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Workwear Essentials in Fashion
Introduction:
When we think of women’s workwear, it’s obvious to immediately think of classic pieces such as a suit or a dress. However, that has not always been the case. We have come very far in terms of what women are able to wear during work and daily life, to the point where we can have such a diverse wardrobe of garments right at their fingertips. Over the years there have been talks about the history of women’s workwear as well as how the trouser, which was once seen as something that only men could wear, has become a staple in every women’s wardrobe.
During World War II, as men went off to fight, women became the forefront of manual labor. As new job opportunities grew, such as working in weapon factories, so did the demand for new uniforms tailored to the needs of a new customer - the woman. The traditional wear for a woman, including dresses and skirts, was no longer appropriate for manual activities and so their new found wardrobe included pants. Women during the war were able to wear overalls or separates and women working in the office were able to wear the utility suit ,victory suit in the US. It also became the fashion where women were also able to ‘dress-up’ their suits if they were going out to dinner or to the theater.
Fashion Historian, Amber Butchart, explains the changes to women’s workwear over the last century. Simple, neat dresses, or separates, were deemed appropriate in offices and at shop counters throughout the 1920s and 30s, think Joan Crawford in Grand Hotel (1932). Clothes for work reflected contemporary fashions because working women tended to be young and expected to leave employment on getting married. It wasn’t until later in the 20th century that clothes were developed to reflect the growing presence of women in the workplace – leading to the birth of the ‘power suit’. Women who had previously looked ‘feminine’ at work began adopting ‘masculine’ features, epitomized by the shoulder pads and tailoring of the 1980s.
Today’s woman is overloaded with choice; which job, where to live, what to buy. What to wear to work is yet another decision to make. Such choices give women a level of freedom that should not be taken for granted, but they can also place a psychological burden. More choice means more pressure to get it right. So many questions - should one cover their arms? How low should the top be? Is the skirt too high or too frumpy? We can forever doubt if we have picked the right outfit, made the right choice. So, if we have a clear idea of how we want to dress at work, and, if not uniform, then at least a staple set of clothes, this relieves the psychological pressure.
What is a business attire:
Business attire is a formal dress code for many offices and corporate events. It denotes a professional style of dress that appears smart and sophisticated. For men, a suit is generally required. Women, on the other hand, can interpret business attire in a range of ways. While pantsuits and skirt suits are ideal, polished separates and business dresses can also work well.
Business Casual Attire vs Formal Business Attire:
Business casual attire and formal business attire differ significantly. As such, it’s essential to know which one you’re dressing for and how to do so appropriately. Business casual is a somewhat relaxed style of office wear. It is often called upon for contemporary places of work along with “casual Fridays” in more conservative offices. Formal business attire is more sophisticated than business casual and is typically reserved for more traditional offices along with certain professional occasions, such as client meetings and presentations.
When to sport a business attire:
When dressing for the office, it’s important to feel comfortable as one will be wearing these clothes all day. Therefore, pants often make a good choice as they’re typically easier to move and sit down in than fitted dresses and skirts. If one’s been in the job a while, they will have a better understanding of what works for the office. As such, one can inject personality into the wardrobe without worrying about appearing underdressed.
Business Attire for interviews:
Business attire makes a fantastic choice for professional job interviews. It projects a polished and smart appearance, creating an excellent impression. To nail the look, keep the outfit conservative and flattering. A slim-cut navy suit with a white shirt and heels makes a particularly great option. Don’t forget about accessories either. Select minimal jewelry and opt for a structured black handbag. One can also try tailoring the look to match the job and office that one’s applying to.
Cocktail Business Attire:
Cocktail business attire is often required for after-hours work events. As such, one will want to appear dressy but also somewhat conservative. To do so, try selecting a dress that has a business-appropriate cut as well as a little personality. Flounced sleeves, a unique pattern, or a jeweled neckline will do the trick. Then, finish the look with pumps, a clutch, and jewelry. If one doesn't want to wear a dress,then a slim suit instead. But, avoid wearing it with a collared shirt to ensure an after-five appearance.
