Summertime Wardrobe Tips for the Well Dressed Businesswoman

You are developing a successful career and everyone would agree that you should command the respect that you deserve. But as most of us know, it is a fact of doing business that respect does not only depend on how good you are at your job, but how you present yourself. The clothes you wear and how you look convey unspoken messages especially during that critical first meeting where first impressions can set the stage for subsequent business interactions. Here are a few tips that will help you look business-like at work in the summertime.

In general, aim for a few good quality pieces and wear them often, rather than a lot of cheaper pieces. It is more important to look neat, elegant and well put together than to sport a different look every day of the month. Wearing the same outfit once a week is perfectly acceptable so that having five put together outfits is all it takes. Choosing pieces that can be mixed and matched will enable you to stretch those five outfits into many more, providing flexibility and creativity in dressing.

Clothing

In summer, it is important to look cool yet business-like. You will want to synchronize your style with the business culture of your organization. Perhaps the atmosphere is quite formal as in law firms. Then it is important to wear more formal attire like suits. Here, you may want to focus your wardrobe on light colored suits made out of quality materials with structure in the jacket so that it hangs well and is flattering. Make sure that your attire is consistent with any existing dress code.

If the company is more laid back, you will want to dress in business casual for most circumstances during the summer. Pants, skirts and dresses with a jacket with short sleeves or at three quarter length exposes a bit of skin so that you look cool and casual, yet well dressed.

Clothing should be made of good quality fabrics that do not easily wrinkle and look refined. Linen, though a nice lightweight fabric, can be high maintenance if chosen for skirts, pants and shirts since it wrinkles easily. If choosing linen, limit it to well constructed jackets and other articles that will not wrinkle . The same goes for cotton. It is better to choose blends of these fabrics that are almost wrinkle free. But do not choose fabrics that look like polyester. They look too casual and cheap.

Keep a couple a versatile jackets in your wardrobe that can be worn either as part of an outfit or can be thrown over another outfit. A well structured, flattering jacket can make anyone look well dressed no matter the body type or age. A neutral colored jacket can go with just about anything like beige. Black is also workable but must look and feel cool and breezy. White is also a good color but not everyone can wear white and, surprisingly, white does not necessarily go with everything.

Accessories

Accessories like jewelry, handbags, and shoes are so important to finishing the look of the outfit. Always wear some form of jewelry. These should be investment pieces that can turn any outfit into a polished business look. Rather than buying a lot of inexpensive pieces, save your money and buy a few pieces made of good quality, natural materials such as precious metals, wood, and stone. Plastics are okay as long as they do not look cheap. Remember, you are aiming for a sharp, sophisticated look.

Shoes and handbag should match and be well-made. Leather is optimal since it looks and feels elegant and businesslike. Belts should match the handbag as well.

Appearance

It is equally important to take care in your appearance. Hair should be well kept with a trimmed, flattering cut. Use a frizz control product especially in humid conditions. If you color your hair, keep up with treatments to avoid showing roots or gray.

Wear a touch of make-up for a smooth, polished look to give yourself a more confident air. There is nothing wrong with looking attractive but aim for understatement, letting your natural beauty shine through.

Dressing for success can help you feel confident and good about yourself as you go about your business. The secret is to buy investment pieces that can be worn often, stay looking fresh and help you look great.