When women entered the workplace in the 1970’s and 1980’s in greater numbers than ever before and began to move into positions which had traditionally been occupied by men, many of them believed that they needed to model male business attire. The result was women appearing at the office in skirted suits or coordinated skirts and jackets with tailored blouses finished off with an accessory item which looked very much like a man’s tie. Fortunately those days are gone. While the business women may now wear trousers to work, she does it out of a desire to appear professional rather than enjoy the flexibility and comfort that pants offer over skirts. Her goal is no longer to mirror her male counterparts.

The same rules apply to women’s work attire as apply to men’s. Business clothing is not a reflection of the latest fashion trend. A woman should be noticed for who she is and her professional skills rather than for what she wears. Her business apparel should be appropriate for her industry and her title or position within the industry.

Start with a pants suit or skirted suit for the most conservative look. A skirted suit is the most professional. With a few exceptions, dresses do not show the same credibility unless they are accompanied by matching jackets.

Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. For instance, a skirt more than two inches above the knee raises eyebrows and questions.

Pants should break at the top of the foot or shoe. While the fashionable styles from mid-calf are out of place in the conservative business environment.

Blouses and sweaters provide color and variety to woman’s clothing, but they should be attractive rather than revealing. Inappropriate waistlines and necklines can give the wrong impression.

Women need to wear hose in the business world. Flesh-tone or neutral stockings are the best choices. Avoid dark hose with light-colored clothing or shoes. Keep an extra pair of stockings in your table drawer unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the office.

Choose conservative shoes, since faces, not feet should be the focal point in business. A low heel is more professional than flats or high heels. In spite of current fashion and the sandal rage, backless or open-toed shoes are not suitable for office attire. Not only are sandals a safety hazard, they suggest a certain official agenda.

When it comes to jewelry and accessories, less is once again more. Keep it simple: one ring per hand, one earring per ear. Accessories should reflect your personality, not reduce your credibility.

Business attire is different from evening party and weekend wear. Investing in a good business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future. For those who think it’s not what you wear but who you are that creates success, give that suggestions more thought. Business skills and experience count, but so does personal presence and that all-important first impression.