From Middle Management to Ground Floor!
These are the details that make the difference between looking professional or not, and include belts, handbags, briefcases, watches, hosiery, details on hems (skirts) right down to shoes and shoe details.
Although the business ‘uniform’ relaxed for women in the 90s allowing for more freedom of expression, it’s the accessory that determines individual style.
In our last Blog – Part I, we covered accessories from ‘middle-management’ upwards, which included the watch, scarves, jewellery, eyeglasses, hair accessories and the infernal umbrella.
In this blog we will focus on the accessories from the waist down.
The Belt
A good quality belt literally pulls your business outfit together. Self-coloured buckles and keepers allow more versatility regarding metals your jewellery, briefcase catches, frames etc are composed of. If your buckle is metal, it’s best in the same colour as your jewellery e.g. silver buckle and silver jewellery. If the colour of your belt doesn’t match the colour of your shoes and bag, but it must your clothing. A good fit is a finger’s thickness between a tucked-in shirt or blouse and belt. Don’t wear your belt too tight.
The Handbag
The more you use an investment hand (or shoulder) bag, the more it justifies the high price-tag – and it’s handy to hold all your personal items like your mobile, lipstick, comb, money purse, keys, cotton handkerchief (ok – tissues if you must!), business card holder etc. If you don’t need a briefcase, then the bag must be big enough to easily carry your ipad (or perhaps a small computer). Avoid overstuffing handbags – this will distort and ruin the shape.
The Briefcase
You need to invest in a good piece of leather well constructed that will last for many years and will improve with age. Don’t risk self sabotage by venturing to work with a handbag (or briefcase) in need of repair. The same goes with using vinyl.
Hosiery
Your hose should be the same or similar colour as your shoes, toning in with your hemline. Skin-toned hosiery is always appropriate. More on this in an upcoming Blog ‘Leg Work’.
Hem detail
Although not seen as an accessory – it IS a clothing detail and therefore distinguishes your style preferences. A hem detail could be a pleat; a geometric or uneven hemline; multi-layer hemline; a hem with a braid detail etc In business, any hem detail should enhance the outfit and be business appropriate. Once again -
Shoes
To put your best foot forward (as they say in the classics) wear what works – comfortable shoes! 
If you’re visibly harassed by your shoes, you look inefficient and distracted. However, comfort doesn’t mean a departure from style. The definitive business shoe is the pump – elegant in a quality leather and a mid-high heel, it’s message is solid and reliable. Flimsuy, strappy or stiletto shoes in business hour say “frivolous”, and “erractic”. You need two pairs of business shoes so that you can alternate between them.
If you have any detail on the front of your shoes (ladies) keep it subtle and elegant for work. Outside of work – anything goes, if it suits you!
Your Money Purse
Purses are not born ‘fat’! If your’s is putting on weight, clean it out. A fat money purse hauled from the dark confines of your exquisite handbag shouts “Ugh”. It should be made of a quality leather and when it starts to show signs of wear – pull out some notes and be prepared to replace it.
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