One of my favorite perks about running this blog full time is not needing a full closet of suits anymore. I was ALL ABOUT a suit back in the day. I think it was that idea that I was working up the corporate ladder and it was a nice departure from college clothes.
But let me tell ya, that faded quickly. My first job as you may remember me chatting about here, was not my favorite. I found solace in heading to Express on my lunch break to buy all the things. It was a really terrible habit, but I also figured, hey I need suits!
At the time I needed all of them. It was a fairly conservative office as in, no shoulders are shown. Or at least, not mine because they hated me. It’s true.
Then came my next day job where I NEVER had to wear a suit. It was great, but then all those suits just sat there and it was a little sad. After a few years, then a few years of the blog, I ended up donating all of them. I had no purpose for them. Until of course, I had meetings to attend, and panels to speak on in corporate environments.
Quickly, I learned that one should always have a great suit, or suit pieces, that they can grab no matter what their job is. although my work is very casual and it’s mostly spent at home, alone, in lounge clothes, I still have to attend business meetings and sit on panels and be presentable. In a fashionable and stylish way of course.
What To Wear To A Business Meeting
So today I want to chat about what on earth to wear to a business meeting. Whether you have a day job and always need to be in a suit, or have a more casual office dress code and may not know where to start, today is all about what to wear to that big meeting! These tips also work for men and women too! So here goes!
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The Do’s And Don’ts Of What To Wear To A Business Meeting
When thinking about what to wear to a business meeting it’s important to think about looking presentable. This goes for any type of meeting. Some meetings may be more casual, some more formal.
If you’re not sure
Even if you have a more formal meeting, you’ll want to make sure you’re in a full suit and collared shirt. Either way, you want to be dressed for success, and here’s how to do it!
Casual Business Meeting Outfits
Leave The Sneakers At Home
Casual doesn’t ever mean to wear your sneakers. If you want to choose a flat shoe, opt for a great loafer or
Ditch The Distressed Denim
You don’t have to ditch ALL denim. But you HAVE to choose smart denim. Think dark wash with NO fading, no rips, no raw hems. You want them to almost look like navy trousers. For example, these wide leg jeans would be great for a casual business meeting. A
nd depending on your field, this outfit would work too even though the denim has a touch of fading to it. You still have a great third piece and heels on so you’re good to go!
Add A Third Piece
The simplest trick to pulling a look together is adding a third piece. Even for casual business meetings at a coffee shop or over lunch,
Formal Business Meeting Outfits
I would say today’s outfit is the way to go for a formal business meeting. It’s a full suit, nice cashmere sweater
Formal meetings are usually held at nicer dinners, or maybe your interview. I think if you’re ever unsure about which direction to go, always go more formal. It’s better to be the
Do Wear A Full Suit For Sure!
I think a full suit is
You can even mix and match your dress pants with a blazer if you like like I did below! The burgundy pants outfit paired with a classic plaid blazer is a great combo to reach for.
Dresses Can Work
Dresses are always a nice option and some women prefer to be in dresses. When choosing great dresses for work, always go for something that hits right above the knee. Anything shorter is not acceptable! Below are a few favorite formal meeting approved dresses!
If you need a light layer, add a cardigan or blazer to your dress to complete the look. In fall and winter, add tights and boots for a little extra warmth.
Business Meeting Do’s And Don’ts
There are a few things that you should NEVER do regardless of the meeting being formal, casual, at a coffee shop or at the finest of restaurants.
- DON’T ever wear flip flops! Period!
- DON’T let your bra strap show. Or your midriff, or an open sexy back dress.
- DO Be tailored! And pressed! Your clothing should say “I have my shit together”. Which means, get your pants hemmed if they need it. Make sure things are pressed and dry cleaned (and just clean in general!)
- DO bring the necessary things for a meeting. Depending on what it is that may mean pen and paper, your resume, and so on.
- DO put on some makeup. You
do’nt need a ton, but you should be presentable. - DO brush your hair or pull it back into a bun.