Summer Business Attire:
Nailing the perfect business outfit in the heat of summer can be challenging. Challenging, but not impossible. Lightweight pants, dresses and skirts are key to achieving a sophisticated work look throughout the season. Although wearing a blazer at the desk isn’t necessary, one should keep one on hand for meetings throughout the day. When it comes to footwear, one may feel tempted to wear open-toe shoes but, it’s generally best to stick to closed-toe styles as they are more office-appropriate.
Winter Business Attire:
When dressing for the office in winter, trying to make simple changes to the usual work wardrobe would beat the cold. Swapping a collared shirt for a turtleneck sweater will provide warmth while also looking stylish. Likewise, changing pumps for heeled boots can have a similar effect. Other ways one can stay warm while looking sophisticated include opting for heavier fabrics and investing in a smart coat.
Women’s business pants:
Business pants for women come in many varieties, including straight-leg, bootcut, and cigarette styles. When choosing a pair, select the cut that best flatters one’s body type. But, be mindful of the length. If the pants bunch at the bottom, be sure to take them to a tailor instead of cuffing them. When it comes to colors, neutral hues, such as black, navy, and gray are ideal.
Women’s Business Skirts:
When wearing a skirt for business attire, the length is critical. Ideally, the skirt should finish around one’s knees or below. Also, make sure any slits don’t come up too high and that it’s not too tight, so one can comfortably sit and walk. Pencil skirts make an especially fantastic choice, but A-line options can also be ideal.
Women’s business shirts:
One can’t go wrong with a button-up shirt for work. Not only do they appear smart and professional, but they also come in a variety of materials and colors, meaning they’re suitable for all business occasions. When choosing shirts, invest in black and white styles that’ll work as wardrobe basics. Then, add in designs in soft tones or deep hues for something different.
Business Dresses:
Business dresses should be well-fitted and being overly tight. They should also be a nice length, finishing at the knees or below, and not too revealing. While short- and long-sleeved dresses are more appropriate for business settings, sleeveless styles can also work when partnered with a shirt or sweater underneath or a blazer on top.
Business suits for women:
Whether with pants or a skirt, a business suit is an excellent option for women working in a formal environment. When choosing a suit, it’s best to keep things simple with a neutral color, plain fabric, and little to no embellishments or decorative details. Then, all one needs to do is add a business shirt and some court shoes, and you’ll instantly appear sharp and stylish.
Business Casual:
In offices where expectations call for a business casual dress code, there is more leeway to inject one’s personality into the outfit. While the overall mood must remain professional, one can still have a little fun with it. The trick here is to incorporate the 9 to 5 staples and infuse one’s own personal style. Think tailored blazers and high-waisted pants with bold patterned blouses and on-trend accessories. The balance between corporate and relaxed can be difficult to grasp, but keeping in mind experimenting with the season’s top trends isn’t just reserved for the weekend. There isn’t a blanket rule for business casual attire; it varies from workplace to workplace. One simple option is to pick a single statement piece and build your outfit around it. Consider wearing a shirt dress and elevating the outfit with a cape jacket. A bold blazer styled over a skirt or a dress is also a stylish way to mix and match corporate and casual. Finish with a pair of pointed mules and you have a chic business casual ensemble.
Conclusion:
In recent fashion trends, business attire has gone through cycles of formality, from the suits and A-line dresses of “Mad Men '' to yesteryear’s J. Crew aesthetic of skinny black pants and silk blouses or slacks and button-downs. And even shifts to more casual styles have tended to operate within guardrails: trousers rather than jeans, blouses versus T-shirts. When it comes to job-hunting, applicants and college graduates have long been instructed to have “interview suits” or similar garments at the ready.
But never before had the modern office been so upended as it has been in the past two years. The length and scale of the disruption — particularly as work schedules are still being established — are likely to set a new normal for the foreseeable future, experts say.
Many of the leading e-commerce clothing and personal styling companies have been referring to the latest workwear trend as “business comfort.” Eighty percent of the employees who are returning to offices this spring are choosing that style over more traditional workwear, according to a survey of about 1,300 of its clients in March. People are opting more and more comfortness into the attire post pandemic so as to sport the look comfortably from home via zoom calls making it seem professional as well.
The trend toward more casual clothing has left a significant swath of shoppers in the dust — namely women who still need to wear traditional professional attire to jobs in fields like law and government, and who are in-person five days a week.But still women look for clothing that can help them sustain comfortably while maintaining the style quotient as well.
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