Women's Business Suits

Classic colors for women's business suits are black, navy, and gray and are available in both pant suits and skirt suits. If you decide to choose a suit with a pattern such as a small conservative check or plaid, be sure patterns are aligned at the seams, shoulders and lapels.

Skirt Suit/Pant Suit

When buying women's business suits, a decision need to be made: Do you want skirts, pants or both? Both are considered proper business attire in most office environments.

Skirt

A classic-style skirted business suit is the best choice for most interviews for women. Let's face it; you'll want to look as good as your resume reads. The traditional skirt suit is most often appropriate in such formal business settings Avoid trendy or inappropriate styles. Knee-length skirts or longer are most appropriate. A rule of thumb to follow is: When you sit, the skirt should cover your thighs.

Pants

Pants are available in a number of styles:

• Pleated – pleats dress up the pants
• Flat-front – provide a slimming effect
• Cuffed – a more formal look

Maintain a Crisp Appearance

Choose a conservative skirt length, like this classic style from Liz Claiborne.

The right business suit generates a professional impression without saying a word. Choosing the right suit to convey this image includes selecting a suit made from quality fabric. While shopping, test the fabric to see if it wrinkles by crumpling it in your hand. If it stays scrunched or wrinkled, it's not the suit for you because it will do the same when you wear it. You don't want a fabric that looks rumpled half way through your day. Avoid high polyester blends and instead consider the following fabrics when shopping for women's business suits:

• High-quality worsted wool
• Wool blend (like wool flannel)
• Linen (Makes a good light-weight business suit fabric)

Fit

When you try on the jacket to a business suit, be sure it fits properly -- poor fit presents a sloppy, unkempt appearance. The collar to the jacket should lay flat against the back of your neck. The shoulders should not look too boxy or sloped, and the sleeve length should come to rest about 5 inches above the tip of your thumb.

When purchasing a new suit, make sure it fits not only your body but the rest of your wardrobe. Ask yourself if it complements what you already own, or will you have to buy all new accessories? If you are just building your business wardrobe, quality suits are expensive but worth the money. Purchase the best you can afford.

When trying on women's business suits find a jacket style, cut, and length that complements your build. Suits are available in:

• Petite
• Tall
• Misses
• Plus Size

Don't buy something only because others wear it and look good. Fit your suit to your body's build including jacket and sleeve length.

Accessorize Women's Business Suits

While a classic women's business suit presents a professional image, you'll want to avoid looking like everyone else. Do this with a tasteful selection of accessories.

Traditional Basics

• Close-toed, black leather pumps
• Crisp, tailored white blouse
• String of pearlsright

Adding Color

Add interest to a navy blazer, like this one from Isaac Mizrahi with a colored blouse.

No one wants to wear the same thing day after day. Add color to your business suit wardrobe and still maintain your classy business look:

• Color-coordinate your blouse and shoes (Bright color shoes are acceptable these days if tasteful. Choose a classic pump with mid-height heel and closed toe with little or no decoration)
• Scarves
• Bold but not gaudy jewelry
• Purse

If you find a blouse that fits well, purchase it in several different colors along with shoes and maybe even a purse. Adding color though accessories allows you to wear the same women's business suits with a whole new look. As you choose colors, be aware that red represents power.

What Not to Wear

• Sleeveless tops
• Bare legs (always wear hose)

Continue to Build Your Wardrobe

Keep building your business wardrobe by adding pairs of shoes, jewelry and blouses in different colors to be worn with your classic business suits you own. Accessories don't have to be top quality if you can't afford that, but don't scrimp on the business suit. Buy the best quality suits your budget allows..

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• Resume Objective Examples
• Resume Objective Statements
• Business Thank You Letter