By Estyn Elan
Business attire… Have you ever seen this phrase on an event invitation and wondered what it actually means? It could mean a variety of things. For men, it’s usually clear: a shirt, suit, tie, and dress shoes. In some industries, fancy sneakers might be acceptable. For women, professional dressing is far less defined, which often leads to the thought, “Can I just wear what I want?” The answer is no.
We tend to prefer what makes us feel comfortable or attractive, but these choices can be distracting in professional settings. The inappropriately dressed person can appear out of place, and opportunities can be lost. Colleen Hammond said it best: “A dignified lady will keep her kneecaps covered even when sitting.”
The Meaning of Dignity
Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor and respect. While fashion options are infinite, dressing with dignity requires intentional choices that reflect these qualities. Noble and honorable women throughout history often dressed to avoid undue attention, protecting themselves from the elements and from unwanted scrutiny. Unless attending a formal event, clothing was meant to enhance respectability, not attract it.
In conservative professional settings, men should wear long pants, and women should choose skirts at least 2–8 inches below the knee or long, roomy slacks. Bare décolletage is unacceptable, and arms should be covered at least to the elbow. Your clothing should draw attention to your face, not your body. Add focal points near the face: earrings, a brooch, a lapel pin, a colorful scarf, a headband, or even a hat.
Avoiding Common Faux Pas
I always say, “unkempt and undone are unprofessional.” Some missteps are surprisingly simple: messy hair, wrinkled clothing, or garments that are too tight or too short. Meghan Markle faced criticism for her “messy bun,” demonstrating how unkempt hair can unintentionally alter perceptions.
Visible stains, fraying, or holes also damage credibility. So do visible undergarments, which suggest a lack of awareness and judgment. You may have heard the phrase, “Your slip is showing.” It implies that your underlying character is exposed, much like food or lipstick on your teeth—simply distracting and unprofessional.
Practical Solutions
If your blouse is revealing, layer it over a sleeveless top or add a seasonally appropriate scarf. Ensure buttons do not pull and carry a pocket mirror if wearing makeup. For shorter skirts or dresses, pair them with tights. Remember: the shorter the skirt, the lower the heel. Balance proportions with longer sleeves when needed.
Shorts are generally inappropriate in professional settings, except in certain business casual or outdoor situations. Even then, they should be modest and paired with opaque tights and low-heeled boots. Know your body type and choose garments that flatter without exaggerating. Consulting a professional stylist can be helpful.
Well-fitting clothing is essential. If possible, tailor your clothes or consult a professional. A blazer should cover your rear end, with sleeves ending just above the shirt cuff. The shirt cuff itself should stop at the first knuckle of your thumb.
Guidance from the Vatican
The Vatican’s guidelines for female pilgrims advise that necklines should be no lower than two finger-widths below the collarbone. Pants should hang roughly an inch above the heel. Exceptions are fine, but they should be deliberate and polished. Remember: dressing for a worthy cause is not vanity.
Pope Pius XII explained:
“Clothing, moreover, visibly and in a permanent way expresses the position of a person. This varies according to sex, age, and social function. It shows both these things which link the individual with certain social classes and which, within these groups themselves, confer a special rank upon him. Formal clothes especially aim at making visible through the richness of their materials and their irreproachable tailoring the excellence of those who wear them.”
— Pope Pius XII, Allocution to the International Congress of Master Tailors, September 10, 1954
Dressing with dignity is more than clothing. It reflects character, professionalism, and respect for oneself and others. By making intentional choices, you can present yourself with honor and confidence in any setting.
Estyn Elan is an award-winning image consultant, fashion designer, and Tepeyac Leader. Her work has appeared on celebrities, in film, television, billboards, and magazines. A true visionary, she shares her expertise to elevate the spirit, style, and sophistication of others.
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