Issue No. 6: Dress It Up

Written by: Madeline McMahon

In the world of business, presentation is prioritized and professionalism is key. These concepts are equivocal as the definitions of both terms vary on an individual basis. Business apparel is a significant factor to consider when evaluating one’s capabilities of the said ideas. Ladies, whether you’re going into a job interview, starting your first day of a new job, or you’re simply looking for some extra tips on how to properly present yourself in professional attire, you’ve come to the right place.

First and foremost, confidence is absolutely essential. When working, we suggest you wear what makes you feel most comfortable--within business apparel guidelines, of course! According to Carousel Magazine, research shows that the colors in which we choose to wear have a direct impact on how we’re perceived and how we feel. Individuals associate the color black with confidence and intelligence while red is associated with power. The perfect color for business meetings, however, is blue. Blue is tranquil as it is known to relieve and comfort others. It is associated with trustworthiness, intellect and composure. You should aim to consistently dress in neutral colors, wear durable fabrics that are breathable, allow movement and avoid rips, tears, stains, etc.

Below, we have provided a list of brands with professional clothing lines that we find to be affordable, comfortable, trendy and most importantly ~professional~.

• H&M: Fashion and quality at the best price… From blouses to blazers, slacks to skirts, H&M is a youthful brand that offers every business essential a girl could ask for.

• Express: On their website, Express presents 3 different categories within women’s business attire—-Back to the Office, Work-From-Home-Shop, & Job Interview Attire. Express is an innovative company as they have provided convenience and guidance for women while shopping.

• Target: There has been a drastic increase in the modernization of Target’s women’s workwear line lately. Not only are the clothes professional yet trendy, but they are affordable. We recommend grabbing yourself a pair of the “A New Day” slacks for a basic, comfortable, and necessary professional fashion staple.

• White House Black Market: White House Black Market’s work collection provides comfort and style from head to toe. From heels to headbands, suits, cardigans, briefcases and everything in between. This conservative brand keeps it consistent with basic colors, providing a neutral palette that is easy to work with on a daily basis. WHBM has a diverse selection for women of all shapes with different styles.

• LOFT: A competitor of White House Black Market, LOFT, also offers a wide range of professional apparel selections for women. One characteristic of LOFT that sets them apart from WHBM is their bolder color palettes. Offering vivid colors and distinct patterns, LOFT tends to veer off the conservative path a bit more than your average business attire line. This brand is perfect for those more daring in fashion.

• Club Monaco: Chic. Mature. Professional. This brand instills confidence in women to act like the bosses they are destined to be. While on the pricier side, customers most definitely get their money’s worth. The clothing is high quality. Just in time for summer, Club Monaco’s new “Linen Edit” line presents it’s lightweight, stretch/shrink resistant and ultra-breathable French linen, produced in Europe from naturally grown fibers. Perfect to a T.

• Aritzia: Sophistication in its truest form. Like Club Monaco, Aritzia is more so on the expensive side. Aritzia puts a playful spin on professional attire, with a slightly edgier look, appealing to a younger crowd. This line remains “in style” at all times as it fluctuates with the day to day trends, meaning your money will be well spent. Check out their “Wear to Work” Feature--specifically their Formal Office & Business Casual looks.

Your clothes speak before you do. This is why it is important to wear clothes that truly portray your professionalism and self assurance. By presenting yourself well through the fashion choices you make, you are able to show others a glimpse into the girl boss you are.

Image by: @designbymadd & @fembition.co