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Working Woman's Survival Guide

ACCESSORIES

Makeup - Use makeup as an important business asset. Choose a subtle, well-blended look, natural not bare. Be sure to accentuate eyes and lips. These are two of your best communication tools.

Hair - A polished business look is one that is above the shoulder or worn up. Invest in a good-looking, easy care cut for the perfect topper to your polished professional look.

Jewelry - You don't have to invest a fortune for a professional look. High quality costume jewelry is perfectly acceptable, except for rings, which should be real gold or silver. (One per hand please). Pearls and a quality watch are also excellent wardrobe investments.

Briefcase/handbag - Invest in only one or two quality handbags and briefcases that best suit your needs. Choose from a soft-sided nylon version for everyday; or a hard leather case for more special occasions. Both handbags and briefcases should be the smallest size possible and still be functional. Best colors are black, brown and burgundy.

Shoes/Hosiery - Classic leather pumps are the best choice for comfort and style. For a professional look, avoid straps, and any style that shows too much of the foot. Best colors are black, navy, taupe, and burgundy. Hosiery should be either neutral or taupe. Sheer black and sheer navy can work well with black or navy clothing.

Scarves/Pocket Squares - Scarves are a great way to add a touch of color and fashion to any outfit, while pocket squares can bring a vibrant touch of color to tailored suits.

Hands/Nails - Well groomed and maintained hands are essential to a finished look, especially if you are the kind of person who communicates with their hands. Stick with subtle polish colors that compliment your makeup and wardrobe choices, or choose the natural look, a simple coat of clear polish.

Umbrellas - Should be functional and not detract from your fashion statement. Black and Brown are your best colors, and a collapsible style offers even more convenience. Just slip it in your briefcase.

All-weather Coat/Winter Coat - Buy the best possible quality because this is a lasting investment. A winter coat should be 100% wool for maximum warmth. Black, Navy and taupe are classic colors that never go out of style. Your coat should be long enough to cover your skirts and dresses.
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LOOKING SLIMMER

Forget about sizes - Choose the clothing that fits you best. Choose misses or half sizes if they fit better. Too tight clothes only add on the pounds!

Don't wear anything that is too tight. Skirts should cover the knee; jackets should not strain with movement; armholes need to be large enough.

Correct uneven hemlines due to the tummy and derriere.

Invest in high-quality fabrics because they drape well and camouflage nicely.

Draw attention to your face and away from problem areas by wearing bright colors close to the face with darker suits.
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LOOKING TALLER

Solid-colored, matching skirted suits create a long, lean line. Dresses should be simple and classic--avoid fussy details.

Avoid shoes with too high heels; they will look out of proportion.

Avoid fussy or girlish details--ruffles, excessive lace, huge padded shoulders, and skirts that are too short.

Wearing the same tone of color in shoes, hosiery, skirts and jackets will elongate the silhouette.
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LOOKING SHORTER

Don't wear anything skimpy or too short, jackets should fall below the hips.

Avoid flat shoes. A small heel will create better balance.

Double breasted jackets are very flattering.

Avoid clothing that is too severe--a solid, dark, heavily constructed suit may appear mannish.

Look for larger jewelry for the best proportion.
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FIT and COMFORT

Always check fit in a 3-way mirror.

Always sit down in garment when trying it on. What my fit when standing can pull or gape open when you sit down.

Properly fitted undergarments are essential but should not be visible. A slip should never show under a skirt; undergarments should never leave a visible line. Skin tones are your most versatile choice for wearing under sheers or light colored fabrics.

Waistband of skirt should be large enough so that it doesn't bind or roll.

Sleeves of jackets should hit just at the wristbone.

Fabric should not cling or stretch over problem areas; never wear anything too tight.

Don't put off making wardrobe choices until you loose weight-- instead, choose pieces that can camouflage problem areas.

Invest in alterations--clothing that doesn't fit will never leave your closet.

Always check for seam allowances in the sides, waist, sleeves and hems before you purchase a garment.

Forget about fashion--find the hem length that is most flattering to you and stick with it!
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PIECES THAT ALWAYS WORK

Jacket with notched lapel, shawl collar; or no lapel.

Double breasted jacket.

Short or long jackets, chosen to complement your body type and height.

Fully lined jacket.

Slim skirts with no pockets.

Trousers and pantsuits are flattering and fashionable--but they might not be right for conservative offices.

Classic pumps with 1" to 1 1/2" heels in black, navy and tan.
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CARING FOR YOUR WARDROBE

Hang garments outside the closet for 24 hours after wearing to air out.

White or cream blouses may be hand-laundered but dry cleaning is a must to avoid shrinkage.

Use wooden or padded hangers for jackets and blouses.

Too much dry cleaning can take it's toll on fabric - clean suits only when soiled. Have wrinkled suits pressed or invest in a hand-held steamer to save money.

When you send a stained garment to the cleaners, attach a label identifying the type of stain-- this will help them get the stain out the first time.

Place a towel in the sleeve of your jacket before ironing to avoid knife creases.
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FRESHEN UP YOUR LOOK

Give a blouse or jacket new style with updated buttons or button covers.

If you're interested in the newest trends, don't buy a new wardrobe -- experiment with inexpensive scarves and blouses in the newest fabrics and patterns.

If you're bored with your wardrobe, get a second opinion - have a friend take a look through your closet. She'll have a fresh view and suggest new combinations you may have overlooked!

Have a clothes-swapping party! Clean out your closet - get rid of everything that doesn't fit or doesn't work anymore, and have some friends do the same. Then get everyone together and have a great afternoon that will breathe new life into your wardrobe!
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Last updated on June 12, 2003.
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