Working women should dress smartly to be taken seriously, but not so masculine they threaten male colleagues, dressing feminine enough to be appealing to men without being provocative.
JOANNE ENTWISTLE, 2000
Wearing menswear-inspired pieces boosts confidence and creates a manly feeling that a woman can handle all situations.
Yet persisting in this style, a woman may risk losing her feminine look, negatively impacting her career in the long run. If you try to emulate your male colleagues, they may perceive you as a competitor instead of a coworker. It’s an instinct that men have preserved for thousands of years related to maintaining and projecting the alpha male characteristics.
But don’t forget that feminine quality can help you in your career! If you want to be successful, you don’t have to look like somebody else. Instead, try to balance femininity with the image of a powerful and decisive woman by showing your qualities.
I have compiled some feminine elements to add when wearing masculine garments.
Add a feminine blouse
Wear a feminine blouse with polka dots or floral print with a bow tie underneath a blazer to counterbalance the masculinity of the suit, projecting a soft feminine charm.
Play with trouser length
Pair cropped pants with a matching blazer for a modern and pulled-together look or you can cuff the pants to show off your ankles.
Wear tights
A skirt suit with pantyhose is always appealing, and it adds that extra feminine note to your outfit.
Wear heels
A pair of classic pumps or sling-back heels will give you that extra height and a naturally feminine walk.
Complement your outfit with jewelry
A simple pair of earrings, a pearl strand necklace, or a bracelet gives a feminine touch to the entire look.
Add a scarf
A scarf is the most simple way of adornment that adds a personal touch to any look and lends a feminine touch.
Accessorize
Small and soft pastel colors bags are the ultimate fashion accessories for a modern business look and add a feminine touch to a crisp suit.
Create a style that complements the image of a lady and the character of a businesswoman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dressing too masculine at work hurt my career?
Menswear-inspired pieces boost confidence, but persisting in that style risks losing your feminine look, which can negatively impact your career in the long run. If you try to emulate your male colleagues, they may perceive you as a competitor instead of a coworker, so the aim is to balance femininity with the image of a powerful, decisive woman.
How do I soften a masculine suit without losing authority?
Wear a feminine blouse, perhaps polka dots or a floral print with a bow tie, underneath the blazer to counterbalance the masculinity of the suit with a soft feminine charm. Pairing cropped pants with a matching blazer, or cuffing the pants to show your ankles, also gives a modern, pulled-together look.
What accessories add a feminine touch to business attire?
A simple pair of earrings, a pearl strand necklace, or a bracelet lends a feminine note to the whole look, and a scarf is the simplest adornment that adds a personal, feminine touch. Small bags in soft pastel colors are the ultimate accessory for a modern business look with a crisp suit.
Do heels really make a difference in a professional outfit?
A pair of classic pumps or sling-back heels gives you extra height and a naturally feminine walk. Together with touches like a skirt suit worn with pantyhose, they help create a style that complements both the image of a lady and the character of a businesswoman.