Dress to Impress

Professional Business Attire for Men 

            You need to wear professional business attire for events such as business meetings,

seminars, or interviews. Professional business attire for men consists of:

• A two- or three-buttoned suit: A conservative, two-piece business suit, in natural fiber is the perfect professional attire for men. Fitting is important. If required get it stitched. Sleeves should not be too long. Ideally, they should extend two and a half centimeters past your wrist bone. Similarly, trousers should not be too high or too long. Further, ensure that your trousers are not too tight or too loose. Preferably wear anti-crease material because it always looks fresh. Never select flashy colors. Use colors such as dark navy, charcoal gray,dark brown, or black in pinstripe or solid.
• Collared shirt: A collared, button-down shirt (a shirt having the ends of its collars fastened down by buttons) is an essential part of your professional attire.Ensure that your shirt fits properly around your neck. Tight collars create a bulging effect and increase discomfort. In addition, ensure that the sleeves of your shirt extend a couple of centimeters beyond the sleeves of your coat.
• Silk tie: Silk is the best material for ties. Select a tie that complements your shirt. Choose conservative stripes or soft patterns. In addition, ensure that the design and color of the tie is not gaudy and loud.
• Belt, shoes, and socks: Your belt and shoe color must match. You can buy a medium quality belt but it should look good. However, buy good quality shoes that are conservative, clean, and well-polished. Poor quality shoes can breakyour professional image. Preferably wear shoes with laces. Your socks should be calf-length or above. Further, the color of your socks must match the color of your trousers and not your shoes. Avoid wearing white socks as they are always associated with sports people.
• Appropriate accessories: Your accessories should match your professional attire. Your accessories could include a classic business watch, well-designed cufflinks that complement your attire, a leather briefcase in black or brown, and a good quality pen.

           When you wear professional business attire to formal occasions, you need to consider :

• Ensure that the length of the trouser falls just at the heel of your shoes.
• Ensure that the pleats of the trouser lie flat and do not appear stretched or pulled. 
• Do not load your pockets with too many things. 
• Keep an extra pair of socks in the office desk drawer especially during monsoons.
• Keep a soft fabric sheet in your office desk drawer or in your briefcase so that you can quickly polish your shoes if they appear dull.
• Ensure that the heel of your shoe is less than four and half centimeters high.

   Casual Business Attire for Men

             Casual business attire is worn when you are scheduled to do routine work at your

workplace. The term casual business attire is probably the least understood description

of appropriate business attire at a workplace. Different people interpret the term in

different ways. In addition, every organization has its own definition of casual business

attire. At times, the dress code also varies depending upon the type of industry or work

environment.

            Originally, casual business attire for men consisted of a button-down shirt, casual pants,a blazer or a sweater over the shirt (if required), with an optional tie. The intention was to leave the formal suit and tie look and to provide employees an opportunity to work in a more relaxed, yet professional type of clothing.

             In many organizations, casual business attire has become even more informal, allowing for polo shirts, jeans, and sneakers. While this may be acceptable for businesses that do not require client interaction, it is not acceptable for businesses that require their

employees to deal extensively with clients.

              Although, you wear casual business attire when you are scheduled to do routine work in your workplace, it is a good idea to keep a jacket (short coat) in office so that you can

wear it when some formal work comes up. Casual business attire should also be

complemented with appropriate belt, shoes, socks, and accessories.

             Some other points that need to be considered while wearing casual business attire include:

• Ensure that your tie is conservative and does not bear crazy designs or logos. However, you can avoid wearing a tie with casual attire.
• Never load the jacket or trouser pockets with too many things.
• Do not try out the latest fashion trends.

Professional Business Attire for Women

             When you need to attend a business meeting, seminar, or interview, you need to wear

professional business attire. Professional business attire helps a person create a professional impact, which is necessary in the organizational environment. Therefore,ensure your professional attire consists of:

• A Business or skirt suit: You can wear either a pant or a skirt suit. Ensure that the skirt has a straight cut and fits well. Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. The top should be full sleeved with collars or close necks. The color of the top should complement the color of your skirt/pant and jacket. You should check the fitting of the jacket before wearing it. The fit should be checked when it is buttoned. It should not be tight around your back or chest. 
• Sari: You can wear a sari for formal occasions, such as meeting with corporate clients. Silk or starched cotton saris are generally preferable. Avoid saris with heavy gold/silver borders and large prints. 
• Salwaar kameez: You can also wear salwaar kameez at formal events.However, the salwaar kameez should look professional. It should not be gaudy.
• Footwear and accessories: The accessories should be selected according to the attire. If you are wearing a pant/skirt suit, you should not wear open-toed or backless shoes. A low heel looks more professional than flats or high heels.Use comfortable footwear rather than footwear that conforms to current trends.Do not wear too much jewelry. Carry a leather handbag in black or brown,preferably the same color as your shoes. Avoid overfilling it to maintain the form of the bag.

          When you wear professional business attire to formal occasions, you need to consider the following points:

• Avoid sleeveless tops or those with sequins.
• Ensure that the jacket sleeves are two and half centimeters past your wrist bone when your arms are at your sides.
• Do no load the jacket or trouser pockets with too many things.
• Do not wear sport shoes with formal attire.
• Wear moderate heels and avoid heels over three inches high.

