I start work as a legal secretary next week at a local firm. I have been told the dress is business formal. What exactly does that mean? Can I get away with pant suits? What kind of makeup can I wear? Do I have to wear stockings or pantyhose? Is it wrong to wear open toed shoes or sandals?
2007-06-21 12:12:01 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Beauty & Style ➔ Fashion & Accessories
Pant suits should work, as long as they fit well. Given however that they say it is "Business Formal," I'd wait and not wear a pants suit until I'd been there a few days and saw what is accepted and what isn't.
Whatever you wear, make sure that it is comfortable and you can move around easily. You'll be doing a lot of reaching, getting things in and out of file cabinets, high shelves, etc. so you want to make sure the armholes and sleeves fit well.
Go easy on the makeup until you see what the other women are wearing. I'd say, a touch of very flattering, lighter (not too rich) shade of lipstick would be best for the first day.
Yes, if you are wearing a dress or skirt, definitely wear pantyhose. You will look much more professional.
Law firms tend to be very conservative, and you will do much better, be more comfortable in that environment, etc. if you dress more formally.
The firm say sthe dress code is "business formal," so err on the side of extra conservative.
Do NOT wear open-toed shoes or sandals unless you see many others (including those who have been there for some time) wearing them.
Ask the secretaries who have been there for a long time for advice! Remember that the smart women lawyers have but one dress code -- "Look like you're worth your billing rate!" The attorneys and the management there will appreciate it if their staff presents a highly professional image. A professional appearance of everyone at the firm does make a difference to its clients, and you will be more comfortable, and more likely to advance, too.
2007-06-21 12:38:42 · answer #1 · answered by tsubas4me 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Western style suits; pants or skirts. In other countries, it means traditional dresses.
People would not be bothered about your make up, your stockings or pantyhose, your open toed shoes or sandals. Especially in an organization where it exists for the sake of existing and not for its' functionality. May be for the first year of work if you are a new worker, you take care of the way you look. After the first year when you know the real situation, you can be a bit more casual.
2007-06-21 19:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Business formal requires you to wear a business suit, either with pants or a skirt, pantyhose, or nylons and closed toes shoes.
Wear little makeup and your hair should be neat and styled.
Good luck on your new job!
2007-06-21 19:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by Sage 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You would be safer wearing a neutral color skirt suit with small conservative jewelry, closed toe shoes and pantyhose in the beginning. Better to be safe while scoping out the way things are done there. Also, watch out for perfume - they tend to frown on strong perfume or heavy make-up in that rigid of an environment.
2007-06-21 19:19:31 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs. Goddess 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should not wear open toed shoes because they won't take you seriously and you should definitly not wear jeans but a pants suit should be fine as long as it is very formal, you should wear light makeup because then it looks more natural and either stockings or panty hose will work good luck!
2007-06-21 19:23:41 · answer #5 · answered by emerzz88 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should not wear open toed shoes and yes wear stockings with your closed toed shoes. Pant suits are good, business like skirt sets are good also. NO SANDALS!!!!
2007-06-21 19:15:26 · answer #6 · answered by Alisha 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"Business formal is a subset of traditional business attire, yet, it has specific requirements just one step down from tuxedos, such as dark tailored suits for men and women. Business formal standards dictate that women wear skirted suits, hosiery, and closed-toe/closed heel pumps. Men should wear white shirts (French cuff styles), cuff links, silk ties, and pocket squares (silk or linen) to fully qualify for business formal attire. If you receive an invitation requesting business formal attire, dress in this standard. This level of dress is often requested for Award dinners, political events, and a variety of dressy evening business occasions that are not black-tie."
http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html
Related article: http://www.worldroom.com/pages/execlifestyle/business.phtml
Keep make up simple & conservative.
Tinted moisturizer or light foundation to even out complexion. Eyeliner tight against upper lash line only.
1-2 coats of mascara.
If you decide to wear eyeshadow, stick w/ 1 neutral shade or 2 shades (one for the lid & one to contour).
A "your lips but better" lip color - sheer cream or semi-matte lipstick. Avoid lip gloss.
landsend.com & talbots.com are good places to find blouses, etc.
onehanesplace.com carries stockings at a discount
zappos.com has an extensive selection of shoes & offers free shipping
2007-06-21 19:49:42 · answer #7 · answered by Treadstone 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Closed toe shoes, and pants suits! Light make up. Wear hose when necissary. Good Luck
2007-06-21 19:14:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
To look professional, ALWAYS wear pantyhose!
2007-06-22 10:21:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's better to go with pantyhose, more classy... But not with open toe though... :)
2007-06-22 10:48:41 · answer #10 · answered by CK M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