Publication date: 01/28/2018
Lately, there has been a lot of controversy on the topic - who should let whom and where forward - at the door, into the elevator, when going up and down the stairs. We present an article by our etiquette expert Nadezhda Kharlanova, a teacher at the etiquette school in Tyumen, about the rules that will help you quickly navigate these issues.
"There is no man sitting with a woman standing" - this is one of the beautiful simple rules etiquette for men. And women for hundreds of years have been accustomed to male courtship within the framework of secular etiquette, at least: they help to put on a coat, pull a chair, let them go forward, do not smoke without our permission ...
Where did it come from modern etiquette such respect for a lady? Historically, it was born in the Middle Ages and was part of. The knight is obliged to show courage, honesty, generosity, generosity, hospitality and courtesy. He had to choose a lady for himself to worship her, perform feats for her sake and sing of her beauty.
Serving a lady has become the canon of behavior for men for many centuries to come. And this is very good, because every adequate man at least partially corresponds to these norms of nobility, which have not changed over so many centuries. Just like the relationship between women and men in its essence.
A lady is considered higher in status: a man is obliged to be the first to say hello, wait for the lady to extend her hand for a handshake, get up when she enters the room or approaches him, do not start eating at the table until the lady has started eating, etc.
Due to the fact that a woman is physically weaker, a man cares, helps and protects: he gives way in transport, and on the steps of the stairs - the side that with the railing helps to carry burdens, supports and protects.
At the same time, a lady can always delicately thank her partner for his nobility, generosity, at least with a nod of her head. And you can consider when meeting a man, look great on dates, be sweet and charming, create a pleasant atmosphere, skillfully maintain a conversation.
But before considering modern rules for women, we will focus on very important principles etiquette - situationality and common sense.
This means that the same rules may vary depending on where and on what occasion we communicate. And in order to correctly build a line of behavior, we must immediately determine what kind of etiquette situation we are in: in a secular or business one.
So, a few secular etiquette situations.
How are a man and a woman located on the stairs during the descent and ascent?
When descending the stairs, the man's place is in front, when ascending - a couple of steps behind the lady, in a word, lower. This is necessary in order to always have time to help if she stumbles. In this case, you need to stick to the right side. If a man and a woman walk in opposite directions and collide, the woman has the right to stay on the side with the railing, even if she violates the right-hand traffic rule. According to the rules of etiquette, the side with the railing is for the elderly and children.
On the street….
In almost any situation where people go one after another (both outdoors and indoors), the man lets the woman go first. He can go ahead only in those cases when his help is needed - for example, getting out of the transport and giving a hand, making his way through the crowd, overcoming an obstacle, entering the "danger zone". According to the status of a big and strong defender, a man is the first to go to all “danger zones”.
A man, accompanying a lady, usually walks from the outer, more dangerous side of the sidewalk. In addition, the custom to go to the left of the lady has survived to this day - since a hundred years ago, many men wore a sword on their left side. For the same reason, wanting to walk arm in arm with a lady, a man offers her his right hand.
Having met a woman in a narrow passage or at the door, a man must give way. He takes a step to the side (usually to the right) and lets her pass, turning to face her.
Elevator - who gets in first?
If we consider the elevator as a "danger zone", then the duty of a man is to enter first and make sure that everything is safe and there is no danger. If these are some special large and beautiful elevators, possibly with the use of personnel, then the lady can enter quite calmly, because everything is checked. So, the man enters first but not everyone knows about it. In the case when a man lets a woman through, having different information about the rules, wanting to show respect, the woman thanks and boldly enters the elevator. If several people have gathered waiting for the elevator, those who are closer to the door enter first, trying to get into the elevator in accordance with the number of floors.
About doors...
It is often believed that a man should let a lady through the door. But here, too, there are nuances. How to do it correctly and elegantly, and what is the woman's reaction?
The most important thing to consider here is the situational factor. Behave naturally and use common sense!
A man should enter first if he does not know if there is some kind of “danger zone” inside: it is possible that it is dark there and it will be necessary to turn on the light, or there is another heavy door on the way. If a man knows in advance that it is clean, bright and joyful, then he can open the door and let the lady go ahead.
When entering and leaving the door, a woman and a man interact almost like in a dance:
- If you come to the door first, then open the door and hold it for the lady.
- If you approach the door at the same time as your lady, or when she comes up first, then it makes sense for her to step to the side so that the satellite can open it freely without hitting anything.
- If the woman opened the door herself, hold the door open.
- If there are double doors with a vestibule on the way, then first it is better to open the first door, let the lady enter the vestibule to the second door, then go in after the companion yourself. If the woman has stopped in the vestibule and is waiting for you, go to the second door and do the same.
- If the door opens away from you, and you know about it, then think in advance about the trajectory of your joint movement and try to go through the door first.
- If it so happened that the lady was at the door first and pushed it, then move a little to the side on which the door hinges, carefully stretch your hand over the woman’s head to hold the door and let the lady enter.
- If someone is walking behind you, then when you go through the door after the woman, hold the door so that the person walking behind you has time to put out his hand and hold the door for himself. But this is provided that the person goes right behind you. If he is a few steps away from you, then there is no need to hold the door.
- In a situation with a revolving automatic door, it makes sense to reach out to slow down the rotation and let the woman pass quietly. In the usual automatic door, just skip the lady forward and then go through yourself.
