1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Petite Fashion

How to Dress for the Business/Formal Workplace in 10 Easy Steps

By Paula Darnell, About.com

1 of 10

Reflect Your Goals

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in March 2008. Condoleezza Rice is always dressed perfectly in business/formal attire as she conducts affairs of state.

Getty Images
Your goals for business dressing should reflect the reason that you’re at work in the first place. You’re there to do a job, not to make a fashion statement. So although it’s important to look nice, it’s not so important to be trendy unless you’re working in the entertainment or fashion industries. Dressing correctly for the business situation shows your boss, colleagues, and clients that you know what you’re doing. If you don’t dress properly, you may be regarded as having poor judgment on the job, which could affect your pocketbook by costing you plum assignments or promotions.

Short women especially may be at somewhat of a disadvantage among their taller peers, so if you're petite, it's especially important to project a businesslike image at work.

1 of 10

Explore Petite Fashion

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Petite Fashion
  4. How to Dress
  5. Business/Formal Attire - How to Dress for Business/Formal in the Workplace

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.