Professional Business Dress for Women

General Rule:  AVOID EXTREMES AND EXCESSIVENESS

SUIT

• Blue, black, gray, khaki, green, or patterned suit
• Suit coat/shirt-more traditional
• Skirt should be no shorter than 1 inch above knee cap
• Avoid extreme split in skirts

• Blouse should generally be of a solid color made of cotton or silk
• Blouse should be generally of simple cut (not too frilly)
• General colors:  white, beige, ecru, navy, blue, red (not black)
• Neckline should be conservative and not too low

NECKWEAR

• No neckties!
• Scarves added to distinguish a suit (Ascot or Scout style)
• Colors should include those being worn

HOSIERY

• Always wear hose!
• Coordinate with ensemble
• Skin colored hose are recommended
• no textured (lace, snowflake)

SHOES

• Simple pumps usually of solid color coordinating with suit skirt
• General rule is a color no lighter than hem line
• Make sure they are comfortable!
• Short heel and closed toe

BELT

• Optional depending on the outfit
• Color should either coordinate with shoes, outfit or both

JEWELRY

• All jewelry should coordinate in terms of metals (all gold, all silver)
• 1-2 rings per hand - no more
• Earrings should be small and unobtrusive