Dresses in a Business Meeting...Yay or Nay?

Let me set the scene...I'm sitting at a table during a holiday lunch party with several colleagues...seven women, one man. As we were waiting for the main course to arrive, we began speaking about dresses in business meetings. Specifically, one of my female colleagues questioned whether it is appropriate for women to wear dresses to business meetings. Without question, business suits are always the safe "go-to" apparel when heading to a business meeting, but what happens when you want to try something new? Or something not so conventional? Are dresses and option? Well, of course I had an opinion! 

I personally think that certain dresses are fine in business meetings...I also think that there are some dresses that are inappropriate. I am a big fan of well-tailored sheath dresses. I think these dresses pack a double punch for professional women in that they ooze femininity and class at the same time. If done properly, I believe that a sheath dress can totally hold its own in a business meeting full of suits. The perfect sheath is well-tailored, not too tight, and not too short. And while we did not discuss colors and patterns, I think that the more business meeting-appropriate dresses are solid, and not too bright-colored. Here are a few examples:

During our discussion, everyone at the table agreed that traditional wrap dresses are not appropriate at business meetings. While no one could articulate why these dresses have no place in a business meeting, I reckon it has something to do with visible curvature...let me explain. While I do believe that wrap dresses are great to wear in the office and that every Professional Diva should have a few sprinkled throughout her wardrobe, I do think they may be a distraction in a business meeting. Perhaps the wrap dress oozes a little too much femininity? In any event, my colleagues essentially damned the traditional wrap dress from business meeting appropriateness...and I think I agree!

DVF is the Queen of the Wrap Dress. Every Professional Diva should have a couple in her wardrobe.

In sum, when it comes to dresses in business meetings, my colleagues and I agreed to the following:

1. A sheath dress on its own is okay in a business meeting, so long as the dress is not sleeveless. Capped, quarter-length, or long sleeves are necessary if the dress is worn on its own.

2. If the sheath dress is sleeveless, it is okay in a business meeting if accompanied by a blazer. A cardigan is not an option. 

3. Traditional wrap-dresses are not appropriate in a business meeting, even if accompanied by a blazer.

So that's what we came up with...what do you think? Are dresses in a business meeting okay? Are certain dresses more acceptable than others? Let me know!

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Bright Lipstick In The Office...Yay or Nay?

Russian Red by MAC Cosmetics

So...a few weeks ago, I headed to San Francisco and met one of my girlfriends to hang out for the weekend. She actually lives in the NYC area, but she was in San Francisco for work and asked me to come join her for a weekend of shopping and sightseeing...I was all in! I'd never been to San Francisco, and I certainly need no excuse to do some extra shopping. I hopped on a plane Friday night and I was out!

On that Saturday, my friend and I made a beeline for the shopping areas. And there were plenty of areas to see! We "stumbled" onto the Westfield San Francisco Centre Mall and "tripped" over to the MAC Cosmetics counter at Nordstroms. Somehow, we started trying on lipsticks...I was looking for a "shocking" red lipstick, and my friend happened upon a hot pink-ish color. I completely fell in love with my Russian Red lipstick and the accompanying Night Moth lip liner, but my friend was a little apprehensive about purchasing the hot pink lipstick...even though it looked AMAZING on her! Like me, she's a lawyer, and she had some pause about where she would wear such a bright color. I immediately responded that she could wear it anywhere outside of the office...now why did I instinctively go there? The truth is that I had no intention of wearing my new red lipstick in the office. In fact, I am not a fan of wearing any bright, outstanding makeup in the office...but especially not a bright lipstick. Not surprisingly, my friend agreed.

Which brings me to my question for you Divas. In a professional, office environment, is it appropriate to wear bright lipstick? What about bright makeup in general? Does your answer vary depending on one's profession? Or one's office culture? What say you?!

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Shapewear is Not the Devil!

Divas....let's talk shapewear! Better yet, let's talk about the stigma associated with shapewear, or spanx, or girdles, or whatever you feel comfortable calling them. Before I continue, let me just say that shapewear is not only for those women who are overweight. Shapewear is not only for those women who have a little extra weight on their mid-sections, or who are looking to slim their thighs. Shapewear is for everyone! Ask Kim Kardashian. Kim is always coming under fire because she unapologetically wears shapewear. Say what you want about Kim's choice, but you can't say that she doesn't look amazing in her clothes.

