Dress to Impress Basics for the Professional Woman

Written by Sheri Cole, Executive Director, The Career Wardrobe and ~BLUSH~, of Blush & Brushes

Ever look in your closet in the morning and feel like you have nothing to wear to work? We all have that feeling. In today’s economy, dressing for work or that important job interview might be even more challenging. But by following a few simple tips, you can be “dressing to impress” in no time without breaking the bank!

1) Invest in a quality suit before you need it!

Try to avoid wearing brand-new or never worn clothing. You will perform better if you are professionally and comfortably dressed.

Don’t be embarrassed to shop consignment shops or the great sales that department stores have at the end of the season. They offer great bargains for the savvy shopper. Philadelphia’s best kept shopping secret is The Career Wardrobe’s excess inventory sale held the first Thursday of the month from 4-7pm at its 1211 Chestnut Street Philadelphia Boutique.

2) Wear sensible heels.

The workplace may not be the place for your stilettos. Particularly for interviews, wear closed-toe shoes and avoid strappy shoes and mules. Hosiery is always in style and expected in more conservative workplaces.

3) Create and develop a daytime makeup look.

Your local department store can help you. Visit the beauty counter of your choice and specifically ask for help creating a daytime look. A daytime look should focus on soft colors and make you appear polished and well put-together.

As the makeup consultant helps you, take notes about what types of products and colors are used. If your budget is limited, try to purchase at least one item. Consider purchasing your foundation if you really like it because color matching can be challenging. From this point, visit your local drug store to search for similar products and colors in less expensive brands.

4) Invest in a quality portfolio to carry your resume and other credentials.

Your portfolio doesn’t have to be expensive. Office supply stores like Staples carry a wide selection of inexpensive ones that will do the job.

5) The details of personal grooming are important.

Get your eyebrows waxed at your neighborhood salon or learn how to shape them yourself. The eyebrows help frame the face and make you look crisp. If you fill in your eyebrows, be sure to keep the look soft which is best for daytime. Also, do not forget about your nails. Be sure your nails are neatly filed, polished in a neutral color, and not extremely long.

6) Invest in an attractive bag.

And if you wear sneakers while commuting, invest in two bags or one a slightly oversized one! Your bag should close at the top: your prospective employer does not need to know you changed shoes in the bathroom. If you decide to carry a shoe bag and a separate bag for everything else, the bags should not be huge. Therefore, only carry what you need so that you appear organized and focused.

7) Wear minimal jewelry, and make sure it is discreet.

Try to wear small hoops or stud earrings, only one ring per hand, and only one necklace. Remove excess jewelry like nose rings and ankle bracelets during your interview.

8) Cover your tattoos.

If you have tattoos that cannot be concealed by clothing, consider covering them with a product like Dermablend (www.dermablend.com). This solution works best for parts of the body that will not constantly rub clothing. If your tattoo is on your neck, consider wearing a blouse with a collar or a scarf. Wear long sleeves if your tattoo is on your arm.

Now you have the tips and are ready to go shopping… but do you have items in your wardrobe already that are no longer appropriate for your office or style?

If so, consider donating to The Career Wardrobe, a nonprofit organization that helps low-income women transition to the workforce by providing them with free professional clothing and career development seminars. Since 1995, The Career Wardrobe has provided free clothing and educational opportunities for over 50,000 women in the Philadelphia region.

Before donating to The Career Wardrobe, ask yourself: “Would I wear this outfit to an interview, or to work, tomorrow?” Please consider your donation carefully and donate only business attire and professional accessories. Remember that items must be in season (Fall/Winter from November-March and Spring/ Summer from May-September), in style and “ready to wear” (clean and on hangers).

The Career Wardrobe holds regular monthly clothing drives in East Falls and Center City Philadelphia. Coming this fall, a new clothing drive for supporters in Montgomery and Delaware County! Visit www.careerwardrobe.org for full donation guidelines and clothing drive locations.

Sheri Cole is the Executive Director of The Career Wardrobe, the nation’s largest independent, community based nonprofit organization that provides free professional clothing and personal development and networking opportunities to low-income women transitioning into the workforce. Sheri can be contacted at TCW@careerwardrobe.org.