The restaurant…
It is considered good form if the man who invited comes a little earlier. If a man is late, he must call and warn the head waiter. A woman enters a restaurant alone and introduces herself as her guest. If the lady and the gentleman met before entering the restaurant, the man lets the woman go ahead.
Taking off outerwear in the wardrobe, a man first helps his companion to undress. It is customary to dress in the same order, first the man gives the coat to the lady. A mirror in the wardrobe hangs in order to fix your hair, check your appearance in general. To tint lips and correct the outfit should be in the toilet room.
A man enters the restaurant hall first, followed by a woman. A man takes the first attention to himself. When a man and a woman go to their place, the man goes first, and the lady follows him. If you are escorted by the head waiter, he goes first, then the lady, then the man. On the way to the table, the man precedes the woman and helps her to sit down if the waiter does not.
A woman has the right to take the best place. The most honorable and comfortable are the places with their backs to the wall, facing the window or the entrance to the hall.
The man sits to the left of the lady or opposite her, if the table is only for two.
I hope that this article has brought enough specifics to the question - who lets whom and where when entering and leaving the premises. And you will no longer have confusion in any such situation.
And if you have any questions, you can ask them
Article author: etiquette expert Nadezhda Kharlanova. School of etiquette in Tyumen
website: www.etiket72.com, VKontakte: vk.com/etikettyumen, E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +7 963 058 36 58
Reprinting of article materials without a link to the site is prohibited!
Woman's wardrobe.
My light is a mirror
Women's clothing is an inexhaustible topic and a wide field for activity. Huge variety, inexhaustible opportunities for self-expression and terrible and endless agony of choice.
However, business women have to adhere to a rather strict framework when choosing clothes. Despite the strong pressure of fashion, the principle of clothing for the office is unchanged its basis remains a classic suit of good cut and quality. Classics implies a sense of proportion in everything: in the form, volume, decoration of the costume, demeanor.
When buying business clothes, you should give preference to suits and blouses in solid colors, small stripes or a cage are acceptable. The main thing is that all the elements of the wardrobe are combined in color, and there should be no more than three colors. In wardrobe business woman there should be several suits, and the skirts should not be above the knees and not too tight. Various accessories and a few decorations will help to diversify and complement business suits; thanks to these cute little things, any office suit can easily be turned into an informal one, as corporate evenings and receptions often require.
The classic rules of office clothing for women include two-piece trouser or skirt suits with blouses or thin jumpers, T-shirts, and closed dresses. Some companies do not allow trousers, but if there are no such restrictions, wear them, provided they fit you well.
A classic version of the office dress sheath dress, complemented by a matching jacket. But im allowed the lineup is not limited, the main thing is that the dress as a whole meets the requirements for business attire in terms of silhouette, length and color. Open shoulders (for example, a sundress in hot weather) are strictly prohibited. The same applies to deep cuts.
A white blouse is traditionally considered a universal option. The suit, on the contrary, should be a dark, calm color. However, self-confident business women may prefer fairly bright, saturated colors. This will draw attention to yourself. Pastel colors look more modest and elegant. Oddly enough, black is not business etiquette. Printed fabrics with a bright pattern (flowers, peas, large cells or stripes), poisonous colors, as well as combinations of red-green, yellow-pink, yellow-red are contraindicated in a business suit.
The fabric should not wrinkle, should be solid and pleasing to the eye. It is more convenient if the fabric is suitable for any season, then the suit can be worn at any time of the year. Fabrics made from natural (wool, silk) or mixed fibers that look like natural fibers look best because they have good view, wear out less and are not so heavily soiled in comparison with other fabrics.
One of the main rules in clothing, especially business, thing should fit you well. A cheap and ill-fitting jacket will ruin your look. When buying a jacket, pay attention to the shoulder line or silhouette. Shapeless, soft shoulders will not give you strength and elegance. Good, properly sized shoulder pads should look natural and help maintain the proportions of the shoulders and hips. The higher the armhole, the thinner you look. At the same time, convenience should not be forgotten. If the sleeve is too wide, it expands your figure as a whole. The sleeve should end at the wrist bone. Wrinkles anywhere in the suit, protruding folds, baggy pockets, buckling fastening, bulging placket, moving shoulder pads - all this looks ugly and adds extra weight.
It is forbidden to appear at the workplace without pantyhose. Even in the heat, thin stockings are required. In general, hosiery can greatly affect your appearance. It is best to choose sheer tights that are slightly darker than the color of your skin, or to match the skirt, dress, trousers. Transparent tights in dark blue, black and cream tones are allowed. Exception to the rule: special socks under trousers can be worn with tailored trousers and wide trousers. Do not wear white, bright opaque tights, patterned tights, or avant-garde tights. Secular etiquette dictates its own rules. The basic requirement is quite simple: the more solemn and official the reception is, and the later it is held, the more elegantly dressed you are supposed to be. Do not abuse perfumes and deodorants.
For breakfast, tea, cocktails, it is recommended to wear a regular length dress, dress-suit or suit, a small hat made of felt, silk or other type of material, and the hat is not removed during the reception. For receptions starting at 20:00 and later, it is recommended to wear evening dresses (more elegant and open), a hat with an evening dress is not worn. For receptions starting before 20.00, you can wear silk, cloth, kid gloves. During breakfast, lunch, dinner, gloves are removed, but if we are talking about receptions where only drinks are served, gloves can be left on.