Casual Business Attire for Women

         Every organization has its own definition for casual business attire. You should check the organization’s policy regarding the dress code. Usually, casual business attire for women

includes:

• Salwaar Kameez: Ensure that the kameez fits well. It should be at least knee length. Avoid wearing a kameez that has a low neckline or is sleeveless. The salwaar should not be excessively flared. A dupatta is essential at the workplace and it should not be kept flowing. 
• Sari: You can wear saris too. Ensure that it is draped properly.
• Skirt and top: Prefer navy or black skirt as they provide a classic appearance.The top should complement the skirt. White, cream, or light pastel coloured tops in silk or rayon fabric look good as business casuals.
• Trouser and top: You can wear trousers also. Prefer neutral colors such as black, blue, or gray. Ensure that your top has collars or is close neck. The top should complement the trouser.
• Footwear and accessories: While selecting footwear ensure that it complements the color of the outfit. Neutral colors such as, black, beige, blue,gray, and tan generally work well with most clothes. Avoid footwear in colors such as, red, gold, or silver.Use accessories that complement your professional image. In addition, ensure that your handbag is in proper condition.

Tips on Office Makeup

               Some common office makeup tips are:

• Use light and minimal makeup: You office makeup should be light and natural. Choose makeup colors that are subtle and flatter your skin tone.
• Maintain nails and select subtle polish colors: Your nails should be clean,stain free, and of uniform length. Trim them at regular intervals. You can apply subtle polish colors.
• Apply office makeup in day light: Apply makeup in natural light and not in artificial light of a closed room. Often makeup defects are noticeable under natural light, which get hidden in artificial light.

                Follow the steps to learn applying office makeup:

• Prepare your face: Clean your face using cleansing milk. Apply toner to remove the remaining cleanser and to shrink the pores.
• Apply moisturizer: Before makeup, apply moisturizer that suits your skin type.Massage properly.
• Foundation: You should avoid foundation. However, if your complexion is not smooth then you can wear it. Add some water to the foundation to make it transparent. After applying, pat some powder and use a powder brush to smooth it evenly. In addition, avoid using blusher.
• Eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara: Proper eyeliner is necessary to define the eyes. You can use kajal also. Then you can add some natural shades of eye shadow. If you do not have eye shadow, draw a thin line on top of your eyelids by using kajal. Then soften it by using finger or with a cotton bud. This will provide a smoky effect. Then apply mascara to complete your eye makeup.Avoid using false eye lashes. 
• Lipstick: Apply light or natural long lasting lipstick. To make the lipstick long lasting, use a lip liner. If you do not have lip liner, apply lipstick, dab with a tissue, and apply lipstick again. You can also apply little lip gloss. It goes well with office makeup.
• Finish with compact powder and with mild fragrances: Finish your office makeup by applying compact powder. Select colors that look fresh as office makeup is done in the morning. Apply deodorant or mild body fragrances to keep you smelling nice the whole day.

"  Things to Avoid  "

" For Women "

Women should avoid wearing the following types of clothes to their workplace:

• Tank tops
• Cropped tops
• T-shirts/Tops with slogans or pictures
• Tops with low necklines
• Jeans
• Leggings
• Shorts
• Short skirts
• Cargo skirts
• Jogging outfits
• Capri

Avoid the following :

• Strong or over-powerful fragrances
• Bright color nail polish and makeup
• Body/facial piercing
• Visible tattoos
• Dirty fingernails
• Messy hair
• Danglers
• Jingling bracelets

        Women must also be careful about the colors that they wear to their workplace. They

must avoid wearing outfits that are very bright. Outfits in catchy prints and faded colors

should also be avoided.

In addition, women must avoid wearing the following types of footwear:

• Sandals and flip-flops
• Sneakers
• Hiking boots
• Stiletto heels

" For Men "

Men should avoid wearing the following types of clothes to their workplace:

• 
  
• Tank tops
• Muscle shirts
• T-shirts/Tops with slogans or pictures
• Untucked shirts
• Flannel shirts
• Jeans
• Sweatpants
• Shorts
• Sloppy and oversized trousers
• Cargos
• Jogging outfits
• Earrings
• Heavy chains
• Bracelets

           Men should also be careful about the colors that they wear to their workplace. They

should avoid wearing bright and loud colors. Outfits in catchy prints and faded colors should also be avoided.

In addition, men should avoid wearing the following types of footwear:

• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic tennis shoes
• Hiking boots
• Work boots

Tips on Shopping Business Attire

                  Some common tips while you shop for business attire are:

• Select clothes that you can wear in multiple settings: Buy some clothes that you can wear for both formal and casual occasions. Such clothes are required when you have some casual work in the morning and then a formal meeting in the evening.
• Select neutral and quality items: Buy items that you can match with multiple pairs. For example, a black trouser goes well with many shirts, tops, and jackets.
• Select fabrics that are easy to maintain: Buy fabrics those are easy to maintain, such as linen. Such fabrics are good when you need to travel. Shop for outfits in different fabrics, so that you can wear them according to the situation.
• Make smart purchases: Women should buy three-piece suits so that they can bring variation in their look by alternating between a trouser and skirt. Men can buy two or three professional business outfits and bring variation in their look by changing shirts and ties.
• Do not buy fashionable items: Buy articles that are classic and will never be outdated. Fashionable items often go out of style.
• Plan and make a collection: Do not wait for an occasion to purchase professional business attire. You might need it anytime. Prepare yourself and start making a collection. Look for offers and buy good items at discounted prices.