We have all dealt with our share of stress at work. If a business meeting is approaching, even more so. Besides worrying about the work part, it is very important to leave a good impression, which often depends on how we look. That’s why we are here: To offer some tips and tricks on what to wear for a business meeting, feel comfortable, and amaze your colleagues.
Business formal
Depending on the type of meeting, as well as your job, you can dress formal or casual. Formal looks have so many options, so you can experiment even there. The classic option is to go for a suit. It can be pant or skirt, either way, it is formal enough. Make sure the skirt length is below your knees. The important thing here is to choose the size correctly because you don’t want the suit to be too tight or your sleeves short or long. As for the color, stick to the basic formal colors like black, navy blue or gray. These will give out an impression of confidence and professionality. You can open it up a bit with a lighter shirt or blouse underneath. Don’t forget to iron your suit, because there is nothing worse than wrinkled clothing. Another good choice for a formal meeting can be a knee-length dress in a solid color. A dress that gently follows the line of your body is the best option.
Business casual
For more casual business attire, you have a multitude of options. Pastel color suits are one of them. Since you don’t have to stick to any specific and strict rules, you can go for a more soft, feminine look, and wear a casual pastel suit. You can even wear high-waisted, airy pants or skirt with a shirt or a smart blouse. During hot, summer days, a short-sleeve shirt or even a polo t-shirt is a great option. For winter looks, a white shirt underneath a sweater is the perfect look.
Pick the perfect shoes
No outfit is complete without the shoes, and that is why you should choose them carefully for a business meeting as well. The classic business look is closed-toe pumps with a lower heel. They go great with every outfit; the heel is appropriate, and they are comfortable enough. Make sure the colors go well together. You can match the shoes with a belt if you have it or better yet, with a purse. Make sure you choose the ones with not much detail on them like glitter, buckles or too many straps. If you want something a bit more casual and comfortable, you can even wear flats. Oxford shoes or simple ballet flats are the two best options. Wear oxford shoes with pant looks, and leave ballet flats for dresses and skirts. The one rule to follow here is the simpler, the better.
Complete your outfit with accessories
Every outfit looks better with an accessory, and this is a great way to open up a bit any business outfit and make it look less strict and simple. The first thing to pick out is a purse. Your business purse should not be a small, fashionable one that you wear to a night out. And chances are you won’t be able to use it since you always have your laptop and many papers and files with you. So, a bigger purse is in order. Firm purses look more professional, so opt for these, as well as those that you carry in your hand. The design should be simple, with just a few pockets, and zip or a magnet button. Also, leave chains, prints, and patterns for other occasions. As for the jewelry, minimalistic style is your friend here. Stud earrings, a small pendant necklace or a simple wristwatch are what you should go for. Make sure you color coordinate as well. With gray or blue outfits wear silver details, with browns or nudes you can go for gold, and pick your favorite if you are wearing black. Another interesting detail can be a silk scarf you can wear around your neck or simply wrap it around the handles of your purse.
How to do your makeup and hair
With the makeup, you should apply the “less is more” rule. Subtle makeup consisting of foundation, a bit of blush or bronzer, mascara, and a nude lip is more than enough. Don’t follow the newest trends on makeup for a business meeting, and leave heavy eyeshadow looks, and highlighter for other occasions. However, you can be a bit more creative with lipstick, and try a brighter color like soft pink or coral. Hairstyles are something you can’t go wrong with. Loose waves, straightened hair, even a ponytail or a high bun, they will all look good. So, you can maybe choose according to the weather or what you personally feel the most comfortable wearing.
For any business meeting, it is important to leave a good first impression, that’s when these tips come in handy. However, make sure you bring all your experience, knowledge, and confidence with you because you can’t be a professional without that.
AUTHOR BIO – Silvie Edwards
She is the mother of a wonderful child by day and lifestyle and fashion blogger by night. Her hobbies are centered on the love for travel, yoga, well-being and living in balance with nature.