For evening receptions, you can wear silk, lace gloves, and the shorter the sleeve of the dress, the longer the gloves, and vice versa. Handbag small size made of silk, brocade, beads. The color, density of clothing material should correspond to the season and climatic conditions, in summer lighter materials of light colors are usually used, in autumn and winter - denser materials of dark colors.
Wool, silk and other types of fabrics can be used for sewing clothes for receptions starting before 20.00. For an evening dress - silk, taffeta and brocade. Evening dresses are usually made more open than dresses for daytime receptions. It may be of normal length, but in recent times again there is a tendency to wear long dresses for evening receptions. An evening dress can be made from silk, lace, crepe, etc.
Trends and directions.
fashions change with such amazing speed that sometimes "the head is spinning". However, in everything, including the choice of shoes, there are invariable criteria (style, material and color) for compiling the necessary collection. Business etiquette prescribes wearing pumps at work without any buckles and bows, with thin soles. Shoes must be with medium or high heels from 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters. Preference should be given to shoes made of genuine leather, as they are more comfortable, moreover, they will last you longer and look better on your foot. Shoes must be closed-toe and match the color of the suit (a tone darker than the hem) or be black but never white. If you can only afford one pair of shoes, go for black ones.
Make sure that there are no open (sandals, sandals), sports and rough shoes. In summer, shoes with an open heel are allowed. If you are the owner of patent leather shoes, remember that you cannot wear such shoes during the daytime. Classic shoes have a heel height of up to 3-4 cm, are comfortable when walking and are combined with most of the most popular clothing styles. The form of such models can change from season to season depending on the fashion, suede replaces the skin, the pointed toe becomes irrelevant, and it is replaced by another form.
Shoes under trousers look more stylish if the foot is closed. Therefore, if you want to wear shoes with trousers, choose models with a high tongue. Depending on the shape and length of the skirt, the shape and height of the heel changes. The main feeling of harmony. You will be a bad role model if you wear a tight tweed skirt and pointy stilettos with it - there is little harmony in this. Remember, the denser and heavier the fabric of your clothing, the thicker the heel of your shoes should be. Conversely, the lighter the dress, the thinner the heel. Evening shoes can be made of colored leather, thick silks, brocade, and other materials on any comfortable heel. Patent leather shoes are an accent of elegance.
Perfumes and cosmetics.
Truly, a woman has always striven, strives, and will strive for beauty, at any age she wants to look more attractive and younger. Still, this cosmetics is a great invention! Regular facial care helps to keep the skin in good condition, and decorative cosmetics allows you to emphasize the advantages, hide defects and place the right accents. I think it's not worth saying that a woman's everyday makeup should be different from makeup designed for a party. Cosmetics, like clothes, should match the character and be appropriate.
The vast majority of employers believe that a woman with makeup looks more professional than without it, although from a rational point of view, the latter statement may not be true at all. Business makeup is a necessary attribute of a successful woman who achieves success in her work, while remaining feminine. The main task of business make-up is to inspire people with confidence, calmness, but in no case demonstrate their sexuality.
Business women are encouraged to wear makeup that accentuates the eyes. Make-up colors are of great importance - too bright colors and contrasting combinations are good in the air, on the street, but indoors they are tiring and distracting. It is best to use soft, calm tones. Brightly highlighted eyes look good with soft lips, accentuated with gloss or light lipstick; lip gloss, brown or gray eyeliner paired with black mascara. Throughout the day, you need to make sure that the makeup looks fresh and neat.
If you go to a party right after work, it is better to wash off your morning makeup and apply a new, fresher and brighter one. And if you can’t wash off business makeup, then apply a thin layer of powder on it. A thick layer of powder ages, and the face looks unnatural. You need to emphasize the eyes with a cosmetic pencil, apply bright shadows, put another layer of mascara on the eyelashes, blush your cheeks a little brighter according to the color of the general makeup, make up lipstick and apply lip gloss on it. A little about manicure hands should be well-groomed. Long nails are not welcome, as a maximum, the nails should look slightly beyond the fingertips. Varnish dim, pastel colors, without drawings, sparkles and decorations. The perfect option for an office manicure is a French manicure.
The final touch in the image of a woman is skillfully selected perfume. It is unwise to buy perfume just because its smell is fashionable this season. They may not suit you. Even if you have successfully chosen perfumes, you should still not use them from morning to evening, since there is no effect of changing moods either for you or for those around you, it is best to have a set of perfumes, colognes and even toilet water. Lighter fragrances (eau de toilette) are suitable for everyday use, while for fashionable clothes in the afternoon and evening wear, perfumes with a richer scent are suitable.
The smells we love, even very good and expensive perfumes, can change under the influence of the individual chemical characteristics of our own body and even become unpleasant for others. If you want to try out a new perfume for yourself, put one drop from a trial bottle on your wrist and rub it. Even if you like the smell, don't buy them. Wait one hour. The flavor may change and you will immediately feel it. Perfume should only be applied to the skin and not to furs or fabrics. The most suitable points for applying perfume are the earlobes, the areas behind the ears, the pit on the neck, the wrists, the hollow between the breasts, the folds of the arms.
Decorations.
