How to Stylishly Wear Women's Suits in the Office

Contemporary business attire does not have to be monochromatic.

Styles for business attire have changed as modern times have introduced more casual clothing into the work place. Although the days of a matching power suit are not gone, individual personality and fashion sense is more integrated into the traditionally monochromatic gray, black or navy blue number. In fact, according to the book "Dress and Globalisation," today's business suit varies in style, color and fabrications and depends greatly on a person's position or the company that employs her. Thus, what is categorized as a contemporary suit includes a melange of different jackets, stylish bottoms, flirty shirts and bold accessories.

Things You'll Need

• Women's blazer
• Pencil skirt (complementary color)
• Ruffled shirt
• Textured leather belt
• Chunky bracelets
• Colorful pumps

Instructions

1. Select a top and bottom from two different business suits, but in the same color family. It is not always necessary to wear a matching jacket and bottom for business attire -- sometimes style can be enhanced by mixing and matching suits. Staying in the same color family helps you avoid color clashing. For example, pairing a chocolate-colored jacket that has a camel-colored pinstripe with a similar-colored camel pencil skirt can be a dynamic business outfit.

2. Pair the suit with a flirty or romantic shirt. Sometimes the cut of a business suit is very austere, and sporting a ruffled or fashionable top helps soften the look, as recommended in Samantha Critchell's October 2, 2006, article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. A jewel tone or pastel color can be flattering, especially if the rest of the outfit has a neutral color scheme.

3. Cinch the suit's waist with a thin leather belt to accentuate the waistline. Leather, such as an embossed crocodile print, adds another level of texture to the suit. Furthermore, according to famous style gurus Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, wearing a belt helps accentuate the smallest part of the torso, thus making a woman appear slimmer.

4. Accessorize the suit with bold accent pieces. An oversize bag can be a stylish substitute for a briefcase while providing the room to tote important documents and even a laptop. Brightly colored accent jewelry, such as a chunky bracelet, adds an element of style that punches up mundane attire. Colored pumps are another way to interject personality into business attire.

Tips & Warnings

• One way to incorporate colorful accessories into a wardrobe is to choose accessories in the same color family. Thus, instead of having multicolored accessories, one might pair a wine-colored belt with deep burgundy or mauve-colored shoes and bag to create a cohesive and stylish business ensemble.

References

• Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Beyond the Austere Suit for Women's Work Wear
• The Independent: Ah, the Language of Handbags Says It All
• "Dress and Globalisation"; Margaret Maynard; 2004
• "Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body"; Clinton Kelly, Stacy London; 2005