How to Dress Like You Mean Business - A Guide for Working Women

As the world takes to her collective, cosy loungewear to Zoom with colleagues, I’m looking forward to the day we’ll all be back in boardrooms and co-working spaces. The stark reality is that many of us will need to hustle even harder to perfect our pitches, land the plum projects and secure new jobs. So what better way to prepare ourselves for the challenge than to begin styling our favourite ‘she means business’ looks right now?

Classic, well-fitting tailoring can do more for the figure than any other item of clothing. It imbues the wearer with a confidence and presence that’s unmistakable - no revelation there, I hear you cry! However, the secret is in the subtleties - styling, colour choice, accessories. While a plain black or navy suit will do, it won’t make you memorable. I believe, whether interviewing for a new role, applying for investment or simply presenting your work in a bid for a good performance review come year end, you need to be unforgettable. True for men and women alike, incidentally.

Weather Appropriate

Dressing for the weather is a life-skill that could set you apart from the herd. Should you meet your decision maker on a wild, wet Wednesday, imagine the poised and relaxed first impression you’ll make compared to your competition who showed up sans umbrella or raincoat! Consider all weather eventualities and opt for caution - light layers, toe-in shoes and a smart trench will say: “I’m prepared, I’m savvy, I’m reliable”. Now please don’t misunderstand me - I’m taking it for granted that you’re excellent in your field, have researched the person, organisation or audience you’re pitching and have thoroughly rehearsed your lines for the big moment! This advice is intended to give you the edge in the subconscious mind of the aforementioned decision maker. Incidentally, wearing winter white in typhoon conditions is not recommended!

Eye for Detail

So here’s where we can really have some fun and show your personality. Only you will know how much you can push the boundaries here - role type, level of creativity and seniority, traditional or non-traditional organisational culture, individual style. All of these will play a factor in how much you dial up (or down) the details.

Clearly, I’ve gone incredibly conservative (for me) in this look. Yes, I’ve selected an unusually eye-catching colour in the winter white, but I’ve played that against soft blue tones, in conservative pieces, like the slim-fit buttoned up striped shirt. Closed toe shoes are inarguably more professional-looking. The double-breasted suit jacket can be buttoned over for another level of formality. Trousers have a stitched front seam to ensure the crisp, sharp, crease prevails, even on a warm day. Overall, this is a calm, cool-toned spring/summer look that reveals no flesh and exudes professionalism. Where I have had a little fun, is with my earrings (and shades, though I don’t recommend keeping these on indoors)! A maxi, 3-drop, statement earring is bold, but the fact that they’re pearl somehow retains a hint of WASP-ish conservatism that walks a fine line between personality and audacity!

~ Shop the Look ~

Would you wear this look for a big meeting, interview or pitch? Do you have working wardrobe worries or woes you’re struggling to overcome? If so, drop me a note below in the comments, or contact me in confidence here.

Thanks for reading!

Stay safe, stylish and indoors!

Nx

NB: this was shot pre-lockdown, in early February, by the lovely, super-talented Iain Gallagher. Follow his Instagram or check his website for bookings.