Jewelry is good way improve your appearance and another opportunity to show your individuality. Jewelry should emphasize your appearance without drawing attention to yourself. Business etiquette allows women to wear rings, however, only on the ring fingers. Don't wear two rings together. If you have a set of jewelry, then you can wear no more than two items, for example, earrings with a bracelet. During the day, it is better to give preference to semi-precious stones (turquoise, agate, garnet, jasper), jewelry with pearls, gold or silver jewelry complements a business suit well. Products made of leather, wood and metal also correspond to the business style, if they are not too large.
Get rid of everything that is too shiny, shimmering in the light, everything that rings and makes noise, everything that distracts attention from your face and from what you are talking about. The main thing is to remember that the golden mean is important in everything. Extra jewelry or their complete absence is not for a business lady. It is also not recommended to wear too much for evening receptions. jewelry. At daytime receptions, jewelry generally looks more appropriate, and transparent gems (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds) are also allowed in the evening.
Accessories.
Properly selected accessories will add a special elegance to your outfit. It is the accessories that allow you to soften the strict office look and emphasize the individuality of the image for an evening out, they serve as a litmus test of your taste and sense of style. The handbag opens the list of the most important women's accessories. It should match your clothes, while remaining within the fashion trends.
For going to work, bags that are smooth and dark in color are preferable; such bags fit almost any suit. The bag should be large enough to hold everything you need, and at the same time elegant enough. A bulky bag and all kinds of packages and string bags can spoil the most neat and thoughtful office outfit. Therefore, if you have to carry a lot of things, in addition to a small handbag, it is better to buy a leather briefcase.
For an evening out, a small handbag is suitable, it should perform more of a decorative function than have some kind of practical value. Traditionally, an evening bag is generously decorated with embroidery, rhinestones - the more glitter, the better. Although you can do without glitter, since the main thing in such a handbag is size.
There is nothing better than a good leather handbag. When it comes to replacement bags, sometimes you will find perfectly made bags made of faux leather or suede. They are so skillfully executed that with a superficial glance they cannot be distinguished from natural products. Even though a replacement bag may have a very elegant design, there is still some risk involved in purchasing one. Some substitutes do not withstand the action of low air temperatures. In winter, in frosty weather, cracks may appear on them, especially in places such as corners, folds, a handle, a strap. However, there are also substitutes, bags from which endure the Russian winter well, without losing their appearance. Therefore, there is no unequivocal answer whether or not to buy bags from substitutes.
To summarize: since bags made from substitutes are significantly lower in price than natural ones, and they are worn for one, maximum two seasons, then you may well buy them. The same applies to belts, watch straps, wallets.
Speaking of belts, gloves (and leather accessories in general). When purchasing these things, make sure that they are all the same in color, material, fittings, style and design. If all your leather or suede additions are kept in the same style, then they will look like a spectacular, carefully selected "frame" for your clothes. In addition, a similar set of additions will suit all things from your wardrobe.
However, you may not be able to pick up a complete set of add-ons without a single error. But be that as it may, when choosing additions, keep in mind the need for their stylistic unity and strive to ensure that you do not have blunders in this matter.
Another necessary and indispensable accessory is a scarf. A large silk classic or a small neckerchief, or maybe a scarf is not so important. But the strength of the impact of this detail on your appearance is important. It is this accessory that is prescribed to make color accents. In addition, there are a great many ways to tie, drape, arrange a scarf (this art is worth learning) gives you truly endless possibilities for transformation within even a small wardrobe.
Aristocratic manners from an early age were instilled in girls from noble families in special schools and gymnasiums, such as the “Institute of Noble Maidens”. But even the most impeccable etiquette of a woman does not automatically make her a "lady." A worthy woman by her appearance inspires respect. And it doesn't matter if blue blood flows in it. A true lady is distinguished among all women by grooming, restraint, observance moral and ethical standards, and at the same time, openness for communication, goodwill and charm, which in no way depend on noble origin or external attractiveness. To become a real lady, you need to not only instill good manners in yourself, but also adhere to certain guidelines in life.
Appearance
We are often met by clothes. Acquaintance begins with an assessment of the appearance, the first impression is formed, and then firm opinion. Clothing and shoes should always be clean, tidy, and appropriate for the occasion. Excessively open neckline or too short skirt border on vulgarity and accessibility. But the appearance of a woman is not limited to things, even if they are the best brands.
Body culture plays a decisive role in whether others, and above all ourselves, will like us. Well-groomed hair, teeth, nails can tell more about a woman than a demonstration of outfits. A healthy toned body, a relaxed calm face without tense folds between the eyebrows, smooth graceful movements look incredibly attractive.
Go in for sports, fully relax, eat right, do not abuse bad habits- the basic postulates of a real lady.
Good health is the most best brand, which not only paints a woman at any age, but also makes it possible to fully enjoy life. A healthy well-groomed woman at any age will need a minimum of effort to emphasize her best features with the help of a neat make-up close to her natural look. Self-confident, with a friendly smile on her face, she will look elegant in any clothes. A drop of unobtrusive fragrance and discreet accessories will only emphasize the sophistication of nature, give the image a mysterious charm.
The ability to say hello
Every meeting starts with . The first word spoken can set the tone for the entire conversation, and sometimes start a chain of further life events. That is why self-control is so valued both in high society and in business. Words can destroy everything or, conversely, revive. No less important in communication are non-verbal manifestations: intonation, facial expression, body position.
