QUEZON City, Philippines (September 18) – Having a career always comes with great responsibilities, sleepless nights, overtime work, hardcore activities and a lot of deadlines that might have burned all of your eyebrow hair into ashes. Yes, you might complete and successfully comply with every tasks that you have however, focusing too much on your work will eventually make you feel unhappy and stressful. But since one of your major investments in your career is your physical appearance, you surely might want to give some attention in your own looks, right? Having a decent and coordinated look in the office will not just mean that your officemates will praise you but it can also boost your self-confidence and will help you to be more inspired and motivated to work day-by-day.
Corporate attire is one of the commodities in a career that requires formality and decency, but of course every office, either employer or your officemates would want to have an employee or a co-worker that is pleasant to the eye even if your job seems too demanding. Since we’re already talking about clothes and dresses there are some helpful tips that we would like to give to you.
Let’s start from the business formal one. If your job requires meeting and talking with high class people, make sure that your dress will not be that outrageous. Don’t choose colours that are too upstaging like neon colours or the shocking colours as what they call it, if you are comfortable, it is best if you are just going to use neutral colours like black, grey, white and the like, or you can try the color blue [not the shocking color blue, okay?] just the simple blue colors. Don’t get over-accessorized, as much as possible use simple earrings [not the dangling one!] like pearls or small diamond earrings, you might also want to try to have a simple watch [not the rugged one] or a bracelet that suits the colour of your attire and, if it is possible not to wear necklace then don’t.You can also try to put a coat and a make-up that coordinates with whatever you are wearing [that will complement with your corporate attire].As long as you have a not-so-extreme make-up, earrings, necklace / watch, a nice pair of
shoes that perfectly fits your attire [whether high-heeled or flat] and a decent clothes, you are good to go. Or just simply follow these tips:
- A well-cut pantsuit or skirt suit in a conservative neutral color, such as black, navy, or brown.
- White button-ups with a collar.
- Closed-toe heels in a neutral color such as taupe, black, grey, or brown.
- Tights, preferably in a dark color.
- Conservative accessories – for instance, diamond studs rather than chandelier earrings.
- Well-groomed hair worn in a conservative cut, such as a bob or soft layers.
- Skirts never more than two finger-widths above the knees.
- Well-groomed, neutral nails that are either clear coated, or painted with a beige-toned polish.
If your job doesn’t need some formal suit or a heavy make-up and only requires you to look presentable and decent like a business professional, you can try to mix-match some of your blouses, skirts and slacks, if you are more comfortable withT-shirts then try that one but make sure that your shoes and your make up would complement with each other or try to partner V-neck type of shirts with a black corporate blazer with a black slacks to add style in your attire but if you really want to seriously look like a business pro, here’s how:
- A suit or skirt, top, and jacket in a conservative neutral color, such as black, brown, or navy.
- Collared button-up shirts that may be any solid color.
- Dark or nude-colored hosiery.
- Closed-toe pumps in a neutral color such as black or brown.
- Larger, more noticeable jewelry – as long as it’s not distracting. Think along the lines of one statement necklace or a chunky watch. High quality is preferred.
- Skirts never more than two finger-widths above the knees.
- Well-groomed, neutral nails. May be clear coat or beige.
- Hair should be neat and groomed, but check with HR on acceptable cuts and colors.
Some company/organization allows employees to add personality to their corporate attire or work wear without looking unprofessional if you belong to that kind of job then your corporate attire must be a business casual wear. To add up more style you can definitely dress up depending on your mood without violating any dress code implemented on your organization or company. But we want to make it in general for you so you will be the one to decide whatever it is that you are going to wear and surely these simple and easy tips will help you decide:
- Business separates, rather than a full suit – a skirt worn with a cardigan or jacket, for example.
- Colored shirts and blouses, rather than mandatory collared button-downs. Choose solid colors, or muted patterns like stripes or checks, and avoid low-cut shirts or bright patterns.
- Slacks and khakis.
- Larger jewelry, such as a statement necklace or large cuff-style watch. Doesn’t necessarily need to be the highest quality – gemstones and other casual materials are fine. Scarves may also be appropriate.
- Shoes may be comfortable flats and loafers, as well as pumps, but should remain closed-toe. Can be any color, although black, brown, red, navy, and gray are among the most appropriate.
- Nails should be well-groomed, but there can be a few restrictions on colors.
- Hair can be more casual, with less conservative colors and even more noticeable (chunky or high-contrast) highlights generally acceptable. It should still be neatly styled, such as blow-dried, or in a ponytail or bun.
But remember that business casual can also be called “executive casual.” Depending on your company or organization so it’s better to ask the HR or the admins instead of making assumptions
Note: make sure that your corporate attire will be appropriate with the nature of your job. If your job involves travelling or running then don’t wear short dresses or high-heeled shoes neither use heavy make-up on your face.
(written by Donna Marie Rodriguez, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)