Women in Business - Skirt suit or Pantsuit?

Question

Which is better, at least for interviewing purposes? I've heard skirt suit, but as a woman, I feel more comfortable "wearing the pants" - plus, I've been accused of being "very girly" so I think it gives me some modicum of gravity.

Women in this forum, I'd love to hear your input.

Women in this forum, I'd love to hear your input.

angryinsomniac · Answer

I feel like I am taken more seriously in pants. I also feel more confident in them. In fact, it would bother me if people say that a skirt-suit is better. Bring neutrality to the workforce so that you are taken seriously. I think that thanks to the women pioneers before us that we no longer have to completely masculinize ourselves through cutting hair short, wearing no make-up, and wearing formless pantsuits, but that we have the choice to not make being a woman a label of difference through completely feminizing ourselves.

Wear what makes you feel confident and what helps you present your best self.

-Diane K.

Wear what makes you feel confident and what helps you present your best self.

-Diane K.

hcb · Answer

I agree. It's definitely important to feel comfortable in your own skin!

cano · Answer

Just two words: Pants suit!

That's what Lisa Kudrow (Laura Sobel in the movie) told the FBI agent in Analyze That, remember??
Funny reaction.

hcb · Answer

Haha, I will have to watch that!

Posted from my mobile device

cano · Answer

Yes, you definitely have to watch that part.
Analyze That is the continuation, or second part of Analyze This.
At the beginning of Analyze That, Dr. Sobel with his son and wife are coming home from Dr. Sobel's father's funeral. During the ceremony, Paul Vitti (Robert DeNiro) called Dr. Sobel from a high security prison asking for help to get him out.
When 3 of them arrive home, two FBI agents are sitting in the living of their home, and the Sobels are very surprise to see that. FBI ask Dr. Sobel if he got a call from Paul Vitti (a dangerous Mafia lord), and Dr Sobel replies: why would you think that Paul Vitti would call me? FBI agent: because we monitor all the calls from the prison. Dr Sobel: in that case, yes (lol).
Laura Sobel: look, we just come from a funeral, I'll go to rest.
Dr Sobel: yes, it was my father. He had great (at that moment the second FBI agent, who had a short skirt, crosses her legs and distracts Dr Sobel) ... legs.
He realizes the mistake, but everybody already noticed.
After some more conversation, Laura Sobel leaves the room, but before doing so tells the female agent:
Ah, just an advice from a professional (pointing to herself) to a professional (pointing to the agent): pants suit!

LOL, when I saw your post I just remember this episode. The whole movie is way too funny, and I guess you will enjoy watching it.

MissShona · Answer

I wear skirts all of the time. I get a lot of compliments on my wardrobe and in my opinion, it is easier to look "polished" in a skirt (for example, Fridays are 'casual' day; but I wear dark denim jean skirts and I still look pretty professional).

donold · Answer

It is matter of how you feel comfortable either paint or suit when you comfortable then noting in this world is hard to face either interview or common things in day to day routine...

whiplash2411 · Answer

If you're not convinced with answers here and want more input from women who are pursuing their MBAs now and so on and so forth: Here's a Pandora's box for you: business-attire-for-women-58705.html

Sailorette · Answer

Not sure why MissShona revived this one, but in case any women are still wondering about appropriate businesswear I highly recommend checking out www.Corporette.com

asimov · Answer

From a male perspective: skirts at an appropriate length (not too short) > suit pant

whiplash2411 · Answer

asimov: Is this about the >24 argument?

Agreed, though. Skirts look nicer. :D And easier to iron at any rate. :/

Dawgie · Answer

I typically wear skirts to work too.

shaselai · Answer

i wear pants and shirt

whiplash2411 · Answer

Oh Dawgie, I'm sure you'd look FABULOUS in a skirt.

dokiyoki · Answer

If you've got it, why not flaunt it (pun intended) :-D

I would pickup a skirt suit over a pant suit any day...But then thats just me ! IMO (strictly) - A skirt suit can be pulled off easily by girls of any size or shape. And as mentioned by Whip, Its easier to iron as well :wink: