Shoes
Shoes should be plain, clean, well maintained and comfortable yet stylish. The office is really not the place for wild colours, killer heels or utlandish styles. Cloesd-toe shoes with a modest heel are best. A plain court shoe is the most flattering style and always looks professional.
Buy the best you can possibly afford as the cost-per-wear will make them an investment. Ensure that they are comfortable - your agony as you limp into an important meeting will be noticed! It will mar your professional image and prevent you delivering your best presentation.
Bags
For work, a small to medium bag looks most efficient. For a sharp boardroom look, avoid very unstructured styles.
If you find you have too much 'stuff', ditch the carrier bags and invest in a smart tote bag to carry extras. Leather is a good choice for a professional look but do consider how heavy it will feel when full, on public transport on a rainy day. make sure it has plenty of room and enough pockets to carry everything you need. Think about the colour - it should be neutral enough to go with all your work clothes and it should not clash with your handbag. You also need to check how good it looks when full as you don't want your sharp image ruined by ugly bulges!
Don't skimp on the cost of your bag - it is a vital component of your professional image. An inappropriate bag can ruin an otherwise positive impression. Take your time to choose the right style.
Choose a classic style but inject a bit of 'you' with the colour - get the size right - nothing smaller than a kelly or Bitkin bag. team it with a charcoal or navy suit to make it office friendly.
Blouses
A blouse is not strictly an accessory but can be treated as such as it is a great way to add personality and give a nod to passing trends. A bright blouse teamed with a sharply tailored suit gives the look a lift and can brighten the whole office. Don't stick to shirt-style blouses, consider a few riffles or a gentle bow to soften the look.
White shirts look gorgeous and everyone should have at least one. Look for detail that setts it apart from the rest succh as covered buttons, pintucks or extra styling. Just don't let it be too fussy. The fit is vital - why not have so.me tailor made for you then you will know they will be original. Please note that teaming a white blouse with a black suit gives it a very 'waitressy' look. Nothing wrong with that if it is your job, but if it isn't then avoid it. The white shirt is great with charcoal, camel/tan and navy. Wash your white blouse carefully and be prepared to throw it out as soon as it becomes a little dingy.
Jewellery
it is okay to mix gold, silver and stainless steel these days. Matching jewellery has a high 'frump-factor' which rates along matching bag and shoes as a look to avoid. If you wear earrings then don't wear a necklace. Similarly, if you wear a necklace leave your ears unadorned.
Show your personality in your jewellery. You might choose chunky, textured, statement pieces or fine, delicate items. The choice is yours, but don't overdo it - one key piece is really all you need. Too much looks fussy and unprofessional.
Watches
A watch is on show every day and yet it is often an afterthought - a functional or fashion accessory that has no place in the office. Avoid the fashion styles, bright colours, large faces (unless it's a classic men's watch), excessive bling and plastic. Consider the fact that a watch is something that you will probably wear every day over several years and invest in a classic - the most expensive you can afford. A basic style with a silver or gold bracelet is appropriate or a classic gold with brown leather strap.
Top Tip
Accessories are the best way to show your personality - but always remember - "less is more".
Copyright - 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.
Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney
To receive your FREE copy please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/
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