Courtesy is calling card real lady. A friendly intonation and a friendly half-smile are an integral part of the rules of etiquette for women. Greetings must be pronounced clearly, looking openly into the face of the interlocutor. Reciprocal trusting relationship causes an appeal to the interlocutor by name or by name patronymic.
There are common rules of behavior that need to be worked out to automatism. A real woman will never think about who greets you first. She clearly knows:
- the man is the first to greet the woman or women;
- the youngest in age or rank is the first to greet the elder;
- a latecomer greets those waiting;
- entering the room greets those present;
- walking along the street or along the corridor greets those who stand in his way;
- who joined the feast greets everyone at once, and then separately with the neighbors on the table.
In the business world, a greeting is always accompanied by a handshake. But a woman who knows her own worth knows perfectly well that the right handshake will only confirm her in the status of a lady. She will not fawn and become like men. According to etiquette, the woman is the first to extend her hand and decide for herself who to give it to. In this case, you can not remove the glove, an exception here is made only for very elderly men. If a man is the first to extend his hand to a woman, this indicates extreme tactlessness. In all cases, a woman can simply nod her head. And only the closest people will kiss when meeting a real lady.
Ability to be decent
Impeccable manners, grace in movements and gestures, facial expressions emphasize self-confidence and mastery of the rules of etiquette. A decent woman always remains on top, even when no one sees her. To learn such self-control, psychologists advise you to play an actress and imagine that the video camera is constantly on. Or the queen, who is always looked at and admired.
Very often we find ourselves in unpredictable situations when we risk humiliating ourselves with an ill-considered reaction. Slippery jokes, indecent gestures, looks - the environment is not for a lady. Therefore, you need to clearly define for yourself the boundaries of what is permitted and strictly adhere to the line of behavior inherent in a worthy woman.
This does not mean being a hypocrite and a bore. You need to be able to beautifully besiege the boor and demonstrate rejection of indecent behavior, but at the same time be open and sincere yourself. A good sense of humor is a win-win weapon in any situation. And the ability to listen and yield are invaluable qualities of a woman, for the sake of which any man will be ready to grab a sword.
Correct posture
A straight back, neck and head held high indicate openness and self-esteem. Similarly, and vice versa, just by straightening your back, you can give self-confidence. If you're unlucky with your posture, it's time to do the simplest exercises: a wall stand, squats with a book on your head, or magic Japanese gymnastics with a towel. And more often imagine the crown on your head - the more evenly it stays there, the more attractive we look. A true lady never loses her posture, because a straight back is a sign of aristocracy.
Correctly stand
It is not good for a real lady to prop up a wall or shift from foot to foot. Good manners also forbid crossing legs or arms. It is allowed in a standing position to keep the legs in the third position, putting one foot slightly forward. A woman is categorically not advised to imitate a man and keep her hands in her pockets. Even a teenage girl in this position will look like a tomboy. You should also not wave your arms and gesticulate strenuously. The closer the arms and elbows are to the body, the more graceful the woman's posture looks.
walk correctly
The walk of a real woman exudes confidence. Sometimes they say: "it goes like a swan swims." This is the secret of attraction. The head should be kept straight, the chin slightly raised, you should not look at your feet. The etiquette of a true lady tells you to walk slowly, not bouncing at every step. You can imagine a straight line in front of you and put your foot closer to it.
Although there is a cult of model appearance in society, you should not imitate their walk, which looks deliberately artificial. Good manners prescribe not to shuffle or tap your heels too loudly. The leg should be carried forward from the hip, stepping with the whole foot, without wagging the hips too much. Movements while walking should look graceful and give the impression of lightness, soaring.
Correctly sit
To sit beautifully according to etiquette is a real art, which is acquired by hard work on oneself. After all, we often forget and do not control all our movements and postures when we are busy or carried away by a conversation. Therefore, the ability to sit correctly and change posture must be brought into habit. Then elegance will become a natural behavior and will avoid funny or unpleasant moments.
Women's etiquette categorically rejects the cross-legged pose. Most women find it very comfortable, and yet it is in bad taste. The male habit of cross-legging arose, in all likelihood, when women began to wear trousers en masse. But a real lady sits with her legs brought together, her knees tilted slightly to the side. Both feet are on the floor. The most you can do to change your posture is to cross your legs at the ankles. Hands lie freely and relaxed on your knees, shoulders slightly lowered, back straight.
Calmness and balance
Women have a natural emotionality, which, among other qualities, attracts men so much. But emotions must be manifested correctly and dosed. Too violent manifestation of joyful feelings looks like a cheap performance. Such a woman may well be considered stupid. In the same way, in the heat of anger, a woman should not rush into battle with others, sinking to the level of a market trader.
A decent woman will behave with restraint in any situation. She is tolerant of other people's mistakes and does not interfere in conflicts, leaving the natural course of events to resolve the problem. A true lady will never complain about life. If she has any difficulties, she can only tell her closest friend about it. And she herself has the most valuable gift - the ability to listen.
Restraint in expressing emotions, minimal gestures, modesty and tact are the main distinguishing features of a real woman.
Grammatically correct speech
A woman who knows her own worth does not limit her interests to watching primitive series or reading women's novels. She has a rich inner world, she is well-read, has a fairly wide vocabulary and can easily keep up a conversation on any topic. She is watching breaking news, but will not get involved in a debate on politics or religion, even if she has her own opinion on these issues. She will try to keep the conversation positive and will never gossip about anyone behind his back.
