What’s a Woman to Wear?

If you’ve been away from a professional office or work environment for any length of time your wardrobe may have lapsed a bit in style. On the other hand, if like me, you’ve worked in a high technology company where if you dressed every day as if it were casual Friday you were over dressed, then your wardrobe may not project as professional an image as you might like.

Comeback Moms are often faced with an “outdated” style whether they’ve been out of the work force for six months or sixteen years. From what ever situation you’re making a comeback, re-entering the work place can be a daunting task. I applaud any woman who makes that leap for the planning and execution of the vision alone. There are so many things to consider, changes to make in schedules and arrangements for assistance, that wardrobe might not be on the top of your list or thought of as just another to-do item to check off as done.

When planning for that interview you must be certain your clothes are appropriate. I once counseled a young woman new to living in New York City on a limited budget, who complained that she could never afford to dress up to the city standard, that an attractive white blouse with navy or black slacks or skirt and closed toed shoes would work for most job interviews. In other words, she could have stuck to the basics. Today that means a clean, conservative, well-pressed suit that avoids any extreme trends or styles. You will want to project a professional image while making that “fabulous” first impression.

If you’ve ever watched TLC’s “What Not To Wear” with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly (I love that show!), you’ll understand that investing in a quality business wardrobe could bust your first month’s income or more. Enter Pat Dysche, who owns and runs “Repeat After Me,” A Unique Boutique in North Haledon, NJ Queen Pat, as she’s known through her Red Hat Society in North Haledon returned to the work place by starting her own consignment shop and it is indeed a very unique place.

She accepts slightly used brand name clothing for Women, Teens, and children only in the finest of condition. When I visited her at her shop, she showed me items that appeared new, some hanging with the original department store tags of Laundry by Shelli Segal, Oscar de la Renta, Neiman Marcus, Dooney and Bourke and Chanel bags and more. The experience reminded me of when I first lived in Manhattan and worked in a professional environment and had less financial resources than needed to spend on my wardrobe because most of my monthly income went toward rent. My friends and I found a resale shop tucked away behind a door with a single staircase to a second floor location overlooking Madison Avenue. The true cache of this shop wasn’t that you had to be “buzzed in” rather that it was rumored “Jackie O” (that would be Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis) consigned her clothes there.

Numerous charitable organizations have sprung up supporting this very concept that clothes might not make the woman, but they can certainly help her feel better about herself and accomplishments. Every woman I know understands that buying a new outfit has a way of boosting your self-esteem just the right amount to help you through that interview and land the job. For many women who can’t afford it, getting the outfit may make the real difference in actually getting the job.

The next time you’re ready to rid your closet of some slightly dated frocks and business attire, think about one of these organizations or conduct some research in your own area. Someone will be very glad that you did! After all, what’s a woman to wear - to work!

Check out the professional dress and appearance advice here on Women for Hire

Here are just a few links I found dedicated to helping women on limited budgets dress for success. Search out organizations in your own area.

Wardrobe for Opportunity in Oakland, CA

New Options for Women’s Suited for Success Program, Tacoma, WA

Suited for Success in Miami-Dade County, FL

A Suitable Image in Framingham, MA

Career Closet in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, CA

Image for Success, San Rafael, CA