Business Women's Fashions

When women first began to appear on the business scene, there was no such thing as business women's fashions. Women first entered the working world in small factories or sometimes as cleaning people, and business women's fashions were non-existent. As women began to be accepted in clerical roles in the early 20th century, business women's fashions were restricted to very conservative clothing: long skirts and sleeves, plain shoes and of course no stockings showing.

In the 1920's women suddenly became liberated in terms of clothing and hair styles, and so women in clerical positions saw business women's fashions become less covering and more attractive. Still, if women appeared as typists or bookkeepers in business offices, business women's fashions dictated a modicum of propriety and conservatism.

To consider business women's fashions, one simply has to look at the fashion trends of any period, and then modify them on the conservative side. Business women's fashions have traditionally been more conservative for those who rose in the business world to levels of middle management, which began occuring after World War II. Business women's fashions to some extent mirrored their male counterparts, dictating suits with blouses or sweaters, a simple tailored dress brightened with a scarf or simple jewelry. It has always been important for a women to look attractive in the business environment, but not flamboyant whatever the business women's fashions of the moment.

There was a period in the latter part of the 20th century when it suddenly became appropriate for men and women alike in certain industries, such as advertising to dress very informally, and business women's fashions in some areas could include jeans and sweaters. This was not seen, however, in the offices of major corporations. Here relative conservatism in business women's fashions prevailed.

Today a wide variety of business women's fashions prevails, depending upon the position and industry. Very short skirts are acceptable in many areas, including in the media and in sales organizations. Business women's fashions can include high fashion...short skirts, very high heels, low-cut blouses particularly if a woman is a free agent in an organization and has a high achievement record. As women climb the ladder and become leaders in major companies worldwide, they are more able to determine business women's fashions. Among the very successful, however, a degree of conservatism in business women's fashions still exists. They prefer to project a serious and tasteful image and they will continue to have an influence on business women" s fashions.

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