What Every Woman Should Know About Business Dressing

Are you the big boss? A division manager? How about an entry level employee looking to move up? If you want to stand out and steadily boost your career and income, then you need to be savvy about business dressing. Pros have said it clearly for years, now. You need to dress for the position you want, not the one you already have.

Forget casual business dressing. Even if you're in a creative field, where working attire is traditionally a little edgy, you need to pay careful attention to your wardrobe. Whether we like it or not, our clothes make a statement, and you're statement needs to be, "I'm in charge."

So build your wardrobe in a smart way. Yes, you'll have to put out some cash, but you can do it slowly. Quality is more important than quantity. Start with the basic black suit, which should include a beautifully tailored jacket, a slim, knee-length skirt and classic black pants. Buy the best you can afford, because this is an outfit that will take you from board meetings to client presentations to dinner after work. Make sure you choose a year-round fabric. And always have all the suit pieces cleaned together, even if only one piece needs it. Colors fade over time with dry cleaning and washing.

Next, add a flattering dress in a fabric such as silk or a good knit. Stay away from fabrics that scream one season, such as linen. A wrap dress is a good choice, since it flatters most figures. In the 1970s, designer Diane von Furstenberg made the wrap jersey dress popular. It's back in style today. If you buy one in a black print, it will look great with your classy black jacket.

For your next purchase, think about a cream colored suit, once more choosing one that includes both a skirt and a jacket. Then add a colorful sweater set, perhaps in a fine fabric such as cashmere.

Every woman knows accessories can make or break an outfit, so you should give careful thought to your shoes, purses, scarves and jewelry. Some women who are executives find their accessories cost as much, or sometimes even more, than their clothes. Start with classic black pumps, with a closed heel and a closed toe. Choose a gorgeous black leather bag that's large enough to hold your wallet, cell phone and planner, but not so huge that you look as though you're lugging your laundry around.

A few well-chosen scarves can change the look of your suits and dress up your sweater set. Wear subtle jewelry. You can't go wrong with diamond studs or a strand of pearls and a slender silver bracelet. And remember that your other accessories, such as your wallet and your watch, need to be just as classy as the rest of your wardrobe.