BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Women's Fashion Corporate Dress??????

I have an interview on Monday with a Consultancy that requires corporate dress.

Exactly what is that for women? I don't actually own the classic "suit" (I just don't have the body shape for it), but I do own several classic skirts and blouses and suit jackets.

My skirts are calf length, my blouses are pretty classic and I have a brown, black and cream suit jacket, as well as a sky blue longline tailored jacket.

I also have "outfits" of skirt & blouse in the same fabric. Should I wear one of these with one of my suit jackets?

Help!

The problem is, most companies have their own definition of "corporate dress". But these guidelines out to work:

Skirt or slacks in neutral colors. Skirts should be knee length or lower, nothing tight (either skirt or slacks).

Although women don't wear ties, collared, button-down shirts are still seen as more professional. Also, it is better to wear the shirt tucked in, rather than wearing one that is meant to be worn outside the waistband. Once again, classic colors work best (probably not lime green or hot orange, LOL!)

Jackets for women are optional, but if you have one that is tailored and looks like a complete outfit - it is more impressive looking.

Nude hose, not colored.

Nice shoes, usually a flat or low heel - not the time for spikes or pumps. Although a tailored boot works well, too.

Jewely should be minimal and classic; no huge dangle earrings.

Minimal to no perfume.

Tattoos should be covered with makeup, makeup should be natural looking. Hair's pretty open - as long as you're not going in with wild colors, mohawks, or 80's hair.

And if you have time to get your nails done, go for a short tipped french manicure - very polished and professional looking.

These suggestions are VERY conservative, you can probably stray outside of them somewhat - but I thought I'd give you the strictest guidelines I'd seen.

Maybe that would be the strictest guidelines I have read. It is important that you act as professional and a person with self confidence.

Some companies can be kind of funny about it - like you HAVE to wear a suit or you are considered underdressed.

_________________________

www.doesmybuttlookbiginthis.com

Post a photo and ask a question about your outfit or personal style. Find out how you really look!

I'd follow BellaHarmony's advice. Best to be as professional-looking as possible. The only thing I'm not sure about is the hose - I would think black would be equally acceptable.

I work for a corporate company and in my earlier career worked in fashion.

Even if you don't have a complete matched suit you can still look corporate if you work with what you have carefully. For example: most everyone owns a pair of basic black dress pants or blazer. Start with that. Black pants, then add a button down shirt in a solid color or a stripe (but not a loud and crazy striped one). Basic black pumps or low heeled shoes work best. If you have a charcoal grey or camel blazer, add that.

To start building a corporate-type wardrobe, start with the basic pieces i.e. pants, blazer, skirt, in neutral colors (black, grey, brown, camel). It also makes sense to invest in quality pieces when buying an everyday handbag or shoes. You will wear these every day so they need to be durable, classic and long lasting.

Hope this helps!

Go with classic tones such as black, gray, or khakis.