It’s estimated that more business deals get done over lunch than get done in the board room so it goes without saying that business lunches are not events to be taken lightly nor are they simply about two people or a group of people getting together for a ‘catch-up’ and an excuse not to go back to the office in the afternoon. For those who have experienced countless business lunches they can be something to be looked forward to or they can be loathed but perceived as a necessary part of the job whilst for the uninitiated, the thought of a business lunch is enough to have you quaking in your boots. However, they can be very pleasurable experiences or, at least, bearable if you know a few ‘rules’ about what’s expected and how you should conduct yourself.

Be There On Time

There is nothing more annoying for the person waiting than for their guest(s) being late for a business lunch. Contrary to some people’s opinions, business lunches are not an excuse to take the afternoon off and enjoy yourself and, whilst some will inevitably last longer than others, many busy business people have a strictly managed timetable so, unless it’s absolutely out of your control, never be late for a business lunch. The memory of you arriving late will live long beyond any apology for being so.

Turn Off the Mobile

It’s important that you focus on the ‘here and now’ and on your guests. Whilst some people might make the excuse that they need to be ‘on message’ at all times, for the most part, this is incredibly rude and shows a lack of respect. Many people have scuppered big business deals simply by taking a call when they’ve invited their guests with the intention of securing a business deal and then ignored them for a few minutes to take a call.

Greetings

Always offer a handshake but, unless you know the person or people with whom you’re having lunch with very well (and that means all of the people attending lunch), don’t be tempted to come out with anything ‘smart’ or funny. What some may find amusing, others might not and that will put them off you straight away. It’s also useful to think of an opening statement as you shake hands if you’ve never met them before e.g. “Thanks for taking the time to come to meet me today, Mr Smith”.

Obviously, if you know the other person quite well, it’s perfectly acceptable to greet them by their first name. And, if you’ve been invited to lunch by a company and they have happened to have brought along group of colleagues, make sure you shake hands with the most senior ranked member first if you know who that is, unless you’ve been invited by a specific individual within a company, then you should shake their hand first and then the rest of the people in the order in which you are introduced to them.

Small Talk

This is one of those areas which so often puts people at their ease but which can also cause the most embarrassment. There are no hard and fast rules about how long you should wait until you get around to the subject of business and a general rule of thumb is to be guided by the person who has invited you. If they’re happy to chat about the football last night for 5 minutes or so, go along with that as it will help you relax and put you more at ease for when you get down to the nitty-gritty of discussing business. However, if there are VIPs present or the chairman of the company is there, it’s more likely that they’ll want to keep any small talk to a minimum and get on with the business at hand. It’s always better to take your cue from the person who invited you with regard to this delicate matter.

Who pays?

No matter that your guest may be far richer than you, if you’ve done the inviting, you should always pick up the tab. If it’s a joint meeting, you should always ask either at the beginning or before the meeting has taken place how they want to split the bill and not wait until the bill arrives to discuss it as that shows an element of professional weakness. And, if somebody has agreed to meet you as you’re seeking advice from them, not only you should you pay but it’s also good manners to send them a ‘thank you’ note which is handwritten and even perhaps send them a small gift to express your gratitude at giving up some of their time for you.

Utensils

Whether it’s your napkin or knife and fork, knowing how to use your utensils is often the one thing that instills fear into everybody who’s not been used to attending a business lunch. It’s quite simple to remember really and most people who get it wrong do so because they’ve been so paralysed by fear and they’ve convinced themselves they will mess up regardless. So, it’s place the napkin on your lap not down your shirt collar and usually, if the napkin is still in the wine goblet and not placed on the table, you can take that to indicate that the waiter will place the napkin on your lap for you. Bread and salad plates are usually placed on your left, drinking glasses on your right.

Utensils like knives, forks and spoons should be used from the outside and work your way in for each course with the dessert spoon by the dessert plate. If you need to excuse yourself whilst the meal is in progress, put the napkin on the left hand side of your plate or on your chair as this indicates to the waiter that you’ve not finished yet. You should always say, ‘Excuse me’ to your guests as you stand up to leave the table. Once you are through with your meal, put the napkin on the right side of the plate and place your knife and fork horizontally across the plate to signal the waiter. Also, remember not to start eating until your host has given some kind of cue to do so.

However, the important thing to remember about business lunches is that they’re usually so focused on business that if you use the wrong knife for a particular course, it’s not going to cost you the ‘deal’. Some people have had far more experience of business lunches than others and it comes more naturally to some people more than others and you get used to them over time as you attend more. So as long as you are polite and respectful, don’t get too agitated at the thought of attending a business lunch, the next time you’re invited to one.

Wearittowork says: "There are a few things to consider when dressing for a business lunch. Firstly, you will need to get from your office to the restaurant and back, so wear something comfortable enough to walk around in. Opt for clothes that fit well, and are easy to sit down in. Make sure your skirt is not too short, or a design that rides up when you are sat down. If you are most comfortable with your legs crossed, make sure you wear clothes that do not constrict your movements whilst sat down. A business suit is likely to be a good choice, wear it with a nice blouse, so you can remove your jacket if suitable."

