Dress Code for Women

Business-dressing for females differs significantly from that of males, in that female professionals can add a lot of color, variety, and additional options to her professional wardrobe, which their male co-workers can't. Having said that, there are guidelines to what a female employee should be seen dressed up as −

What to Wear

Indian women have the options to choose between western wear and Indian attire while deciding their formal dress wardrobe. Although many see this choice as something to their advantage, this is the main reason behind their confusion in finalizing what to wear.

Indian Wear      

Generally, companies allow their women employees in India to dress up in Kurtis and salwar. These come with their own efficiency and comfort to the working area. Certain agencies, like tourism and travels, encourage their female employees to dress in saris to portray an ethnic look to their clients.

Kurti & Salwar in Gentle Pastel Colors is Preferable

Below is a montage of the pastel colors that ladies can use for their reference while choosing the color of their Kurti and Salwar. Colors on the computer screen might vary when compared to the real cloth, so as a thumb rule − choose a color that is two shades lighter than its corresponding one displayed on the screen.

Use Light Pink or Brown, (matt/gloss) Colors for Lipstick and Nail Paint

Matte’ or gloss colors don’t distract the interiewers and don’t draw attention away from what the candidate is saying, or writing − as in the case of nailpaint. They also merge with the color of lips and nails.

Use Simple Necklace, Small Earrings, and Nose-Rings (preferably studs)

Big dangling earrings and heavy jewelry pieces not only distract the interviewers, but also are extremely uncomfortable to wear over a longer period. It also tends to give a show-off image to the person wearing them. Studs play the job of beautiful accessories perfectly, without appearing as too much attention-seeking.

Use Black Low-heeled Pumps

Companies don’t encourage their female employees to wear stilettos and high-heeled shoes for two reasons−

● They are noisy and accident-prone (twisting of ankles is a common occurrence) and

● They put enormous stress on the waist, ankles, and feet. Pumps, i.e., shoes with normal-sized heels (as shown in the given image) is appreciably acceptable.

Wear Minimum Make-up

Excessive makeup not only changes the look of the person but also draws unwanted attention towards itself. Experts have noticed that women who applied excessive make-up have been considered too self-centered and hence, not team-players. Use only foundations that match your skin tone.

Western Outfit

When it comes to western wear, female working professionals can choose between a combination of formal shirt & trousers, and suit & skirts. Skirts should be knee-length.

What to Avoid?

Glitter

Avoid wearing any glimmering jewelry.

Anything that is too Shiny, Bright, and Distracting

Shiny and garish jewelry not only divert all the attention away from you, but also create doubts in the interviewer’s mind as to your priorities in life − anyone who had put so much effort in ornamentation obviously hasn’t got the interview process as the first thing in her mind. Go with a simple, thin chain.

Gaudy Sequins or Embroidery

Gaudy colors, other wise called “ripe colors” are normally considered as appropriate colors for interior décor and carry a strong perception as the preferred color for curtains, pillow-covers, bedsheets, among others. Wearing these colors will indavertently attach that image with the clothes that you wear.

High Heels, Stilettos

In addition to putting tremendous stress on ankles, feet and waist, high-heeled shoes are also accident-prone, causing violent and sudden twisting of ankles. In addition to these, they distract the people with their distinct tapping noise on floor.