An example of professional business attire
The rules of professional business attire, luckily for many business professionals, are not set in stone. Business professionals looking to fit in with or outshine their peers in the style department can do so by sticking to some of the timeless basics that make for a polished ensemble. Your choice of fabrics, colors and tailoring can make or break your outfit, and a well-chosen ensemble will instill confidence in your clients and credibility in your professionalism.
History
Contemporary men's suits have a lineage that dates back prior to the American Revolution, and they have experienced every imaginable variation over the centuries. Present-day women's suits evolved from classical riding habits and walking suits first seen in 1600s Britain and Europe.
Professional Wear for Men
Lay the foundation of your wardrobe upon a few wool and linen suits, either tailor-made or ready-to-wear. Grays, browns and navy blues are the colors you want to stick with. For shirts, silk and cotton blends are attractive choices; you'll want to have a few long-sleeve, button-down, collared shirts in neutral blues and whites. Ties are where you can let some of your personality shine through, so purchase a variety of silk ones that coordinate with your suits and shirts. Make sure your socks are a dark color and come to mid-calf or higher. Finish the look with a sturdy pair of lace-up Oxford shoes that are clean from top to bottom and polished to a deep shine.
Attire for Professional Women
Build your professional wardrobe with a skirted suit (hemmed just above the knee or lower) and one or two conservative suits with pants. Save the Capri pants for the clambakes and choose pants that come to the top of your shoes. The color and fabric of your blouses can fit your personality, but stick to the more modest neck lines and make sure you're not flashing any waistline when you sit down or reach up. Hosiery is a must, but don't wear dark hose with light-colored suits. Choose shoes or boots with a low heel, but avoid both flats or heels higher than 3 inches.
Accessories
Add a sturdy watch as your first must-have accessory, but stay away from gaudy or sporty styles. Ladies should wear no more than one earring per ear and one ring per hand. Avoid jewelry that attracts undue attention as it will distract your clients and put a damper on their opinion of your credibility. A strand of pearls for women and cuff links for men are also a nice touch. Add a leather portfolio or briefcase, and top it off with a few elegant pens. Use a lapel pin, tie tack or a handkerchief as you wish.
Considerations
Adapt your wardrobe to meld with the culture of your workplace. Although no two offices are alike, the general rules still apply in terms of dress; since the popularization of "Casual Fridays" in the late 1990s, it is not uncommon to find yourself working in an office where men can wear polo shirts and women can be a bit daring with colors and patterns, but you don't want to be the pilgrim of jeans-wearers. Err on the side of conservative attire.
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