How to dress attractively, not provocatively, for work

Women in leadership positions, as well as the future leaders of tomorrow, want to be taken seriously. One of the first things we notice about a woman is her clothes, and we quickly form a first impression. The same is true for a man, but men have a more professional uniform that is relatively easy to identify. There are so many clothing and accessory options for women, it’s easy to miss the mark. Women can easily project something with their appearance that goes beyond attractive to the realm of sexy and desirable.

In our grandmother’s generation, women were bound by strict rules regarding what a woman could or could not wear. Many of our grandmothers did not work outside the home, so they were not subject to problems of how to dress in the workplace. My grandmother never struggled with insoluble problems while hesitating in front of a clothes rack. Can you wear a sleeveless shirt dress without a cardigan or jacket to cover your arms? How much cleavage is allowed to show without looking sexy? How short is too short for a skirt? Is it ever okay to show your tattoo at work?

Here’s the catch: women still have to be attractive to make a good first impression. However, women should not look provocative because that’s sending the wrong kind of attractive signal. Women need to be noticed because they see each other together and because they communicate confidence in their professional skills, ideas and experience.

Let’s say you want to express some of who you are in your clothes, not too fashionable to look like others, while hiding your flaws and accentuating your assets. Phew! The good news is that you can create a powerful first impression without full compliance or without losing your individuality. It’s about dressing appropriately for your color, body shape, and situation.

My suggestion is, when in doubt, dress like a Parisian woman. That’s how it is. They would never, ever, ever leave the house in sweatpants! Leaving the house requires dressing. If you look like a bum in Paris, you disappoint the whole city. Take a look at the average Parisian woman. Her skirt is the perfect length, her jacket is beautifully tailored, and she spends money on underwear to flatter her figure. Her outfit is paired with a colorful but tasteful scarf. His gaze is brilliantly balanced. She does this because she believes in good taste, it is a way of life for her. She loves to look unique and she loves what she wears.

Here are some tips for professional women who walk the line between looking attractive, but not provocative:

Tip No. 1: skirt and dress length

The style rule is to wear a length that is proportional to your height and appropriate for the situation. The professional rule of the “powerful woman” is that the length of the skirt and dress reaches just above the knee. The reason is that when you sit down, your skirt naturally lifts up and you don’t want to be a distraction. A long, tasteful skirt is fine as long as your blouse is tighter and more conservative; Add a belt and short jacket on top to create a complete outfit.

Tip No. 2: cleavage at neckline

Where would you like someone to look when speaking to you during a business meeting? If the answer is “your eyes,” then your cleavage should not reveal any cleavage. There is a way to determine the most attractive cleavage that balances your face: it is called Breakeven. Artists use balance points when painting portraits. Measure the distance from the top of your hairline (if you use bangs, the hairline is where your bangs end) to your chin. Then take that length and extend it from your chin to your bodice. Wherever that measurement falls on your bodice, that is the most attractive neckline opening for you. If it is too low and would show cleavage, put a collar at that point.

Tip No. 3: tight clothing

Most people wear clothes that are too big or too small, thinking that it makes them appear thinner. That is a myth. Squeezing it into a sausage casing will only make you look … well … you get the picture. Clothes should rub against your body and fall naturally. Clothes that are too tight actually draw attention to your body’s flaws, or worse, to create body defects where you don’t have them! Dressing in clothing that is too tight sends the wrong signal at work.

Tip No. 4: amount of skin displayed

In the case of women, the more skin you show, the less influence you will have. Do you really want to work harder to earn the respect of your co-workers and your boss? A good rule of thumb is to divide your body into thirds: one-third at the top from the shoulders to the waist, one-third from the waist to the knees, one-third from the knees to the feet. Show skin only one third. If you have a skirt that ends above the knee, wear a conservative top with long sleeves. If you are wearing a turtleneck top (no neckline!), This requires long pants.

If you want to be seen as a professional, limit the amount of skin that is displayed.

Tip No. 5: color and fabric

Of course, the best way to make a statement about who you are is to wear colors that make you look radiant and energetic, and to wear the highest quality fabrics you can afford. Better to have a few memorable pieces than a closet full of forgettable pieces.

Your best colors are determined by your natural skin color, eye and hair color, and even your personality.

Tip No. 6: shoes

We ladies love our shoes! Shoes make a statement. They complete our outfit. Of course, closed shoes are the most professional style. A trendy ankle boot, moccasin or gladiator shoe are the perfect complement to pants, dresses or skirts. Sandals that expose the toes are becoming more acceptable, especially in hot weather. Here are some things to avoid: lack of pedicures, worn shoes, too tall (4 “and up), too strappy (they’re for date night), and flip-flops are out.

Tip # 7: bare legs

The good news is, unless you work for a conservative office that specifically requires them, pantyhose and stockings can be left in your drawer. Bare legs are appropriate for work. Fall and winter bring with them the opportunity to add colored leggings to the mix, which are a great way to achieve a classy look.

What do you think? What does the dividing line between looking attractive and appearing provocative mean to you in the workplace?