Class is the key to opening greater opportunities for you and your brand! I know in today’s society, provocative and sexual lifestyles are glorified, but in the long run the “sex sells” mentality can only get you so far. In actuality, you never want businesses to only promote and work with you because of your freedom of sexual expression or simply because of your looks. I’m sure a long list of celebrities comes to mind when you think of women who chose to use their beauty and body to achieve success, rather than their skills, talent, and intelligence. No shade to anyone, but women can offer so much more, and I like to celebrate businesswomen who would rather work hard without exposing their “assets.”
I live in Atlanta, and I attend a lot of networking events. Most of them are successful, for me, and I like to believe it’s because of the professionalism that I offer to each prospective client. Let’s face it—it all starts with outward appearance. First impressions are everything, yet I encounter a lot of women who do not dress for success! Let’s keep it classy, ladies! Allow me to give you a few helpful hints so that you’re able to show business partners that you’re serious about your brand.
1.) A TIGHT SKIRT WILL NOT WORK. Let me first express how much I love to see a girl rocking a nice skirt accentuating her curves! However, there’s a MASSIVE difference between a dress or skirt hugging your curves versus their simply being too tight. It’s perfectly fine to wear something in your actual size. Please do not try to squeeze into a small skirt that you constantly have to pull down with every step. Also, as seen in the image, once your skirt begins to gather at the seams then that’s the number one sign your skirt isn’t appropriate business attire. Tight skirts are great for nightlife, if that’s what you prefer, but they don’t make a good impression when you’re trying to talk business.
2.) STILETTO PUMPS IN THE OFFICE? Like most women, I love a sexy heel! If we’re really honest with ourselves, it’s hard to make a cat heel look hot. However, there’s a huge difference between a classic pump and a heel more likely to be seen on a stripper’s stage. I always say that six inches should be the maximum heel height. Trust me, I know that eccentric heels are always stylish but they are not practical when it comes to business wear. Plus, most women aren’t able to walk correctly in extremely high heels, so please just leave them in your closet or at the shoe store. Instead, purchase a nice, beautiful pair of heels (preferably a closed-toed pair) that you’re able to walk in without stumbling over your feet.
3.) IT’S WAY TOO SHORT! I mentioned tight skirts earlier, but I can handle a tight skirt over a miniskirt! I won’t elaborate on this tip too much because it’s a very simple fix. Ladies, we cannot handle business when our skirts are way above our knees, showing our other business. I hate to sound like a high school principal, but I like to keep all my skirts knee length or two inches above my knees. If you’re well endowed in the thigh and butt area, just keep it simple by wearing skirts that are knee length. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting your grandma’s church skirt that she wears every first Sunday. Thanks to recent trends, you can find many options such as midi and peplum skirts that are business appropriate and stylishly approved!
I hope these THREE tips help those who are guilty of looking a bit Looking while handling business. I don’t blame you. We’ll just blame it on society, okay? You’ll have plenty of opportunities to redeem yourself, so walk into that next meeting with confidence, style, and professionalism! After all, that’s all a boss chick needs to gain the right exposure for the right reasons! Good luck!