Guest Post: Ashleigh on Professional Wear

I loooove Audrey Hepburn and her classic style, so I was delighted when Ashleigh contacted me about a guest post. Everything from House of Fraser screams that era of style to me, perfect for a day at the office. 
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Dressing for a meeting or any kind of professional occasion can be really hard and I hate to say it but much harder if you’re a woman! Guys can’t go too wrong with a good suit and tie but us ladies have to tread that fine line between stylish and sensible. We want to be taken seriously of course but that doesn't mean we want to lose our personal style.

I was once told to not dress too brightly for interviews or meetings as this can really distract the person you’re there to meet or worse put them off you. Keep it to black, white or neutral most of the time but you can add a little color to keep it young and fun. Also be careful of your makeup, you want to look effortlessly chic and bright so stay away from colored eye shadows and if you like lippy make it nude or light pink.

Now for your outfit. As I said before it can be hard for women but the best advice I can give you is to judge it by your own standards. Personally I like to feel confident and be on just the right side of sexy. Something like these dresses from Alexon are perfect, they are still feminine and show you as a woman (no burying your lovely figure) but they don’t scream girls night out either. With a dress always make sure it has a high enough neckline so that no cleavage is on show and it comes just below your knees; think Audrey Hepburn chic and you can’t go far wrong.

Don’t have too much bare skin on show either so opt for a dress with sleeves or a jacket but this doesn’t have to be boring. Make your dress simple and your jacket can be more of a statement. It says you’re bold and upfront but know how you should behave!

You can keep your look young (after all we’re not trying to turn you into your mother) by adding a few accessories. Don’t go nuts or anything but earrings and a bracelet/watch is fine. Nothing with lots of bells and whistles though we don’t want them to hear you coming!

Finally it’s all about confidence and how you wear it ladies. Don’t let the outfit wear you. You need to show that you’re a woman that means business and that fact that you have amazing style is just a bonus.