syints: Fashion Rules for the Successful Business Woman

This post is dedicated to Nicki, who is in trouble finding a good business outfit. Blazers are potentially the best choice, as well as blouses or elegant cardigans (Purchased one of the items above, have a guess :D).

Here are a the major fashion rules for business women:

Business Fashion Rule No.1: Cover your shoulders and arms at least down to the elbow.
Don't wear a deep décolleté.
Skirts have to reach the knees at least.
No fancy colours (orange, green, pink...) until you work in the creativity section of a advert agency.
Most business-like colours: dark blue and dark grey (found out in a recent study!)
No glitzering/long jewellery. This distracts everyone looking at you.
Do not play around with your jewellery (ring! bracelet!) - this is tough for me, too.
Never take your shoes off in meetings. Never. (Don't frown at me, I've seen this already).
Wear always (at least thin) tights. Do not walk around with bare legs in the office.
No extreme nail polish or make-up... natural beauty and understatement rule.
Okay, that's not a fashion rule, but: Don't smile permanently at people in order to make them like you. You don't have to. Be polite still, but think of the cat from Alice in Wonderland: It's frightening and reduces the respect others have to you.
These rules also apply in summer. High temperatures are a no excuse, really.

It sounds strict. But these rules help you to find your own approach towards business style. This collage was created on the highly practical H&M Style Guide Tool - love to play around with that (and you have to bear with the outcome, haha). I can't believe that I ordered twice from my favourite Swedish fashion dealer within five weeks. Is this a sign that I am already addictive?
Here is more inspiration on business fashion ideas: