HEARD THE OTHER DAY ......

Black is SO boring, don’t you think?

Well, if you’re talking about the “common-place” corporate wear that women appear to prefer recently, then I agree with you.   It’s like seeing clones walking along the streets at any time of day.  All dressed alike, all in a rush, and all with tired scowling faces.  We know that working women have a lot on their mind, but scowling won’t make it better!  So what is it with working women that they must adhere to a dress code that doesn’t do that much for them?

I’m not suggesting that all business women should take a leaf out of Quentin Bryce’s (our present Governor-General) book, but surely suiting (and corporate women all seem to have taken to the business-suit) can be provided in colours that enhance women’s looks, rather than detract.   As some of my colleagues will say - "you’re being too judgemental - AGAIN”, but I believe professional women particularly can play a big part in allowing femininity to be a part of their dress-code, without having to resort to frills and flounces!   I like the “power-suit” idea.   Colour has the power to draw attention, to demand focus, and to inspire.   It also makes you "feel good about yourself".

But let’s get back to black being boring.  For the every-day women like you and me, that is.   I wear a lot of black and I NEVER find it boring.  I’ve worn it for decades and it has absolutely nothing to do with it being a “slimming” colour.   I don’t quite know where that idea sprung from, because I often wear white too!   When I do I always receive compliments.

Black is a “comfortable” colour.  It’s a colour (and here I’ve jumped in at the deep end because there are those who tell me it’s NOT a colour!), that I find lends itself to almost every occasion.  Especially from the point of view that it can be dressed up or dressed down.   It’s a happy colour if used correctly.    Bringing in contrasts - no more than two at any one time - and you have the makings of an interesting and ever-changing wardrobe.

So here’s an example of a black outfit with a simple accessory of bangles, and I would very much doubt anyone wearing this would NOT receive the highest of compliments and dinner invitations to boot!

MAKING A STATEMENT!

Whatever anyone tells you, there is still a lot of discrimination towards women in the workplace.  Whether it's on the production line or the CEO's office.   That discrimination covers a whole variety of attitudes and situations, from equal pay through to basic respect.

When the woman is seen to be "plus-size" then another lot of barriers are placed before her.  "She never fits the criteria of being a top flight professional" is one explanation I've heard countless times.  Because?   Most often it's based on nothing more than she doesn't have a great choice of professional clothing because of her curves.  (The majority of designers don't realise that curves MAKE the woman!)

But Monif C has done it again.   She's not only brought out a new collection, but it's definitely not dull and ordinary.  It's bright, vivid, vibrant and sassy.  (Makes me wish I was back in the top office again - I'd show those who used to scoff at me a thing or two!)

Here's two examples.

FLATTERING OFFICE WEAR

For a long time there wasn't much that a plus-size woman could do, to look smart and competitive with other women in the corporate world.   She wore clothes that fitted, but didn't make much of a statement to the world that she was a force to be reckoned with.   That she not only had intelligence but she also had "class".

That is until recent years, when a number of our clothing suppliers realised that corporate wear was yet another expression of how a generously endowed woman could not only take her place in the corporate world but that she could make a difference to how the corporate world saw her as a potential policy maker and trend setter.

Igigi in the USA always comes up trumps when it comes to flattering, stylish and colourful fashion and some of these latest offerings fit the bill for any corporate woman, no matter what age, size or shape.

CORPORATE WEAR

A woman in the corporate world needs to feel confident in how she looks.   For there's nothing surer, if she looks good, she feels good.   Regardless of her age, size or shape.

TS14+ is an Australian company that supplies lots of practical every-day clothing, and their casual wear is sometimes funky and trendy.   Today however they also have a lovely selection of corporate wear that will enable any working woman to look smart and stylish when mingling with her many work colleagues.

With their Suiting range of sensible pants, leggings, long skirt and jacket, it's a matter of switching the contrast colours of a shirt or top, with a scarf, handbag and shoes or boots to match, plus some jewellery and we have a veritable wardrobe of options to choose from each day.

Visit the TS14+ website.   Their sizings go from 14 through to 24.