Accessorizing Your Business Suit

One of the best business wardrobe pieces is a perfectly tailored suit. Regardless the color; black, grey, red, or beige, it is likely the appropriate attire for a business occasion. From meeting, to presentation, to a business dinner, the suit will always underline how serious you are about your job, by not taking the attention away from you. There are many praising anthems about the classical business suit, but there is no need for it to be boring. Here are some great ways to accesorise the business suit, while keeping a perfectly polished look.

Generally it's suggested to keep it simple and business like. We suggest six categories to choose from; watches, earrings, scarves, shoes, bags or briefcases, and the essential tights!

Watches

Rather than constantly checking the time on your mobile, opt for an elegant watch. A watch is much more than just an accessory. It is a functional piece of jewelry that shows that you care about punctuality. A quick glance on your fabulous watch is unlikely to be disturbing, opposed to pulling out the mobile phone. When choosing a style go for a classic appearance. Steel, Silver, and Gold are good choices. The bracelet should be simple and elegant. Save the glitzy ones for parties, the simpler the better. Again, you want to underline, and not outshine your character!

Earrings (Necklaces, and Rings)

Whilst earrings have no actual functionality, they are one of the favoured choices for accesorizing the business suit. Pearl earrings are a safe bet for the businesswoman. There is no need for them to be real, as long as they look neat. Choose stud earrings, or simple drops, and avoid anything too large or dangly. 

These are the two key jewelry pieces for women wearing a suit. Should you want to add a necklace or bracelet, make sure it’s a matching piece and ever-so simple. In this case 'less-is-more' is really the case. 

Scarves

Scarves are a great choice for any season. They add texture and colour to your outfit. Consider your choice in fabric; Light cotton is a more relaxed statement, whereas satin and silk are sophisticated and look smart. Here you can also experiment with color. Match it with the color of your shoes, handbag, blouse, or belt. Stay within the color harmony of all of these items.

Shoes

Classic Pumps are always a great choice for business attire. Invest in good quality shoes with a sensible heel, as comfort is key, and style secondary. However, if you are out to make a statement, stick to the classic style of shoe, but in different colours or prints. Ballerina flats have made a comeback, and many women are choosing for comfort. There are a great number of lovely designs out there; keeping in mind that simple is best.

Bags and Briefcases

Yes, the workingwomen of today are emancipated! That does not mean we have to always carry a briefcase though. Luckily we live in times with a great variety of handbags. They come in all sized and compartments possible. You know best how much you need to carry on a daily basis. Color and material should be in unison with your shoes, scarf, belt, or blouse. That shows that you spent thought on your outfit and care about your appearance.

Hosiery

In a business environment women should wear tights when wearing skirts. A nude colour is often the best choice, however, depending on the outfit and season, there are endless options of colour, design and texture.  An added bonus of good quality hosiery is that they help “correcting” those little female problem areas (if you have any that is). Tights come in different stretch and support proportions. The higher the DEN part of a pantyhose the more support it will give you. Medically seen it is good for your legs and the flow of your blood. So even more reason to opt for a skirt suit!

Looking professional is the essence of wearing a business suit, but your personal style does not need to go entirely lost. Choose your accessories wisely, and look and feel great at work!

Tags: Business suits for women, Career clothing, what to wear to work, how to build a professional wardrobe, work wardrobe

The revolving doors start turning and in walks a short humpy old man. Round glasses with a thick black frame decorate his face, and almost hide the sympathetic wrinkles around his eyes. He fumbles with the belt on his beige trench coat. He walks with confidence and haste, like a homage to 60s Hollywood. People greet him here and there until he is out of sight. Another person enters, a slender and tall woman. Her golden hair is tied back in a tight knot, not one strand of hair loose. Walking securely, in her timeless black suit she makes people around her feel small. She stops and takes out her Blackberry, and continues to the elevator. A much smaller and well-fed lady accompanies her. They exchange a few words. 5 seconds pass until the tall woman turns around and looks at me.

Her serious face puts on a smile. I quickly stand up to greet her. She tells me that I am early and that she will send for me in 30 minutes. 

What to do, but sit back down. Another 30 minutes to endure. I take out my notebook in an attempt to write. All I can think of is how uncomfortable I feel in my selected business clothes. Dressed in grey heavy materials on a sunny day in March. What was I thinking getting dressed this morning? Did I give it enough thought at all? The fit is off, and my shoes scream “comfort” more than anything else. I feel silly. Today was supposed to be a corner stone in getting my career started. I prepared all my paperwork; I researched the company’s history and know the names of all the important people. Yet I feel like I did not do my research about “what they wear to work” well enough. My knowledge seems to be hiding behind my outfit. As silly as it might sound, I wish I had opted for a classical appearance today.

15 minutes passed. 