The intellectual level of a person is visible in his vocabulary. A variety of adjectives makes speech rich and not boring. Thanks to her education and sense of tact, a true lady will be able to maintain a secular conversation “about nothing”, answer a joke with a joke, bypass ambiguous phrases, politely transferring the conversation to another plane, show interest or interest the interlocutor herself. Art is one of the basic skills that a modern independent woman should have.
Punctuality and courtesy
Punctuality is an integral part of the rules of etiquette for a woman. At home, in front of her loved ones, a woman can still show off and allow herself some weaknesses. In the business and cultural sphere, it is unacceptable to be late, showing disrespect for partners, colleagues, friends. Politeness is highly valued both in the work team and in other areas of life. A self-respecting woman will also respect others. If you happen to be late, she will definitely warn you by phone and apologize in advance for being late. The organization of a woman, the ability to complete tasks on time, increases her rating in the business sphere and contributes to career growth.
They say that to change your life, you just need to start doing something new. To become a real lady, you need to analyze your habits, manners, skills and abilities, and determine what you like or dislike in own life. It is never too late to start changing something, the main thing is to take the first step in the right direction.
Compliance business etiquette in the office plays an important role for its employees. This is especially true for women. Although we have long been equal in rights with men, we work with them on an equal footing, we got behind the wheel and began to occupy leadership positions, and some of us even managed to get to the top of power in government. But, nevertheless, it is still very difficult for us to win a place under the sun in the harsh world of men.
Being under the close attention of colleagues, feeling that everyone is just waiting for you to make even the slightest mistake - all this makes you constantly in suspense and requires great effort not to show it, or, as card players say, “keep poker face”. First of all under the gun public opinion there is your appearance, and if the atmosphere in the office is tense, then the discrepancy between your appearance and the generally accepted canons of the office dress code gives another reason for discussion. Therefore, business etiquette plays an important role for a woman who strives for a successful career and recognition from colleagues.
Appearance must comply with the rules adopted by the company
It is rightly said in the old Russian proverb: “They meet by their clothes, see them off by their mind!”. The first thing that catches your eye is the appearance, therefore, in most cases, its inconsistency with the standards and norms accepted in your company can be a serious obstacle to promotion. career ladder, and it will simply make the work itself uncomfortable in the office.
Let's get started...
So, dear ladies, we take note of the requirements that apply in business environment to appearance. Your clothes should look, at a minimum, soundly and solidly, but it is absolutely not necessary to be expensive brands and famous brands. The quality of things will look more advantageous in the eyes of colleagues / business partners than a fashionable logo on display, telling everyone and everyone that you can afford to dress expensively.
For the office and business negotiations, revealing outfits with a deep neckline, denim and leather clothes, overly tight-fitting knitwear are unacceptable.
Every business woman's wardrobe should have a classic suit, consisting of a fitted jacket, trousers and a straight skirt/pencil skirt. The length of the skirt should be given great attention, mini and maxi, skirts with slits in the front or side are definitely excluded. The optimal length of the skirt is slightly above the knee. Also, suits can be lightened by replacing the jacket with a vest, blouses without too voluminous collars, frills and all kinds of decorative elements can complement them. Blouses must be opaque good quality, their color scheme may be different, but even in the warm season they should be with sleeves, even if they are shortened. It is advisable to give preference to a calm pastel range of colors.
Now there is a large selection of different dresses that are quite suitable for the office, given that, like skirts, they have an acceptable length, style and "office color". By the way, dresses can later take a leading position in your wardrobe, since choosing one dress takes less time than choosing a skirt and blouse that match with each other.
It is also worth remembering one important rule office dress code: business etiquette requires women, regardless of the season, to wear flesh-colored tights with dresses and skirts. Although recently this rule has been somewhat erased, and in the offices the legs of women are full of various colors, but still you should not get too carried away with the variety of hosiery, restraint will always be welcomed more than flashy variegation, albeit a trendy shade. Many companies also set strict requirements for their employees in order to summer time those also wore tights, here you can use stockings as an alternative.
The color scheme in clothes has recently expanded and has practically no boundaries, with the exception of “acidic” and too saturated tones, and fabrics in a cage, stripes, with a small, dim pattern began to be referred to as “business”.
Preference in shoes should also be given to the classics, shoes with an average heel 5 cm high, black, beige, gray or brown - the most ideal option, in summer it is allowed to wear in moderation open shoes, clogs should not be worn in any case, and it is also necessary to remember the perfect pedicure.
Dress right and your beauty will always be noticed
Business woman hairstyle and makeup
Speaking of appearance, one cannot but mention the hair and makeup. Their choice also needs to be approached competently and take into account the whole image as a whole, creating your own business style. The hairstyle should be neat and strict, it is not customary to walk in offices with loose hair, so if you have long or medium length, then you need to collect them. Ask a hairdresser for help, he will show you various variations of simple hairstyles and hairstyles for the office that you could do yourself in the morning. For a business style, hair dyed in bright colors is completely inappropriate.
The image of a business woman should be restrained
The make-up of a woman working in an office should preferably be light and unobtrusive. Tone, natural blush, mascara and not bright lipstick - this is the basic daytime makeup, of course, pastel shades can also be applied, but their layer should be thin.
Manicured nails are a must, here preference should be given to a French manicure with soft colors.
