Dressing for success tips
Paige Unger
Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: Culture
Women joining the work force is so last century. The idea of a woman's job no longer includes factory work making bullets; rather, the modern day woman is commanding the hustle and bustle of corporate America while trying to look good too.
Dressing for an occasion is always a good idea. If you're Paris Hilton, job attire may include tank tops and mini skirts, but for those not seeking a celebrity profession, attire is less casual and far more conservative.
"Follow those who have the job you want," said Erin Blocker, professor of communications in the Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration.
Blocker and other female professionals recently assisted the UMKC's Women's Center by hosting a fashion show dedicated to professional attire.
Ushering in the evening, Tuesday brought sleet and freezing rain, a tough day to launch a fashion show. Soaking up the information on appropriate skirt lengths, necklines and boot finishes made many students change their previous notions on interviews with potential bosses.
"Neutral makeup is the first thing I'll buy before an interview," said Annabelle Uwaemeny, UMKC student and Women's Center regular.
Being seen for what you're saying is the main focus of any applicant.
"Try to dress neutrally for an interview," said Sara Kimmel, the event coordinator.
Wearing tight gold pants and bright red lipstick may stick in an interviewer's mind over your year spent volunteering in Darfur or an internship with former President Bill Clinton.
"You really want nothing to get in the way of ideas and who you are," Kimmel said.
A good rule to follow is: Watch those around you and even more so, watch your boss and clients.
As suggested by the Women's Center, "if you have any doubts about what you are considering wearing, don't wear it."
With terms such as black tie, some women find it hard to determine an appropriate outfit for the event at hand. Women's attire in the workforce is still somewhat less refined than men's as there is less than a 90-year precedent.
"I'm jealous of men who get to wear neck ties," Blocker said. "It gives such a finished and polished look."
Dressing for the job doesn't always have to be grey turtlenecks, black suits and no jewelry. With moderation, bright colors and jewelry can be worn in conservative jobs, on days when you are staying in the office and have no meetings or appointments.
punger@unews.com
Dressing for an occasion is always a good idea. If you're Paris Hilton, job attire may include tank tops and mini skirts, but for those not seeking a celebrity profession, attire is less casual and far more conservative.
"Follow those who have the job you want," said Erin Blocker, professor of communications in the Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration.
Blocker and other female professionals recently assisted the UMKC's Women's Center by hosting a fashion show dedicated to professional attire.
Ushering in the evening, Tuesday brought sleet and freezing rain, a tough day to launch a fashion show. Soaking up the information on appropriate skirt lengths, necklines and boot finishes made many students change their previous notions on interviews with potential bosses.
"Neutral makeup is the first thing I'll buy before an interview," said Annabelle Uwaemeny, UMKC student and Women's Center regular.
Being seen for what you're saying is the main focus of any applicant.
"Try to dress neutrally for an interview," said Sara Kimmel, the event coordinator.
Wearing tight gold pants and bright red lipstick may stick in an interviewer's mind over your year spent volunteering in Darfur or an internship with former President Bill Clinton.
"You really want nothing to get in the way of ideas and who you are," Kimmel said.
A good rule to follow is: Watch those around you and even more so, watch your boss and clients.
As suggested by the Women's Center, "if you have any doubts about what you are considering wearing, don't wear it."
With terms such as black tie, some women find it hard to determine an appropriate outfit for the event at hand. Women's attire in the workforce is still somewhat less refined than men's as there is less than a 90-year precedent.
"I'm jealous of men who get to wear neck ties," Blocker said. "It gives such a finished and polished look."
Dressing for the job doesn't always have to be grey turtlenecks, black suits and no jewelry. With moderation, bright colors and jewelry can be worn in conservative jobs, on days when you are staying in the office and have no meetings or appointments.
punger@unews.com

Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Lady Feather
Lady_Feather
posted 2/13/08 @ 11:20 AM CST
Great article. WE HAVE WOMENS NECKTIES! Our neckties are not strictly for men. We use the beautiful colors of nature and have something for everyone. (Continued…)
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