Business Casual (part two)

Beauty Solutions by Ferial Youakim AICI

The most important goal is to "feel good" about the way you look by projecting a polished professional image. When you feel good about yourself, you naturally convey confidence and a positive attitude. These nonverbal messages are as important as the verbal. The key to success is to have some determination, work hard, and portray a clean polished professional look.

Business Casual for Men

Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts are considered dressier than short-sleeved. It is appropriate to wear long sleeves even in summer. Choose solid colors or conservative stripes for your business shirts. Polo shirts are acceptable depending on the situations.

Pants: Consider classic tailored trousers in the best quality you can afford.

Shirts and tops: In addition to tailored shirts and blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women.

Ties: Ties are generally not necessary for business casual, but it is always safer to be overdressed than underdressed, after all, if you are overdressed simply remove your tie. You are paying a compliment to your host or customer when you are slightly overdressed.

Socks: Wear dark socks, long enough that no skin is visible when you sit down.

Shoes: Leather shoes should be worn. No sandals, athletic shoes or hiking boots.

Facial Hair: Your total image should be impeccable. Casual days are not an excuse for you to refrain from shaving or having a clean polished look. If you have a beard or other facial hair, it should be short and well groomed.

Jewelry: For men in any professional industry certain jewelry is not acceptable, especially an earring or body jewelry. Wearing a conservative watch or a wedding ring is acceptable, if it is conservative.

Business Casual for Women

Skirts or pants: Wearing casual pants does not mean tight fitting or flowing. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be tailored. Skirts should not be too short or too long. Avoid extreme trends or long splits; ask yourself if it is appropriate for a business environment or gathering. If you are in doubt, take a look around you and observe well-dressed women in your industry.

Shirts and blouses: Wear clean comfortable tops that are not see though or figure hugging. Wearing tailored shirts and blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women.

Jewelry/Accessories: Keep your choices classical and simple, leaning towards conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color in scarves because they come and go. Wear a watch or wedding ring conservatively.

Makeup: Always wear makeup, even on casual days; wearing makeup will give you a more polished professional appearance. Your makeup should be in a conservatively applied. Nails should be well groomed and clean. Avoid extreme styles and colors.

Shoes: First of all, make sure that you can walk comfortably in your shoes. Shoes should be leather or in a good quality fabric. Sandals could be worn as long as they are neither extremely dressy nor extremely casual. Make sure they are appropriate for business wear.

Hosiery: Pantyhose are recommended for above the knee skirts and dresses, or in more formal surroundings. It is acceptable not to wear hosiery on casual days, depending, on your industry.

Bags and Purse: Small and simple bags are ideal. The color of your purse should be coordinate with your shoes to form the polished look. For business casual briefcases are not necessary, but if you have to, carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag instead. You should never carry a bag that looks unmanageable or too cluttered.

To master your professional polished image and to get ahead in life you need to excel in all areas that value your total image, and you certainly need to be ahead of every one else to climb the corporate ladder. I went thorough a sufficient amount of detail above to help you find your professional image, but do consult with us, if you feel unsure or need some help at any point after all, we are here for you.

For a free consultation to discuss your issues please call Ferial:

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