People walk in, greet and take the stairs or the elevator. Not everyone looking as proper as my brief contact. That knowledge gives me some comfort, besides the fact that these people already work here. I try to concentrate on the things that make me relax.  The sun is still shining, time is still passing, and I already had a new learning experience today. I love learning experiences; because I know that next time I face a situation like this I will spend time thinking about WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW!

These are suggestions I would opt for next time (and no, I do not know if I got the job or not…still waiting)

Tags: Business suits for women, Career clothing, what to wear to work, how to build a professional wardrobe, work wardrobe

The Secret behind the Capsule Wardrobe

Did you ever have a “I have absolutely nothing to wear to work” moment? Ever been late for a meeting or work, because of wardrobe malfunction, and your bedroom spattered with clothes? Is your closet also full of clothes, but you cannot find anything to wear with your new pencil skirt? Of course you have, we all have. The Solution is - A reliable, classic collection of timeless pieces that can be called on in any fashion emergency, whether you cannot find anything to go with a new skirt or need a neutral accessory to tone down a striking dress, the capsule collection is every troubled girls friend. Getting dressed should not be a shore, and if it really turns out to be a time consuming problem you should sit down and rethink a little. A girl needs a (work)wardrobe that functions above all.

According to Susie Faux, who came up with the concept in the 1970s, the ideal capsule wardrobe consists of two pairs of tailored trousers, a shift dress or a pencil skirt for more formal occasions, a well-fitting jacket, a coat, and a casual jacket or smart cardigan. As for the shoes, we ladies ought to have one pair of flats and one with a sensible heel, and two kinds of bags - a small formal one and a larger bag for every day use.

Looking at this small list, you can probably go back to your closet and find a few of these items already! Now you just need to be smart about creating one that works for you.

We suggest, with eye on the ‘work wardrobe’ that you choose two business suits for women, one skirt suit and one trouser suit in basic colours, which can be matched with other pieces. This will prove greatly versatile for any working woman.

The capsule is essentially the backbone of your wardrobe that should always work. It has to go with everything and should be based on timeless, best quality items (cotton, cashmere, and silk), with the most flattering cuts and tailored to especially fit your shape. Just think that those pieces are a small investment that will transcend fashion trends. If you think having a capsule wardrobe is dull, think again. It is the secret of the savvy. You can liven up your selection with colorful, less expensive, trendier accessories - think of the fun you can have with jewelry, scarves, shoes and bags!

When it comes to colors we advice natural colors. Depending on the season you might want to pick darker ones for the cold season, and lighter ones for the warm season. What it comes down to is understanding who you are and how you live your life.

Tags: Business suits for women, Career clothing, what to wear to work, how to build a professional wardrobe

The Perfect Work Wardrobe – Shift Dresses

by www.wearittowork.co.uk

Shift dresses were actually born of the ‘undershirt’ or also known as a chemise. The exposing of the inner layers of clothing allowed the development of the shift dress, introduced by the French who pulled out the inner garments and used them as the outer.

Shift Dresses and Style Icons

The Shift dress has been popular throughout the decades, but had a few periods of highlights. Its silhouette is most iconic of the 1960s “mod” look, when it was worn by such public figures as Audrey Hepburn, Mia Farrow, and Twiggy.

Shift dresses made a comeback in the mid-1990s when business wear became popular, and at this time were most often layered over a turtleneck or t-shirt and worn with knee socks. Since then the classic design has not left the stage.

The shift dress is still associated with timeless style and sophistication, and is often worn by First Lady Michelle Obama. The shift dress was previously associated with US presidency when former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy adopted it as her own signature style, paired with pearls, gloves, and a pillbox hat.

Today, the dress is hugely popular with current style icons, from Jennifer Aniston to Sarah Jessica Parker, everyone seems to be loving them.

At the office

The versatility of the shift dress is key to its popularity. Although shift dresses can come in various sleeve lengths and hemlines, the classic shift dress is sleeveless, knee-length, and features a high collar or boat neck

It can be dressed up or dressed down, and can be adapted to wear in any season. The simple styling of the shift dress makes it a versatile piece, lending itself to a variety of fabrics and accessories.

Layering is hugely popular with this dress, especially when worn for the office or business. Due to the short sleeves, it is ideally paired with a blazer or cardigan, and remains remarkably comfortable.  Also, because of its simplicity, it can be paired with jewelry to give it a unique look.

The fact that they are not form-fitting and that the waist is not emphasised, they allow women to move around freely without constraints.

The simplistic lines of the dress allow for it to be produced in many materials, colours and prints. For the basic office wardrobe the main choice would be a black, grey or navy blue version of the dress.

It’s the perfect dress to wear for a quick shift from desk to drinks.

For Who?

As established, the shift dress is ideal for anyone who needs to look professional, or works in an office. Besides that, it is perfectly flattering for any body type.

Slimming rather than hugging the body, it narrows down every shape and size and takes you from an early morning meeting to cocktail hour with ease.

If you are looking to upgrade your work wardrobe, a shift dress is a great investment, not only will you be able to pair it with many items you already have in your closet, but you will also look great for the job.