Are we just out to make money or to pay the mortgage at any expense? Compromising our principles and finances only to impress a client, or are we dressing up like dolls because we are having to much fun? Spending too much money on unnecessary items and fancy business attire, thinking it is going to impress our boss or client?

Of course, we are expected to look and dress appropriately, but do we really have to glam it up so much? And - is that really how the boss wants us to treat our business relationships?

Now I believe you have to live within your means, and avoid the credit card bills, because you really don’t need that little black dress or the $400 pair of jeans. Well, at least not for work.

Does Your Business Attire Make The Image?

Does that expensive car you drive prove you are worthy of a clients signature? Does it improve your business relationship with anyone, in any way? Clients could care less about the clothing label, price tag or model of your car. If anything, they get the message that you’re overpaid, and closely evaluate your service. It takes them longer to gain confidence in you because they don’t see you as one to be taken serious. So you could waste your time on this potential client for weeks, even months. And while you think you are wooing him into the company, all you are doing is wasting time building his ego.

Some of you have company cars and expense accounts - what you are flashing is the company, so do it wisely. If you’re a woman, this especially comes down to your business attire.

Lets Have A Reality Check Here.

Over time, I figured it out that if you aren’t making the grade signing those clients, you are going to be sitting pretty behind a desk until you figure out what you are doing wrong. You can have the most proper business attire and still end up like that. And this happens to so many women in business. When you are working with a new client, it is important that they get to know the style of your work, and not be confused by triggers you may not be aware of sending out.

Are you wearing the price tag to impress up on your success and your expensive taste, or are you dressing to increase the style of clientele you are going after?

Besides, if you take care of yourself, you will look great in just about anything. You have to find what works for you - and the way your style of clothing and poise expresses your sincerity and drive.

So How Decide Which Is The Proper Business Attire For You?

I like to go to the good stores, but I gravitate to the clearance rack. Surprised? Well, for my job, I need a classy tailored style; but I have had the benefit of traveling over the years and packing for seminars and training programs. I stick to basics - strong colors and sleek lines. The old adage,

You just can’t have too many little black dresses

- I have taken that too seriously, but a couple are necessary I think. You can dress it up or play it down to fit the occasion. It’s the same with pants. A couple shirts or tops, but nothing over the edge that makes you look “too” feminine. Lace, ruffles or flowers aren’t included for my business attire.

I do this because I want to be taken serious.

I’ve been working with men for so many years. Now I wear pants with jackets and shirts, but the shirts are solids or stripes and have a good cut. I never wear tees or tight sweaters; and in the summer I wear more dresses - but nothing too short. I’m comfortable for business when it’s coming just above the knee.

Straight out of college and determined to succeed, I admit I didn’t think of the length of my skirt or how tight the pants fit. I did have style and knew the right business attire (we’re so lucky that women’s apparel can be manifold!) - but still dressed like a college student. Over time, I figured it out that I wanted to be a successful business woman and not a working girl. I needed to make a fashion statement.

My Apparel: Rather Conservative, But Very Sophisticated.

This was a decision for me and my self-image at my business. I noticed a couple of times the men in the audience of conference rooms or offices scanning my legs, and I did not find it flattering. One time I wanted to stop the presentation to say HEY are you listening to me …up here!

Then I realized nooo. I can’t blurt that out now.

So I restructured my closet. The skirts or dresses that showed too much leg I got rid of, or put with my casual clothes. I even make sure now that my jackets are long and my long hair is up or pulled back with a clip - and I use very little make-up.

No, I’m not into the librarian look, by the way. You may find this too extreme, but it worked.

What Matters Most

If you want clients at the high end of the spectrum, your brain is what matters most. This again applies to every single business field you are in. Your mind’s creativity and mannerisms are what sells, not your business attire alone, and a sexy woman’s apparel won’t cover for your skills. This is a no brainer. You will get a much more prompted response from your client if you come off this way.

Common sense told me, if I wanted to keep unwanted advances away and to be taken serious in my business, it was up to me to take charge. Not to argue the point and bring attention to myself as being a rebellious, naive kid - or for the sake of coming off as frigid. Instead of words, I took action.

After all, it was the career I am working for, not the added attention.

So save showing off your great pair of legs or tight butt for outside your business environment.

Keep It If You Got It, But…

…have your priorities focused on your career development, with little distraction and stress. It is up to you to take the measures of making yourself more desirable as a poised and classy knowledge asset to the company - by choosing the proper business attire - without your gender getting in the way.

You can be friendly without being flirty - but femininely strong and competitive. Walking into an office with the confidence that you are there ready and well-prepared to sell them on your company’s service.

Men are men, working side by side. Or is it boys will be boys? I have learned that if you want respect, you have to use common sense. You really have to respect yourself and know that guys tend to always have one thing on their minds. If it is encouraged, then you open up a whole new can of worms.

Even With The Proper Outfit, Difficulties Still Can Come Up

My radar naturally goes off, or a red flag goes up, when I’m in a business meeting and I feel a conversation is headed in the wrong direction. So I steer it in another direction, ignoring that I even acknowledged where it was going. This keeps peace in my surroundings.

It has also been useful for me to keep myself posted with current events and sports to converse about other topics than work, the business in general or getting into your personal private life.

I keep these things separate to maintain balance.

So it is up to us women in business to set the rules and control the conversation. Knowing you have what it takes (mentally) to avoid stress in the office, or with clients, is always the best road to go down. How you are perceived is most important, and that is up to you. Dressing like an educated business woman with the proper business attire, and keeping the short skirts and tight jeans separate is the way to go for me. The sparkling shine of your brilliant mind, poise and determination is all you need.

How have you experienced the role of your body in business? Did you ever notice how your business attire effects the men around you?