The way a woman dresses sends an implicit message about her ability to succeed in the business world. The choices a woman makes with her wardrobe say a lot about her power, sensibility and business credibility. It is important to dress in a way that promotes a positive image of yourself and your business.
Dressing in a professional way does not necessarily need to break the bank. However, it is a worthwhile investment and should not be taken lightly. A chic and professional-looking wardrobe of business formalwear is possible within the limits of any budget, from designer womens dressy suits costing $2,000 to dresses off the clearance rack for as little as $100. When purchasing business formal attire for women:
1. Choose classic formal dresses that do not reflect the latest trends, but will work for years to come.
2. Stick to womens formalwear in dark and classic colors which are sophisticated, conservative and traditional.
3. Try everything on and pay close attention to fit.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Invest in basic business formal wear pieces
Spend the biggest chunk of your budget on designer pieces. Be willing to spend up to $1,000 on quality womens formal jackets, and $2,000 on formal dresses for women. Classic styles and colors that fit well and are well made will last for a long time, making the investment a wise business decision.
I recommend: Shop for designer evening separates at
Neiman Marcus. Look at the selection of formal and stylish blazers and jackets at
Bluefly.
Transform an evening wear wardrobe by adding inexpensive elements
Turn a few basic designer pieces into an entire wardrobe by adding interesting details. Buy a colorful camisole for as little as $2 to wear under womens evening jackets, or spend around $5 and change the shape of a simple black cocktail dress by cinching in the waist with an inexpensive belt.
I recommend: Find classy but inexpensive camisoles, tanks, belts and other pieces at
Newport News.
Forever 21 offers affordable accessories for evening wear.
Search designer outlets for deals on business formalwear for women
Find much lower pricing and costs of womens formalwear with designer labels at outlets. The clothing is usually only one season behind and can be purchased for as much as 50 percent off the original price, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per outfit.
I recommend: Search for outlet locations and great deals at
OutletBound.com. Look for online outlets like
DesignerExposure for discounted prices on name brand items.
Shop end of season sales on formalwear for women at department stores
Department stores have sales many times throughout the year, and prices get especially low at the end of season. Advance advertisements for huge sales, coupons, or discounts for signing up for an in-store credit account can usually save you between 10 and 25 percent. Find gowns and dressy tops for women at a fraction of the original price by taking advantage of these offers.
I recommend: Find designer clothing sales at department stores like
Nordstrom and
Bloomingdale's. You can also find savings on accessories and shoes.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Invest in quality shoes that cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. Cheap shoes will make an entire designer outfit look cheap.
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