While preparing for upcoming speaking events for business professionals and those seeking jobs, it occurred to me that many of you might find some of these concepts valuable.
First of all, your grooming is the first thing people notice whether you are looking for a job, going to a luncheon or running to the grocery store. Neat and put together rule! Fit ranks alongside in importance.
I really like both of these looks in the first picture. The one on the left is not as professional a look for the office but would be beautiful for a luncheon, church, or a business dinner. This style will camouflage wide hips or give a balanced look for wider shoulders and narrow hips. The key is to have a defined waist, longer legs and to be fairly slender. The suit on the right would go to the office as well as any of the events mentioned above.
The gray suit is a classic business professional look. I love it paired with gray shoes as the eye travels from the bottom of the skirt to the shoes, elongating the leg line.

This suit could be a basic classic piece to mix and match in many ways. It could be paired with any blouse color or print that looks great on the wearer. Black or charcoal slacks would offer another variation, while topping the skirt with a sweater or contrasting jacket would give another totally different look. Be sure to dry clean both the jacket and skirt together as they will slightly change color with each cleaning.
Cautions: I find the hairstyle on this model a little too casual for business and the necklace needs clear definition either nestled above the blouse neckline or extending below the neckline enough to appear intentional.
The print dress with white jacket is a great business casual look.

Prints are never formal but the jacket helps give a more finished look. The skirt length is excellent for this fuller skirt. This would look good on a variety of body shapes. Neutral sandals add the perfect finishing touch.

The two images wearing black dresses personify what not to wear! The black dress on the left could work to go out to dinner but the hairstyle looks like she just finished cleaning house. The longer sleeve is excellent if you want to hide your upper arm but the low neckline is inappropriate for most daytime events. It’s ideal for a dressy evening, then finish the look with a great hairstyle and a pop of jewelry. The dress on the right is – well, best left for a cocktail waitress. Nothing about either of these looks says alluring and mysterious!