Group of professionally dressed women.
Wearing the proper business attire, complete with the right accessories, is essential to your success in moving up within your company, obtaining and keeping clients and being taken seriously within your chosen profession. Invest in a few good accessories that you can change with several pieces of your professional wardrobe for the best results. Remember, your first impression is a lasting impression. Does this Spark an idea?
Jewelry
Women should avoid costume jewelry, large clunky pieces or noisy jewelry such as bangles. Necklaces should be understated, elegant pieces that hang closer to the neck. Avoid necklaces, or any jewelry, that rest between your cleavage. Try a nice broach in lieu of a necklace. Earrings should be small and classy. If you must wear dangling earrings, opt for shorter versions that hang within half an inch of the earlobes. If you choose to wear a bracelet, opt for a thinner, simpler style. A nice feminine watch is always acceptable. Anklets should be avoided altogether for a professional look. Limit yourself to wearing one or two rings. One ring per hand is plenty without "overdoing" it. However, choose sophisticated rings instead of gaudy rings. Simple bands, single stones, wedding rings, mother's rings or diamond anniversary rings are appropriate.
Men should invest in a few nice sets of cuff links. These are interchangeable with many different suits and shirts. Likewise, dress up your solid ties with a nice tie tack. Classy watches are timeless pieces which you should have at least one. Men should wear no more than one ring per hand if desired. Wedding rings are always acceptable and can be complemented with a class, profession or similarly designed ring on the other hand.
Overall, jewelry should not be "cute" or contain any novelty characteristics, unless of course you are in the business of selling such products.
Other Accessories
Women can use colorful silk scarves to dress up any basic outfit. Investing in a variety of good quality, classic scarves will expand any professional wardrobe.
Men should look for a variety of ties, always with a professional look to them, in different colors or combinations to change up the look of any suit. Solid, striped or print-embellished ties in blues, reds, yellows and grays can add a small splash of color without detracting from the overall professional look.
Although it may seem old-fashioned, women should wear pantyhose or stocking socks with closed toe shoes. Avoid bare legs as they seem less professional with a more sexual under-tone. Strappy heels or spiked stiletto heels also detract from a professional look. Men should choose nice knit socks and avoid typical white gym socks. Tennis shoes should never be worn. Instead, invest in a couple of pairs of nice dress shoes in black or brown.
Belts should be worn, however they should not attract any attention. Traditional black or brown leather belts with simple, understated buckles work best to maintain a business look.
Briefcases and Bags
Complete your business look by investing in a nice briefcase or portfolio. Choose a case large enough for your needs and avoid those that are way too big for your typical needs. Black or brown quality briefcases are best as they appear the most professional and tend to last the longest. If you carry a laptop back and forth to work, or travel with one often, opt for a laptop case that doubles as a briefcase.
Women should invest in a couple of good handbags to carry to work. Choose bags that match your shoes in neutral colors such as black, navy and various shades of brown or beige. Your work handbags should be simple, elegant and small yet easy to open so the contents are readily accessible.
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