As an addition to the image of a business woman, you can wear jewelry, but you need to observe moderation in their quantity: either earrings and a ring, or a pendant and a ring. It is permissible to wear jewelry made from natural stones and precious metals, as well as jewelry.
And of course, speaking of a modern business woman, it is impossible not to touch on the topic of accessories that complete her image. A handbag, phone, organizer, business card holder, a good pen, even a keychain should not be left without attention. Everything should reflect and emphasize your business status. Here again, it is appropriate to talk about the quality of things, their solid appearance and style, so that it can be seen that these items serve for a business woman who knows the value of things and knows how to choose them from the whole variety.
Well, now, having determined the image of a business woman, you should move on to others. important aspects business etiquette. First of all, this is the style of business communication, this includes the correct behavior in the office, negotiating, talking on the phone and at meetings. AT this case The requirements are the same for both men and women. A competent clear speech, a confident voice, and indeed confidence should be present in every one of your traits: gait, facial expressions, gestures, a calm demeanor and a slight smile will allow you to create the image of a business person, a competent specialist who is able to defend his point of view and knows his own worth.
A few examples of stylish clothes for a woman to work
Workplace
Also, an integral feature that will complement the image of a business woman is a competently and properly designed workplace. What is there to darken, we all want to decorate the place where we work with all kinds of frames with photographs of relatives and cats, figurines, flowers. Undoubtedly, all these little things greatly decorate the workplace, making it so cozy for you, but at the same time, filling your desk, these trinkets distract from work and do not match the office environment. They can also create an effect of frivolity and completely destroy your entire business image.
Therefore, when decorating your workplace, you should be guided by the principles of practicality and ergonomics: everything you need and need for work is at hand, personal items in the bedside table, an exception may be a phone and a notebook, keep in a conspicuous place your mug or glass from which you are in breaks drink coffee / tea, it is also impossible.
A business person is distinguished by punctuality both in coming to work and in completing work tasks. In business circles, as you know, time is money, so your lateness will potentially be regarded as a loss of money by your company, and your being late will speak of yourself as a person who cannot be relied upon. So develop the habit of being punctual, and this quality will serve you on the way to career heights. Here you can remember one golden rule “From the first time, right and right on time”, it is applicable both for work and for building the image of a business woman as a whole.
Next, it is worth talking about such a seemingly trifle as a greeting. Meanwhile, the ability to properly greet in business circles is highly valued and from the first minutes will help create the impression of a business person about you. Greeting each other with business partners is supposed to be a handshake (here once again we remind ourselves of a manicure), regardless of whether it is a man in front of you or a woman. If business negotiations take place in your office, then you should stretch out your first hand for greeting, thereby showing the hospitality of the host, it will not be superfluous at this moment to smile slightly and say a couple of warm words, inviting you to start a business, but at the same time friendly conversation.
During negotiations, appearance and manners are crucial
If at work you have to negotiate with partners of the company, then the following recommendations are for you. The habit of touching your hair immediately betrays a frivolous nature, so that by constantly adjusting your hair and clothes, you run the risk of appearing frivolous in the eyes of your opponents, and yet your behavior and appearance in this moment represent the face of your company. In business negotiations, you need to show your oratorical skills, so the confident, clearly delivered speech, which was mentioned earlier, is especially relevant now.
Also, one should not forget about the ability to listen to the opponent without interrupting him or showing any excessive emotions. Respect for other people's opinions and the ability to show yourself as a competent specialist who understands the essence of the issue being resolved will help you negotiate with dignity and strengthen your reputation as a business person among colleagues and senior management.
So now, dear ladies, when you have an idea of what business etiquette means for a woman, you can safely begin to follow it and use it for your self-affirmation at work and rapid career growth.
Video - the image of a business woman
Business woman ... In recent years, this phrase has become unusually popular, because there are so many business and successful women that it is much more difficult to find, for example, a housewife than a business woman. However, as practice shows, not all business women are equally successful. That is why it is necessary to follow simple, but at the same time very effective rules, which can be described as business etiquette for women, which will help you gain trust and respect from partners and superiors.
A successful woman is sometimes born, and sometimes becomes due to life circumstances. The first can be easily distinguished from the rest already in childhood: they strive for authority among their peers, often make friends with boys, study well and try to achieve their goals in any area, they absolutely do not accept gender differentiation and different attitudes towards them. The second category of such women come to understand the need for their own personal and career improvement due to usually negative life circumstances: an unsuccessful marriage, the need to raise a child, etc.
But no matter how you come to understand that you can build your own career and deserve significant success in your field of activity, your skills, communication style and behavior need to be improved. The etiquette of a woman's dress is also very important. We offer you the basic rules of business etiquette, which will surely come in handy more than once. After all, only such a serious attitude to the little things will allow you to achieve success.
Communication style
Whether you are in business negotiations with important partners or simply present at the next planning meeting with your superiors, your posture should simultaneously express a sense of self-confidence and respect for the person with whom you are talking, whoever he may be. Even if your subordinate is in front of you, you should not sit in a waddle or stand on your legs wide apart with a hunched back - your success largely depends on how your employees and colleagues perceive you. If the bosses are in front of you, they should understand that you are confident enough in yourself, therefore, for example, do not sit on the edge of the chair, modestly looking down, but at the same time respect him, this very bosses, and will listen to his recommendations, so don't sit in a completely frivolous posture.