I recently had a conversation with a seasoned female colleague regarding professional apparel and shapewear, and we both agreed that shapewear can be instrumental in presenting a polished look in the professional world. We both admittedly have worn some sought of shapewear to the office because it made our particular outfit look better. Whether it be full slip or a pair of control-top hosiery, I've worn it. And guess what...I, like Kim, look amazing in my clothes, too...yeah I said it!

Honestly, I don't know what the big deal is with shapewear. My colleague, who has been making her way up the corporate ladder for 20 years, has said that it is borderline unprofessional when women choose not to wear shapewear in a professional environment when appropriate. Her biggest issues: "back rolls and booty jiggle." Her words...not mine! But I can't disagree with her. I'm a little bit old school when it comes to booty jiggle. I grew up in the house with a grandmother who made me wear "panty girdles" under my dresses to church to minimize booty jiggle. It wasn't appropriate for church, and it's not appropriate for the office...but that's just one Diva's opinion.

So my question to you is this: Why is there such a stigma against shapewear? Why do some women feel ashamed to acknowledge that they wear shapewear? In speaking to other women, the consensus seems to be that shapewear is associated with being overweight or out of shape. Some associate shapewear with being fake, or presenting a faux silhouette to hide flaws. Whatever the negative connotations may be, I can only see good in wearing shapewear, as necessary, in professional environments. And for those of you who have no problem with shapewear in the office, below is a quick mini-guide to wearing shapewear with your most common office wear. For those of you who think that shapewear is the devil, check out the guide anyway....maybe I'll change your mind! Enjoy!

A Professional Diva's Guide to Shapewear

Sheath Dresses

What Shapewear Can Do - Shapewear can diminish the appearance of back fat and/or back rolls, and can also flatten your stomach to create a smooth look underneath a sheath dress. Shapewear can also minimize booty jiggle. Don't judge the terminology...especially since you know what I'm talking about!

Type of Shapewear - Full slip shapewear is the perfect way to smooth your back and your front in one shot. Be sure to get a brand that includes a bra with adequate support. If your goal is to only smooth your stomach, try half slip shapewear. This will also eliminate booty jiggle. Also, be sure to select a nice pair of hosiery to give polish to your legs; many brands have a control top option that can also provide light support to smooth your stomach and eliminate booty jiggle.

Dresses Made of Jersey Material

What Shapewear Can Do -Jersey material is common for traditional wrap dresses. While extremely cool and comfortable, this material is notorious for showing back rolls and rear-view muffin tops. Depending on your body structure, booty jiggle may also be an issue.

Type of Shapewear - A shapewear body suit may be appropriate here. The body suit resembles a swim suit, and can smooth your front and back. Be sure to get a brand that includes a bra with adequate support. If you are concerned with booty jiggle, try a body suit with a full panty or short.  As I said before, a nice pair of hosiery with a control top option may also provide light support to smooth your stomach and eliminate booty jiggle.

Full-Skirted Dresses

What Shapewear Can Do - Full-skirted dresses tend to cinch at the waist, so having a smooth waist and stomach is essential to the look.

Type of Shapewear - You can achieve maximum smoothing of the waist and stomach with high-waisted shapewear. This type shapewear could come in the form of a panty, or shorts. Not only does it smooth out the waist and the stomach, but it can also combat booty jiggle (so long as the panty is not a thong).

Pencil Skirts

What Shapewear Can Do - The pencil skirt is a staple item for professional women; however, the pencil skirt loses its thunder when accompanied by booty jiggle. Additional failure occurs when the belly isn't smoothed out adequately.

Type of Shapewear - Half slip shapewear is the perfect tool to avoid pencil skirt catastrophe. It eliminates booty jiggle and it smooths the stomach...at the same time! Or, you can select a shapewear panty or short. You can also go for the full slip if you are looking to tame your upper body as well. Whichever you choose, booty jiggle will not be a problem!

