Business class
Projecting the right corporate image is important. Suits,
trousers, skirts and shirts, all figure in a day’s business
Getting dressed for the office doesn't mean leaving your personal style behind! It’s important to find out what gives you a polished, professional look and which fashion trends can be a career killer,’’ say Mumbai based sister-duo designers Riddhi and Siddhi of Mapxencar.
With an increasing number of women going professional, and entering the male bastion of the corporate world, it becomes imperative to dress well to impress and make a statement. Creating the right corporate image, can be daunting, especially for those who come from a conservative family background.
Says Kolkata-based designer Jaya Rathore, “Professional women have to look powerful, graceful and be elegant at the same time. The right professional and coordinated image can make a huge difference when it comes to creating an impression.’’
Every individual needs to decide on her own style, range of colours to wear, fabrics, length and fit. The first thing to remember is that one has to be comfortable in what one wears. One should be more concerned about looking professional rather than cute or trendy. There is no point in wearing a skirt, if one isn’t relaxed in it. The next best option would be to go for the trouser-shirt-jacket route. Most MNCs insist on their employees going the trouser-shirt-jacket way.
As Rathore elaborates, “Trousers are an ideal combination to wear in a corporate office. Middies also look good during meetings. Also a nice shirt with a formal skirt is very corporate. Suits can also be a good option.’’
When you feel confident about your attire, you are likely to look good and that poise is likely to win you battles at top-level meetings and discussions. Always select colours and styles that suit your personality and body type. What may have looked good on filmstars Bipasha Basu in the film Corporate or on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Sarkar Raj may not look good on you. Or for that matter, what might suit your boss, the CEO, who may be in her mid-40s or early 50’s, may certainly not look right on you. So be selective.
Remember not to wear very flashy clothes or ultra colourful stuff. Additionally, you have to keep your neckline from plunging. Revealing is a definite no-no! Loose fitting clothes for office wear don't look appropriate, and when you have to work for long hours, you should wear something in which you are comfortable. Body hugging clothes sometimes suffocate the person. The best thing is to wear what fits you snug and suits you nice. Use conservative business suit or dress made up of natural or woven-blend fabric in a soft colour complementing your skin -- blue, navy, gray, beige, tan, brown, white, cream, and of course black.
According to Rathore, cotton and linen are great for coastal areas like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. At other places, fabrics like linen, georgette or a mix of both are in trend. Synthetic and net can also be a good option.
The Mapxencar duo says, `` Traditional career colours include red, navy, gray and black. Most of these colours work well in pantsuits, skirts and shoes. You can mix and match these with softer feminine colours like ice blue, lilac, soft pink and ivory. Loud colours like hot pink and wild prints are much riskier in the office, but some creative types can still pull them off.’’
And there is absolutely nothing wrong if you wear a sari. Just see that you wear a sober sari, draped properly with pins holding back the pallav properly. Don’t let the pallav trail or fall and don’t wear net or see-through saris. A good handloom or a silk draped well with pearl single stand neckpiece and pearl studs in the ears with a good watch will look great!
Talking about the accompanying accessories, the sister duo says, “Jewellery that jangles (chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles) is distracting. So go for stud earrings or single bracelets. Slouchy handbags look sloppy. Opt for structured styles that project an organised image. Bags with bold prints, logos or bright colours should be avoided completely.’’
Opines Rathore, “Lightweight accessories like pearl earrings, a simple neck chain with a small pendant, a ring, a bracelet and a nice wrist watch helps a woman to make a better impression as it shows how much you value time in life.’’
At the end of the day remember you have to win and impress not only your boss but also the clients. Be your own judge and dress well.
