Hi Ladies! I want to cross one matter off my list before I go on. If you think you are the only woman who is confused about what ‘business casual’ is exactly, you are so wrong. We have a lot of fellow females who assume that there is a standard look for business casual. And that’s an even bigger mistake. So, if you aren’t doing it right yet, allow me to give you 5 ways a curvy petite woman can rock the business casual dress code.
The Signature Cardigan. This piece adds an extra look of smart casual when paired with either a monotone dress or a skirt and blouse ensemble, provided, of course, that you know your ‘plains and prints’ rule. Altering what you wear your favorite cardigan with makes it a signature look, rather than an outfit you’ve worn over and over. It looks good on a curvy woman because it has a conservative touch, allowing just enough of her curves to be shown when she moves. It adds graceful animation on a petite woman.
A Pop of Color. Neutral tones are normally your best bet for office clothes. However, they are not always the most flattering on women. Why? They tend to be ordinary-looking and don’t do much to make you stand out. While I agree that you don’t want to be known as “The Woman in Colors” at work, being strategic and classic about your use of colors can convey authority and sophistication. (Think about men’s ties…the power tie is never beige!) Neutrals can make you seem boring characters at work. The solution? A nice pop of color that you can wear over your typical office clothes. Even the occasional bright neon paired with charcoal greys will definitely be as eye-catching as the post-its on their desks.
All Black Everything. From the dress, to the shoes, and the bag… Black will always be business wear royalty. Plus, it’s every woman’s comfort color. When worn in a close fitting but tailored fit, it defines the contours of her body perfectly. A petite woman will look taller in monochromes. I personally prefer to pair black with silver or gold accessories and other neutrals, instead of bright colors. I think that pairing brights with navy or charcoal gray is more unexpected.
Carry One. Imagine the photos above without the bags. The ensembles can be casual, but with the right handbag, it achieves the whole I-mean-business stance. It’s essential for the curvy petite to have something to carry over her shoulder because it makes her stand and walk straighter. Also, it’s sophisticated. It’s easy to be considered “cute” when you are short or “sexy” when you are curvy, and while those are definitely positives, they can often be the opposite in a business setting. It was my mom who told me that lifting a little extra weight while walking is good for the posture.
Big Bold but Classic Jewelry on Fridays. When it comes to casual Fridays, in my opinion, this is where you have fun! Statement accessories are a curvy petite woman’s best friend. It is to be worn so that boring outfits come to life. It can take your mass produced cardigan and skirt into an outfit that is uniquely yours. Plus, jewelry can be swapped out before heading to happy hour. Hey, it’s flyday Friday. And ain’t jewelry just fly?
The office is a sterile place for so many. But, you don’t have to go down with the people who think so. The right attitude towards work can turn what may seem like eight or nine hours of hell into a whole different zone. What you wear to work usually affects how you behave there, how you feel, how you move about and interact with others. The way you dress also affects your officemates. If you look nice, eh, perhaps even the horrible boss would be a little easier on you.
Business casual is actually not hard to understand and conquer. Business is serious. Casual is easy. Wear something that’s seriously easy, but when the situation calls for it, it’s easily serious.
