share this newsletter with your friends.

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