How to Wear a Suit for Women
Business suits can be intimidating to women, especially those who rarely wear them. Here is some advice to do it properly while making it your own.
Instructions
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Every woman who works in the professional world should own at least one suit. If you're only going to buy one, or plan on wearing it to an interview, choose something conservative and timeless.
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Although pantsuits are the norm for women in most offices, its still (unfortunately) considered more traditional to wear a skirt suit. If you're going on an interview, or work in a conservative field, its better to be safe than sorry. If possible, when buying the suit get the skirt and pants that match the jacket. If you can only get one, choose the skirt.
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Color. Choose something basic. A suit is expensive. If you're purchasing for occasional use, get black or charcoal grey, either solid or with understated pinstripes. The more basic, the more you can mix blouses.
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Fit. A suit must fit perfectly. The skirt should hit right at the knee. Too long and it's frumpy, too short and its unprofessional. The jacket must fit perfectly too. The sleeves should hit at the top of your hand above the wrist. If you are petite, either shop in a petite section (Ann Taylor has a good one) or get it tailored. Do not get an untraditional fit such as three-quarter sleeves or a pleated skirt. Get something that will be in style for years.
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Shirt. A solid white or pastel button down is most traditional. A shell is acceptable, but you may need to keep your jacket on if the shell is sleveless. You can be a little creative here, but avoid girly patterns. The goal is to look professional- no flowers or loud prints.
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Shoes. Poor footwear will ruin the outfit. You should choose pumps with some heel, flats do not look as professional, and heels improve your posture. Its still considered proper to wear nylons. (sigh) Do not wear nude hose. Nylons should be sheer and should match your shoes.
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Tips & Warnings
The places to be creative are with accessories and shoes. Have a little fun with these, and keep the rest simple.
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Comments
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There is no mention of a tie? Woman can wear ties, and I think woman look great in ties, even more so than men. It suits (no pun was intended) a woman’s body shape. This also rather sexist when it comes to the skirt suit. "If you can only get one, choose the skirt." How sexist. I hate these woman who think a skirt suit with no socks/tights/ties with high heels and the top button unfastened is a good look. It looks very uncomfortable and old-fashioned. If I ever buy a tailored suit, it would be black (or white if I feel daring) with a nice white shirt (with the top button fashioned) a nice tie (preferably red or purple) with white or black socks and flat-heeled black pumps. I would not care if other thought I was strange or ‘butch’. How does that sound? Would it be good? I am quite petite and short.
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Katherine Williams
Mar 09, 2009
I'm always in scrubs for work....would love to dress up for sometimes. good article 5* -
kaytay
Mar 09, 2009
Great tips on women wearing suits beautifully! 5*
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vlhammett
Mar 08, 2009
I'm thinking about stepping up my wardrobe. Good tips. 5*
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Terri Brisbane
Mar 08, 2009
Good tips and how to's. 5*