The best option is to keep your back straight and gesticulate in your comfort zone, that is, about half a meter away from you. If you have a lady's bag with you, then it is better to put it next to you or carefully place it behind you: if it is on your knees, you will get the impression that with the help of it you close yourself from the outside world.
The look should also be appropriate: express goodwill and interest in the interlocutor. You should not closely examine the speaker, otherwise it may be perceived as impudence on your part. To make it comfortable for your interlocutor to communicate with you, at least sometimes look away from his eyes. During business communication, you must not betray your emotions, so try not to look at the lower half of the face of your partner, boss or subordinate.
Also try to keep track of the tone of your voice. Speak loudly enough and confidently, but in no case go over to screaming or screeching. It is better to dwell on a chest calm voice, which, as a rule, inspires confidence. In the speech itself, make pauses: haste in this case has not yet helped anyone. And it’s just impolite and completely unproductive to speak so quickly that your interlocutor simply won’t be able to think over and analyze what he heard. In addition, people who speak quickly are usually perceived as frivolous and frivolous.
Often, the moment of greeting causes particular discomfort, when women do not understand if they should shake hands or raise it so that the man with whom they are going to negotiate, for example, can kiss her according to traditional secular etiquette. If you are meeting a particular person for the first time, try to raise your hand so that it can be shaken and kissed at the same time, give your business partner the right to choose. To make this gesture look completely at ease, you can practice it in front of a mirror in advance.
And, of course, watch your gestures, because it is your gestures that can say a lot more about you than you yourself would like. First, your gestures should be smooth and measured. If you are used to big and sweeping movements, you can again practice in front of the mirror until smoothness becomes a habit. Secondly, if you want to gain the trust of the interlocutor, hold your palms so that he can see them. In order not to make the interlocutor feel as if you are trying to seize power over his thoughts and actions, do not clench your palms into fists and do not cut the air with them, as if you want to protect yourself from the words and thoughts of the other speaker.
Little secrets of a big boss
If you really want to achieve career heights, create a small set of rules for yourself, which then strictly adhere to. You can derive similar rules for your own life experience or take the advice of experienced business sharks.
Even if you have subordinates and consider yourself the boss, if you want to become a truly successful business woman, try to use your prerogative as little as possible and be punctual, no matter what the rank of the person you go to meet. This is how you show your respect for everyone, and this attitude is expensive and usually rewarded a hundredfold.
Do not talk on personal topics with people with whom you are going to do business or already have business relationship. Even if on corporate party a glass of wine turned her head, a real successful lady will be able to restrain herself and keep silent and never say too much.
The workplace should remain so, even if deep down you are a very romantic and sweet woman. Remove all funny toys, trinkets, beautiful photo frames from your table - all this does not contribute to the working mood and characterizes you in the eyes of your superiors and subordinates as a frivolous and frivolous nature.
If you don't have a very good memory for names and faces, you'll need to practice it. This is not just banal etiquette: the image of a business woman, even such a trifle as the fact that you will remember the names of all your employees and colleagues, should emphasize that you always have time for everything, you are always in the center of events.
Train yourself to keep track of every little thing, for example, the literacy of business notes that you write to colleagues, or banal wishes have a good day and like bon appetit. It is from the little things that a holistic view of you is formed not only as a person, but also as a business woman and a valuable employee.
The appearance of a business woman
As you know, they usually meet by clothes, and even if you are a promising and successful woman, business partners, when they see you for the first time, will evaluate your abilities precisely by your appearance. successful woman cannot afford to look untidy, to walk around with disheveled hair or a rumpled skirt. The style of a self-confident and working woman should be thought out to the smallest detail and at the same time meet business etiquette in clothes.
First of all, you will have to give up bright and flashy colors. If you want to be noticed, and for this you put on a non-traditional costume business colors(black, white and gray), and, for example, red, make sure that all the details in your outfit are in harmony and do not contrast much.
A classic outfit that meets the etiquette of a business woman's dress is a white blouse, an English jacket and a lined skirt. It is preferable that the fabric from which the suit is made has a textured pattern .. At the same time, instead of a skirt and blouse, a woman at work may well afford a strict knee-length dress.
Recently, it is customary to wear black suits only for important and, in a sense, solemn business events. So, for example, for a meeting with a top manager, it is better to choose a gray suit or dress, but for an important conference where you have to read a report, you can also afford a black outfit.
The etiquette of the business world does not allow shoes made of suede and bright leather, such as crocodile. It is preferable to stay on classic shoes with a small heel made of natural leather of a calm shade. If you choose skirts or dresses, then be prepared to wear flesh-colored tights or stockings regardless of the season.
Watch your hands: nails and skin should always be in perfect condition. But with varnish and nail color, you can experiment: whether to apply it or not depends entirely on you, but the use of bright and attention-grabbing shades is also unacceptable. to business women's bags fairly loyal requirements are made: they must have clear rigid contours and include A4 documents. If the latter is not possible, you will have to additionally purchase a special case or folder.
Such strict restrictions are often not to the liking of women who are used to always being in the center of events and attracting people's attention with their appearance. But a smart woman will always find a way out of this situation: office style can always be diversified with an interesting scarf or any other accessory that will successfully harmonize with your business suit and at the same time slightly distinguish you from other female employees.
Talk 0
Similar content
