Q&A for How to Dress Professionally

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  • Question
    What is a business formal dress code?
    Christina Santelli
    Professional Stylist
    Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    For a man, business formal means a full suit with a tie, a belt, and nice shoes. For a woman, business formal can also be a suit, or it can be a pencil skirt or shift dress with a fitted blazer and heels or pumps. They make blazers now that look great on women. They give you a waist, and they're cut higher up on the armpit so they flatter your arms.
  • Question
    Which items will complete a professional woman's office wardrobe?
    Community Answer
    A few blazers, pants, modest dresses and blouses and knee-length skirts should be sufficient. Add in some ballet flats and comfortable heels to wear, and you're all set.
  • Question
    How about a nice collared shirt and khaki pants for a woman?
    Heather Kenyon-Haff
    Top Answerer
    That's a great choice for a business casual workplace.
  • Question
    Can a cotton dress in an appropriate length and color be worn in a professional office setting?
    Community Answer
    A cotton dress can be the perfect choice. Just be sure that it is not too revealing or casual, and in good taste. Pair with appropriately professional shoes.
  • Question
    I am a very small adult female and must wear clothes from the juniors department. How do I work around this hurdle?
    Heather Kenyon-Haff
    Top Answerer
    Some junior clothes do work fine, if this is your best source of clothes that fit well. Just be sure the styling is appropriate for you. You may also want to look at sources for petite women as well, online if not available readily in your area.
  • Question
    I have a junior high professional dress day but all I have is party dresses and no money to spend. What do I do?
    Heather Kenyon-Haff
    Top Answerer
    Dresses are not the only thing professional women wear. Try a plain pair of pants (not jeans or leggings) with an appropriate top.
  • Question
    Do men need to tuck in polo shirts and wear a belt for business casual?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You should always wear a belt and tuck in your shirt when going to work.
  • Question
    What should I wear to a science fair?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the fair and what will be happening. Business casual will be most likely appropriate, but if there are some powerful people around a more formal look would be necessary. Also, be sure to wear close-toed shoes.
  • Question
    As a woman is it best to wear your hair up or down?
    Community Answer
    You can wear it up or down, as long as it looks neat and well-kept.
  • Question
    As a woman who doesn't wear dresses or skirts whatsoever, what type of attire would be professional to wear to an interview?
    Heather Kenyon-Haff
    Top Answerer
    Pants are perfectly acceptable interview clothing for women. Pair with a nice blouse and blazer, and you have a great power outfit.
  • Question
    Should I wear heels or flats to an interview?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you are comfortable with, but you can wear either.
  • Question
    Is a natural makeup look the best way to go when working in a high profile profession?
    Aditi
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is. No matter what profession you work in, you should have natural makeup unless requested otherwise.
  • Question
    I am a woman but I hate dresses. Is wearing a suit considered professional or not?
    Aditi
    Community Answer
    A suit is a great choice! Just remember to select conservative colors and limit your makeup and accessories.
  • Question
    Can I wear some colors or should just fit with some neutral clothes ?
    SunshineSea333
    Community Answer
    You can wear colours at work but probably stick to the basics. You want to look professional no matter what, but it is fine to go to work in a pantsuit with a red shirt, or a blue shirt. Just make sure you do not show a big cleavage and try not to wear anything short.
  • Question
    What can I wear at a tech start-up? I feel like a suit is too formal.
    SunshineSea333
    Community Answer
    At a tech start, up you can wear nearly anything. Maybe, instead of wearing a full suit ,you can wear a shirt and jeans, or a T-shirt jeans and maybe a blazer. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and the rest will follow.
  • Question
    Can I wear a dark brown suit to my law practice?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    A dark brown suit would be totally professional for a law practice job. Those working in the legal field are often quite conservative when it comes to clothing, and good color choices for suits would be navy blue, black, dark brown, charcoal gray and deep green.
  • Question
    What is a skirt suit?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    A skirt suit is a combination of a suit jacket with a skirt made from the same cloth in the same color as the suit jacket. They are sold together as a set and match perfectly. The length of the skirt will vary from mid thigh to ankle, depending on the style you're after but the usual length will be above the knees.
  • Question
    Is a turtle neck sweater appropriate with my black dress pants and flats for casual Friday?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    Yes, provided the sweater is in good shape and of quality material, that would be a most suitable combination for casual Friday. Flats are fine for the office these days, especially with dress pants.
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