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Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success
Business Casual EnvironmentQuestion: I work in a casual, "Business Casual" environment, but prefer to dress professionally. I would enjoy wearing a suit everyday. I feel it's necessary. How can I dress down yet still stick to my personal standards of professional appearance?Emcgerr Answer: I applaud you for your desire to maintain high standards of professionalism; your efforts will pay off for you in the long run. You will be happy to know that the business-attire pendulum is swinging once again, and this time it’s swinging to a dressier look. With the downturn of the economy and the global war on terrorism, business and business dress have taken a more serious tone. Suits are back in vogue as is dressy casual. Business casual is not going away, but the emphasis is now upon the businesslike aspect. Today, sloppy casual and ultra-casual attire is considered “out” and extremely risky in any business environment. With that in mind, you can confidently wear a suit once or twice a week even in a “business casual” environment. If you are teased are questioned about it, just say that suits are back. On the other days, you have numerous options that allow you to fit in and still look highly professional. The key is for those ensembles to fall into the tailored, dressy casual category. Tailored jackets always add professionalism to any outfit. When paired with separates that coordinate well together, they portray a dressed-down, yet almost-a-suit look. Jackets can always be removed for a more casual appearance if needed. If you are wearing a long-sleeve blouse or top (one that fits correctly, still looking professional when your jacket is removed), leave your jacket on the back of your chair. You can easily pop it back on for that unexpected meeting. Outfits comprised of knit or jersey garments are another option. They are a departure from the suit look, yet they can be quite professional if they fit you well. For example, a long straight knit skirt worn with a matching knit top creates a sleek monochromatic look. If the fabric is not bulky and the top is long enough, you can belt the top (on the outside). The success of the belted look depends upon your body type and style preference. You can also dress up this type of outfit by wearing a coordinating top or blouse under the knit top, especially if the knit top has a collar. Vests can also have a jacket effect. The most professional vests have the same fabric all the way around, back and front. Avoid those made of lining only in the back, as those look best with a jacket. Cardigan sweaters, hip length or the longer variety, work as a softer version of a jacket, yet they are more casual than a tailored jacket. Solid-color sleeveless dresses can often be worn with a long-sleeve blouse or knit top, particularly turtlenecks or mock-turtles. Check the neckline and the cut of the armhole to determine if the dress can be worn in this fashion. I am not speaking of jumpers here; those are too baggy and school girl-esque for a business environment. Pantsuits are always acceptable in a business casual environment. If they are of a tailored style and made of a businesslike fabric, they can look highly professional. Naturally, the quality and condition of any outfit affects whether or not it is perceived as professional. Don’t forget to “power up” with stylish hair, shoes, makeup, and important-looking accessories.
Best of luck to you,
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