Women at Work
From salwar suits to business suits — women’s office wear has finally evolved in India
It’s been a silent revolution — the definite
transition of the Indian workforce, more specifically women — from the
background to the forefront and from wearing subtle Indian clothing to sharp
business suits, shirts, skirts and trousers to work. Style Timelines
Globally fashion changes every decade, but in India it happens every 20 years and is always a reflection of our social, economic and political conditions.
1940s and 1950s: Simplicity and modesty were important in the pre- and post-Independence period. Therefore, the high collars and necks, long tops, full sleeve sari blouses and hands and legs that were always well covered. Clothes were custom tailored and the preferred fit was structured and fitted.
1960s and 1970s: With radical social changes, fabrics got softer, sleeves shorter, necks deeper, salwar suits tighter and the skirt length slightly higher. But, the look never got — sexier — it just got liberated.
1980s and 1990s: The androgynous phase in workwear where trousers and skirts were extensively worn with collared shirts and sharp jackets — power dressing was no more a man’s game and was here to stay. Machine made took over hand made and pin stripes replaced other prints.
2000 to Now: Economic independence and easier accessibility has bought about drastic changes — multi-button jackets, short skirts and an assortment of trousers, even kurtas, saris and salwars modernised — becoming shorter, sexier and slimmer. The end result: individuality becomes a major part of your office look. The Future: Trends indicate a minimalist office look. My forecast is that you can expect more of grey, beige, white, brown and pastels on closed high-neck jackets, slim-fit pants and straight skirts. Black will be strong for saris and metallics (copper, gold and silver) for the after hours. Accessories will get simpler — especially, belts and shoes while handbags and carry cases will get flatter and lighter.
Image Makeover
Many companies are restructuring their image and corporate identity. Image consultants are setting guidelines for clothing, uniforms, makeup looks and hairstyles that are in tune with the branding. The message India Inc is sending out is: we are not Asian, we are Indian. Some employers will want you to retain your cultural identity. The sari, is therefore a sought after commodity. It has global recognition and will always make people — especially your co-workers, take you seriously. A sari is versatile too — it allows you to switch from casual to formal and from simple to dressy with ease.
On the other hand, some companies want you to blend in because they claim, ‘we are not Indian, we are global’. Having said that, in an ever-competitive market, some companies will want to project you as a global worker with no nationality. The conventional shirt, jacket and trouser or skirt combination ensures you are at par with your co-workers overseas.
The Brief
What to keep in mind while putting together your work wardrobe:
Comfort and practicality: Always wear clothes and accessories that fit you well and allow ample movement, especially if your job involves a lot of physical activity. Certain professions have specific guidelines, which are best followed.
Modesty: Wear clothes that keeps your mind and ‘their glares’ at ease — not just at work, but also while travelling between meetings, cities and heading to and back from work.
Look good, no matter what: Don’t let a bad day, mood or the monthly cycle affect the choice of clothes you put together in the morning. Based on your schedule, pick stark, neutral or bright colours to set the pace of the day.
Uniformity: If you wear a standard uniform, ensure it always looks, clean, crisp, well ironed and as good as new. A well-maintained uniform, will make you stand out — even in a large crowd on the shop floor.
Look smart, not sexy: You are what you wear — your clothes and accessories should therefore exude both power and authority. But remember, the office isn’t place to make a fashion or style statement.
The four golden rules for modern Indian workwear
1 Have an At-work Look You need to create a clear distinction between home and office wear. Choose clothes and accessories that make you forget where you are coming from or going back to
2 BeYourself You create your identity with what you wear, so choose a look that reflects who you are. Be instinctive with your look — if you think it doesn’t work, you are probably right
3 Global Economy, Global Trends Don’t blindly follow international trends. Incorporate what works for you as an individual and what suits your work profile
4 Power Dressing for Women Don’t hesitate to look sharper than the men around you. Even in the age of equality, women are expected to and should always look (and be) strong and in control
Globally fashion changes every decade, but in India it happens every 20 years and is always a reflection of our social, economic and political conditions.
1940s and 1950s: Simplicity and modesty were important in the pre- and post-Independence period. Therefore, the high collars and necks, long tops, full sleeve sari blouses and hands and legs that were always well covered. Clothes were custom tailored and the preferred fit was structured and fitted.
1960s and 1970s: With radical social changes, fabrics got softer, sleeves shorter, necks deeper, salwar suits tighter and the skirt length slightly higher. But, the look never got — sexier — it just got liberated.
1980s and 1990s: The androgynous phase in workwear where trousers and skirts were extensively worn with collared shirts and sharp jackets — power dressing was no more a man’s game and was here to stay. Machine made took over hand made and pin stripes replaced other prints.
2000 to Now: Economic independence and easier accessibility has bought about drastic changes — multi-button jackets, short skirts and an assortment of trousers, even kurtas, saris and salwars modernised — becoming shorter, sexier and slimmer. The end result: individuality becomes a major part of your office look. The Future: Trends indicate a minimalist office look. My forecast is that you can expect more of grey, beige, white, brown and pastels on closed high-neck jackets, slim-fit pants and straight skirts. Black will be strong for saris and metallics (copper, gold and silver) for the after hours. Accessories will get simpler — especially, belts and shoes while handbags and carry cases will get flatter and lighter.
Image Makeover
Many companies are restructuring their image and corporate identity. Image consultants are setting guidelines for clothing, uniforms, makeup looks and hairstyles that are in tune with the branding. The message India Inc is sending out is: we are not Asian, we are Indian. Some employers will want you to retain your cultural identity. The sari, is therefore a sought after commodity. It has global recognition and will always make people — especially your co-workers, take you seriously. A sari is versatile too — it allows you to switch from casual to formal and from simple to dressy with ease.
On the other hand, some companies want you to blend in because they claim, ‘we are not Indian, we are global’. Having said that, in an ever-competitive market, some companies will want to project you as a global worker with no nationality. The conventional shirt, jacket and trouser or skirt combination ensures you are at par with your co-workers overseas.
The Brief
What to keep in mind while putting together your work wardrobe:
Comfort and practicality: Always wear clothes and accessories that fit you well and allow ample movement, especially if your job involves a lot of physical activity. Certain professions have specific guidelines, which are best followed.
Modesty: Wear clothes that keeps your mind and ‘their glares’ at ease — not just at work, but also while travelling between meetings, cities and heading to and back from work.
Look good, no matter what: Don’t let a bad day, mood or the monthly cycle affect the choice of clothes you put together in the morning. Based on your schedule, pick stark, neutral or bright colours to set the pace of the day.
Uniformity: If you wear a standard uniform, ensure it always looks, clean, crisp, well ironed and as good as new. A well-maintained uniform, will make you stand out — even in a large crowd on the shop floor.
Look smart, not sexy: You are what you wear — your clothes and accessories should therefore exude both power and authority. But remember, the office isn’t place to make a fashion or style statement.
The four golden rules for modern Indian workwear
1 Have an At-work Look You need to create a clear distinction between home and office wear. Choose clothes and accessories that make you forget where you are coming from or going back to
2 BeYourself You create your identity with what you wear, so choose a look that reflects who you are. Be instinctive with your look — if you think it doesn’t work, you are probably right
3 Global Economy, Global Trends Don’t blindly follow international trends. Incorporate what works for you as an individual and what suits your work profile
4 Power Dressing for Women Don’t hesitate to look sharper than the men around you. Even in the age of equality, women are expected to and should always look (and be) strong and in control
ET120401
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