Pants

What Shapewear Can Do - Booty jiggle...booty jiggle is the issue here...booty jiggle is the difference between a polished professional and a....jiggling professional. I won't discuss any further, because you get it!

Type of Shapewear - Hosiery with high support is the best option here. While I am not a fan of full leg shapewear underneath pants (too much bunching), I do like hosiery. With hosiery, there are many options to tame different areas. Control top tames the tummy and booty jiggle. There is also all-over, shaping hosiery that can tame thigh jiggle.

Blouses

What Shapewear Can Do - Blouses are essential business wear for women...back rolls, however, are not. Shapewear can help to smooth your back when wearing blouses.

Type of Shapewear - A shapewear body suit would be perfect here! It will smooth your back and your waist, and if you get one with a supportive bra...double win! If you are wearing your blouse with a pencil skirt and you need some all-over smoothing, full slip shapewear will do the trick.

What are your thoughts on shapewear? Heavenly? Or devil's work? Let me know! 

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Musings on Diva Career Wear...From a Man's Perspective!

Have you Divas ever wondered what the men in your office think about your work attire? I'll admit that I think about it all the time...mainly because I happen to know a fair amount of men that have strong opinions on what women should and should not wear in a professional environment. While I don't always agree with their assessments, I am always intrigued by their perceptions of a professional woman solely based on her wardrobe choices. Which types of women's suits are considered stylish? Which types are seen as frumpy? Just how much cleavage is appropriate in the work place? Are skirt suits preferred over pants suits? Are dresses okay? What about form-fitting apparel? Is the after-work cocktail dress too sexy? Heels or flats?

I obviously have my own opinions on issues regarding a woman's professional wardrobe, and I have shared them on the Chronicles in a number of different ways. As such, I'll shut up and shift the Chronicle spotlight to the Professional Diva's counterpart...the Professional Gent! Please welcome Marvin Gilmore and his opinions to the Chronicles with a virtual round of applause. He is the true definition of a Professional Gent with an impeccable sense of style. I am so happy that he has agreed to join us today to give a male’s perspective on three different types of career wear for women: Corporate Conservative, Business Casual, and Creative Wear. Believe me when I tell you that Marvin has brought some pretty good ideas to the table…so go grab a glass of wine, and let’s see what Marvin has to say!

 

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Hello readers!

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to give my opinion and a few tips on women’s career wear in the year 2012…from the perspective of a stylish gent.  First, I must note that historically, the idea of “style” originated with women. Professional wear, however, started with men, and women have increasingly adapted and created variety to the genre. Since there are so many different work locales, types of work, dress codes, etc., I would like to break down the wardrobe possibilities into three categories of career wear: Conservative Corporate, Business Casual, and Creative Wear. Let’s dive right in shall we!  

Corporate Conservative:

Corporate Conservative wear is typically for you ladies in a profession where image and brand presentation is everything! This includes, but is not limited to, lawyers, politicians, doctors, and business executives.   Most office dress codes, and more conservative and seasoned professional women, will discourage younger and less-seasoned professional women to push the boundaries when it comes to career wear in the corporate environment. These seasoned professional women advocates what I call the classic “grade school secretary look,” a look that will ensure that you will be taken seriously and not seen as a piece of meat. You know the type. It looks like this:

  

Now, we all know this is NOT the route many modern professional women choose to take. From a man’s perspective, there are MANY ways women can look stylish and professional in the male-dominated Corporate America. One person whose style I admire is news reporter and XM radio host Gayle King (who is also best friend of one lady named Oprah Winfrey).  The reason I admire her personal style is that she manages to put so many different looks together, and still retain a cool, calm, classy, and professional poise. See these pics for an example:

In the first picture, Gayle is wearing a conservative black dress that shows off her arms, and a skirt that hits right at the knee…just enough so that it is not “classless” or eye-catching in the wrong way. Then, she added numerous accessories that complement her dress.  Fortunately, Gayle isn’t the only professional woman in a corporate environment who can do this. Check out this woman rocking a female power suit…after all, power suits are not just for men:

Courtesy of unabashedlyprep.com

This trick is to remember that Corporate Conservative does not necessarily equal frumpy and boring.

