Stylewords: Sophia Dyer

WORKING from home may sound like the ideal way to spend your day, and the perfect excuse to lounge around in your pyjamas, but you may struggle to feel efficient or focused if you do!

Being comfortable is one thing, but being scruffy and lazy with your looks is quite another, and will not inspire you to get creative or productive.

Even if you do not have any meetings planned for the day, it is still important to be well turned out, as you may be called away from your home office at any time.

Your hair should be neat and clean and tidy, and regular trips to the salon are a must, as no one should have to suffer from dreaded roots and split ends.

First impressions are often the lasting impressions we leave on people, and although of course we should not be judged by our appearances, in reality we nearly always are. This is especially true in business as how we look reflects on how we run our companies and apply ourselves to our work.

Times have changed in recent years and it is no longer critical for women to be dressed in a suit to be taken seriously. Elaine Boddy, is an image and style consultant and runs her own image company called Green and Brown.

She said: “For women in business, what to wear continues to be a minefield. There are so many more choices of clothes available to women than men, and those first impressions are even more important

“As a woman in business, my aim has always been to be business-like yet feminine. I fully believe that being female in business is such a strength and so positive that I have always kept my wardrobe true to my femininity. I have always worked in male dominated industries and have therefore ensured that I have never played the “girlie” card, but likewise have never become one of the boys.

“There are simple rules to follow to achieve successful dressing for business, and life, that will ensure total confidence when you put yourself in front of any client, wear what suits you, in the right colours, and the right styles.

Elaine added: “We all need a suit in our wardrobe for those clients and meetings when we feel that only a suit will do, but for the rest of the time, look for alternatives. Utilise separates and invest in a selection of smart cardigans. Trust me, it works.”

 Remember to always dress your age. If you are slightly older you will not do yourself any favours by dressing in the latest trends. Opt for a slightly more conservative look, as a policy of restraint and moderation is sometimes needed.

Remember that fashion has its age limits, and skirts should never be above knee length; try to avoid very bright aggressive colours and frilly trimmings. Clothes should not be very tightly fitted and cleavages should be kept to the absolute minimum.

Accessories are a great way to express yourself as they demonstrate flair and creativity. Remember they can add great value to any outfit but also do incredible damage to any outfit.

Never wear more than one statement piece. For example if wearing large dangling earrings then a necklace is not needed.

If you have a shorter neck and rounder shoulders then wear a longer necklace to bring the eye downwards. Bags, gloves and hats should all be co-coordinating and of high quality.

Instead of buying lots of little token bags frequently save up and buy a beautifully made bag from Hermes, Chloe or Roberta.

 These will look wonderfully elegant and last you a life time. Remember sport and white bags should never been seen unless teamed with pastels in warm holiday resorts.

When choosing shoes, again think conservative. Brightly coloured choices look out of place away from nightclubs and you need to be able to walk (falling flat on your face will not do your self confidence any good.) But remember that heels do tighten our thighs, give much needed height to some and allow us to walk tall and proud so choose a pair you are most confident and comfortable in.

By looking good whilst you work you should feel confident about yourself and therefore your work. Dress for success by giving any potential clients, new business partners, and business rivals a reassuring immaculate impression of yourself.

If you would like to know more about dressing for success and confidence contact elaine@greenandbrown.eu or visit www.greenandbrown.eu.