by Rosemary Redfern

Created on: November 28, 2009

The title suggests the business woman who is based in an office and wants to project an efficient but elegant image.

One actress, when she discussed getting into a role, said she needed the shoes first because walking round in them gave her the feeling of the character. In this case the hours a business woman works could be long and she could be on her feet a lot so it is essential to have shoes that are comfortable and fit well but look elegant. It's worth paying more than usual for a couple of pairs of such shoes. If the shoes are in the basic color scheme she has chosen, they can be worn with a number of outfits.

Buying a well tailored jacket in a style which is flattering to the wearer's shape, within the basic color scheme is the next necessity. Jackets can be worn with trousers, skirts or a dress and can turn a simple outfit into something smart and formal. They are also comfortable in a variety of temperatures and over a period of time a collection can be built up. It might be worth finding either a dressmaker or using a male tailor to make this so that the fit is good. The cost might even be less than an off the peg buy when you are paying for a name.

A handbag or purse which is big enough to hold essential items such as a hair brush, some make up and a repair kit but which can be 'packed' so that items can be found quickly and easily. Nothing looks more inefficient than scrabbling round looking for what you need. It's worth having this in the same color as the shoes for a coordinated effect.

Most women spend more time in trousers now. If this is acceptable for the business woman's image, having comfortable, well fitted ones is important. Made in good fabrics, they will stay neat and look good. At the same time it is worth having a couple of skirts to interchange and for occasions when trousers might not be suitable. The addition of some different jewelry or a colorful scarf can transform a daytime outfit into something suitable for a business dinner.

A collection of accessories can change and lift plain clothes and are not expensive to change and discard according to whim.

There are usually some formal occasions which business people attend to help with networking. A simple evening dress or trousers and jacket which are designed for the shape of the woman but which can be worn to a number of meetings are a useful addition. This is an opportunity to have a change of colors from the formal daytime wear.

The important thing is to keep the clothes simple, to a limited color scheme which can be lifted with accessories and in materials which are easy to maintain. Over time a comprehensive wardrobe can be built up.

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