Business Casual:

In my opinion, this is the BEST category of the three because there is so much freedom. When it comes to business casual, the key is to keep your clothing professional while de-emphasizing the casual. Please note that business casual does not mean slouchy, off the wall, provocative, or distracting clothing. It does, however, present an opportunity for women to play with color, a stark contrast from the traditional greys, blacks, and blues that are customary in Corporate Conservative wear.  Here are two examples of my favorite business casual outfits:

Courtesy of unabashedlyprep.com

Courtesy of unabashedlyprep.com

With business casual, I like to see well-tailored and fitted blazers, casual fabrics (such as linen and seersucker), patterns  (like a muted pinstripe), and small details (like flashy accessories).  By way of another example, check out this outfit from designer Ann Mashburn of (annmashburn.com).

Ann has a WONDERFUL store based out of Atlanta, which is right next to her husband’s store (sidmashburn.com), where I am a frequent customer. In this picture, you see that the model has on a fun button-up shirt with a classic pleated dress skirt. Now, fashion may say that this look is back in style, but this is a classic look that NEVER went out of style! The moral of the story is that professional women working in a business casual environment shouldn’t be afraid to play around with different pieces and ideas.  Do remember, however, not to go overboard with patterns and color pairings. Also, remember to focus on fit, color, moderation, and proportion. What doesn’t work you ask? Taking business casual too casually by donning a fitted cocktail dress, heels pushing past 5 inches, or flashy makeup, all of which screams “come get me” instead of “let’s do business.”

Creative Wear:

This section is for you ladies that have what I like to call “creative jobs,” such as being an artist, interior designer, freelance writer, blogger, etc. The cool thing about having these types of jobs is that you dress for the image you want to portray. If you want to be an artist that wear suits…go for it! The thing here is to discover your own personal style…hone in on it and recognize what you like to wear and what pieces fit you and your personality. Clothes aren’t meant to be a uniform, but they are meant to tell a story about the person in them.

That’s all for now! Hopefully my tips are useful to you. Please feel free to ask any questions or make any comments, and I will surely answer as quickly aspossible. Stay sexy and  stay stylish! *takes a bow*

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Divas, please join me and thanking Marvin for sharing a gent’s view on career wear for women. As always, show your love in the comment section below. Later!

More About Our Guest Blogger: Marvin Gilmore is the Co-founder of Suave Society, an upcoming men's style & lifestyle blog covering the southern fashion scene. Based out of Little Rock, Arkansas, Marvin graduated from of Ouachita Baptist University with a B.A. in Marketing, and is currently pursuing an MBA. He is dedicated to solving and giving advice on the millennial man’s struggles with style, and giving men a new perspective on fashion. Outside of his day job at an eMarkting Firm, Marvin works as a part-time style consultant and does freelance writing for numerous blogs upon request. Follow him on Twitter (@ThatManGilmore)

or contact him at SuaveSocietyGent@gmail.com.

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More About the Kardashian Kollection...!

Say what you want about the Kardashians, but the Kardashian Kollection clothing line at Sears continues to impress me! Shortly after the launch of the KK line last year, I found myself wandering around Sears to check out the pieces. As I stated in a previous post, I was highly impressed with the number of chic and fashion-forward pieces, as well as the high quality of the clothing. As I stated then, I was also excited about the many office-appropriate slack, skirts, and blazers. I even purchased a few pieces to add to my closet. Well...I journeyed back over to Sears recently to check out the new items from the KK line, and again I was impressed. Even more so than before! Why you ask? Check out some of their items below!

