Styling a business look: The tips of the expert
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde: Black, Gray, Dark Blue? Men are more limited in choosing their suit color. Is that different with women? May we risk more color?
Annett Moller: Yes, we are allowed to - luck, because I love colors! With my fashion line AMCO fashion, for example, I offer day and business dresses that are already a bit more eye-catching. But depending on the industry you should not overdo it. A nice shade of red or a strong blue is definitely possible in combination with plain blazers and pumps.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde: How do colors differ in their effect? And what signals can we send with our office clothes?
You can not hide in eye-catching colors. That's why you should be self-confident from the start. A strong hue signals: "Here I am!", With red subliminally emitting aggressiveness, while blue has a soothing effect. It is important in striking colors, that the garment sits well and is processed high quality. Meanwhile many women also like to wear dresses in the business, which I personally think is great. However, care should be taken that cutouts are not too deep and clothes are not too short. Knee length is required. Otherwise, it can be difficult to work with your male colleagues at eye level.
© AMCO fashionChroniquesDuVasteMonde: For which occasion should you choose which look? What do you wear when you want to negotiate the salary with the boss and what about the Christmas party?
If you want to negotiate with your boss, then it makes sense to wear a reputable trouser suit or a business dress with a beautiful blazer. Again, you can opt for color, but darker, quieter tones - dark blue and green or claret in combination with black or dark gray tones. Do not divert your clothing from your concern. For occasions like the Christmas party, you can dare a little more. A nice make-up, a figure-hugging dress - it does not have to be knee length - or a sexy skirt can be quite appropriate.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde: In our company, there is no strict dress code, the colleagues are rather casually dressed. Which chic alternatives are there in this case to the classic trouser suit or costume?
That always depends on the industry. In conservative offices - such as at a bank - there are hardly any alternatives to pantsuits, costumes or dresses with blazers. If it's possible to get a bit more casual to work, a dark pair of jeans with a white blouse and blazer is always a fitting look. The best way to orient yourself to colleagues. Watch what the others wear and adapt a bit.
Elegant and classic for an interview: dress "Tolani" by AMCO fashion, around 139 euros.
© AMCO fashionChroniquesDuVasteMonde: May the latest styling trends be worn in the office or should it rather be classic? Are trendy white sneakers, for example, too casual?
Again, it depends on the industry. In my job at the TV, it is so that you notice with a very chic outfit and is asked by all, what you still intends - unless you are still in front of the camera. In the newest sneakers you would hardly notice. For a bank, the complete opposite would be the case!
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde: Is there no-gos in office styling? Can certain looks even hurt a career?
Going too sexy in the office is an absolute no-go and can actually hurt your career. The boss and colleagues might not take you seriously. I once knew such a case: An attractive young woman, who actually wanted to make a career, always came to work in skimpy pants and blouses and mega high heels. All men wanted to flirt with her. No one was really interested in her work anymore. But too flashy or too loose outfits, such as baggy pants or jogging pants, are usually inappropriate.
Glamorous for the Christmas party: dress "Glenora" by AMCO fashion, around 179 euros.
© AMCO fashionChroniquesDuVasteMonde: Is there a rule on how much jewelry and make-up can be worn for a business outfit?
Filigree chains and earrings are no problem. Both can be a bit more conspicuous, but then should not be worn in combination. Even something like charm bracelets are not in the office: the colleagues are mistaken when the parts clack all day writing on the table. Less is more. Dear little jewelry, but high quality. A real piece of jewelry or an expensive watch signal success and taste.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde: What does a woman wear when attending a business meal right after work?
In any case, an outfit made of high quality materials, because it is supposed to sit well from morning to late evenings and look good. I find high-quality dresses with strech, which also hide a little, perfect for such occasions: So you can enjoy the dinner after a hard day without constantly having to move in the stomach. During the day you combine a dress with a chic blazer, which you can take off in the evening. Of course, pants or a costume with a white blouse will always work.
By the way: The dresses "Amalia" and "Marylene" shown on this page can be ordered for 169 Euro from our cooperation partner AMCO fashion. To get to the shop, just click here.
