Is your attire helping or hurting your reputation as a professional?
When you picture a professional woman, chances are the woman in your mind’s eye meets several criteria. She is sharply dressed, her hair and makeup are tidy, her attire coordinates and fits her perfectly, and above all, she exudes confidence. While there is no set formula to achieve the look of a professional woman, there are several things you can do to ensure you tick most, if not all, of these boxes.
Dress to Flatter Your Figure
One of the best ways to show you mean business when you meet someone for the first time is with your attire. What you wear will depend on your job role, but whatever you do for a living, it’s imperative that your outfit flatters your figure and is well presented if you want to look like a professional woman.
If you have a voluptuous figure, try shirts that offer a looser fit or are semi-fitted for a more tailored silhouette. If you have a pear-shaped figure, you could try a pussy-bow blouse or a shirt with a frill bow to accentuate your figure and your shoulders and neck.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
You won’t regret choosing quality clothes that can stand the test of time. It is often far better to have a small collection of good quality, signature outfits than it is to have a wardrobe full of items you have picked up in various sales and bargain basements. Take care to coordinate your clothes and present them at their best.
A well-pressed blouse always looks good, and a suit from a reputable brand will help your confidence to soar. Above all though, when it comes to confidence, choose clothes which you love and which reflect who you truly are. Only then will you show the self-assurance, certainty and determination that got you where you are today.
Pay Attention to Detail
From your shoes or boots to the accessories you wear in your hair, remember you want to make a positive first impression on those you meet if you want to be seen as a professional woman. The smaller details show you take care of yourself and you invest in your appearance.
Also, if you are able to look neat and tidy every day, those who deal with you regularly will appreciate consistency and reliability. Anyone you meet just once will know at a glance that you are comfortable with who you are.
Consider Your Hair and Makeup
When it comes to your hair and makeup, unless you have time to spend in the salon every day, bear in mind that less is more. Choose a hairstyle that looks good and is low maintenance so you look your best even when you don’t have time to style and straighten your locks. The same goes for fingernails, eyelashes, and makeup. Clean and natural is best and shows other people that you value health and hygiene.
Accessorize with Care
Belts and scarves can transform an outfit, taking it from out-of-date or mediocre to current, bright and sophisticated. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit with glasses, jewellery, and handbags, but do remember that the wrong choice could spoil an otherwise impressive ensemble.
When you dress like a professional woman, you show the world that you have skills and abilities which should and will be recognised. Choose clothes that flatter you, feel comfortable, and make a good impression, while staying true to yourself. That way you show the world you a confident woman that deserves to be treated like the professional that you are.
Catherine Southall is a product specialist at T.M.Lewin. Traditionally a men’s tailoring outfit, T.M.Lewin are making inroads into the realm of women’s workwear, bringing their renowned standards of style and quality into the exciting world of womenswear.