Blazers

I love blazers! A cute and functional blazer can serve so many different purposes. It can jazz up a neutral color palette (think black bottoms and a black blouse), or it can serve as your outfit's "statement piece." I came across several blazers while I was looking around, but here are the four that caught my eye (from left to right):

- Polka Dot Blazer (Winter White) - $48.99

- Tuxedo Blazer - $58.99

- Lace Blazer - $58.99

- Polka Dot Blazer (Sapphire/Black) - $48.99

Skirts and Blouses

So many options! The latest installment of the Kardashian Kollection boasts a score of blouses and skirts that are perfect for the office, and flattering to many different body types. Here are the ones that caught my eye:

1. Polka Dot Button Down Shirt - $33.99

2. Blue Leopard Night Button Down Shirt - $39.99

3. Long Pencil Skirt - $39.99

4. Mermaid Bubble Skirt - $45.99

5. Lace Shoulder Sheer Blouse - $33.99

6. Pintuck Tuxedo Blouse - $45.99

7. Drape Front Tank Top - $28.99

8. Striped Pencil Skirt - $28.99

Denim

If you can think back to my post, Building a Professional Wardrobe...The Basics, remember that a quality pair of jeans is on my list of one of the basic staples that every professional woman should have in her wardrobe. Cue the Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney jeans. yep...each sister has her own jean with distinctive features:

- Kim - Perfectly cut for curvy women, the Kim is a sexy low rise, straight legged jean designed with the curvy woman in mind. $39.99

- Khloe - Perfectly cut with the tall and curvy girl in mind, the Khloe jean sports a boot cut that sits at the waist with a high-rise. $39.99

- Kourtney - Perfectly cut to flaunt your curves, the Kourtney sits at the hip with a low-rise. $39.99 

Each one of these jeans are really comfortable, and are perfect for office "dress down" days. Pair your jeans with a pair of pumps, and you are ready for Casual Friday!

Shoes

 

Last, but certainly not least, there were shoes! Gorgeous shoes that would look great with your professional wardrobe. Now I must insert a little disclaimer here: the KK shoes look really nice, and they appear to be made of reputable, quality material. Since I have not yet purchased a pair of KK shoes, I have no real idea how they feel. I do encourage you, however, to try them on and see if they work for you. In the meantime, here is the information on the shoes (from top to bottom):

- Seattle (Black) - $24.99

- Los Angeles (Leopard) - $24.99

- Runway Snake Snip Toe Platform Pump (Black) - $21.99

I hope this post is as informative as I intended. Have any of you tried any items from the KK line? If so share! For those of you who haven't, would you?

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Great Video! What Not to Wear: How to Dress for an Interview

Greeting Divas! This video is pretty short, but I thought it was worth sharing. In this clip, Stacey London and Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not To Wear give quick and useful advice on how to dress for a job interview. I think this video is a great extension of the Building a Professional Wardrobe series featured here on the Chronicles. Take a quick look at the video, and let me know what you think!

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An Ode To My Favorite Professional Diva!!!

On the eve of Mother’s Day, I would like to take a moment to pay homage to the original Professional Diva…my mother! Affectionately known as Boss Lady, this phenomenal woman was is the epitome of a Professional Diva. She has worked as a Registered Nurse for just about as long as I have been alive. She has always worked ridiculous hours...long and ridiculous hours…just so I could have the best in life…so I could get a first class education…so I could be great! I am not only her daughter, but I am her legacy.

 Throughout my life, Boss Lady instilled in me many of the professional values that I still carry with me today. How to dress for a job interview…How to network at a business/social event…How to match my pumps with my suits…you get the point! She’s the same woman who took possession of my diplomas from Kindergarten, Junior High School, High School, College, and Law School, and dared me to ask for them back. And I never did! After all, her hard work throughout the years made it possible for me to get an education, and become the Professional Diva I proclaim to be.

It’s not a secret that she is proud of me…every major professional accomplishment in my life was met with some sought of celebration. And with every celebration, I tried to make her understand that it is also a major accomplishment for her. No, she did not write the papers or take the tests, but she made it possible for me to be in the position to write the papers and take the tests. I would not be here without her hard work….and she knows it!

In addition to being a fabulous mother, Boss Lady is one of the most generous people I know. She is the head of the Community Service Department at her church, where she spends several hours feeding the homeless and collecting clothing and necessities for those in need. She believes that it is her mission to help others. She is effortlessly amazing!

In conclusion, I am what I am because of Boss Lady. In addition to being blessed with her physical features, I have also been fortunate enough to inherit her work ethic and her charitable heart. So without further adieu, I raise my martini glass to Boss Lady as I wish her a Happy Mother’s Day. You inspire me, and I love you!

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