Power or business dressing for women, is all about blending the casual with the chic. Nothing too loud or flashy, but definitely a criss-cross of buttoned-up business basics along with a weekend warrior full business attire. The rule of thumb here is to be a little conservative yet stylish without being completely casual.

Says Mita Mangaokar, a fashion designer from NIFT [National Institute of Fashion Technology who has worked for varied clients ranging from Kala Niketan to Scullers," just take a look around at the movers and shakers around you to evaluate your own dress code. I would say, there's no casual- chic look for those pounding the pavement for a new job.

She further elaborates, " Go in for a business look. Dress appropriately, so that one best projects the image of success in whatever one does. Just take care not to appear too flashy by wearing expensive clothes or a dozen pieces of jewelry. Your attire should send the message that you can fit into the work environment.

Sari, salwar kameez or shirt/trouser?
Some years ago, the sophisticated workingwoman waltzed into the boardroom in salwars and saris. Now, several summers later, she has done away with that six-yard mess and the noose e around the neck called dupatta. The working woman has said 'hi' to corporate dressing and slipped into trousers and shirts. On the roads, in your office, at your nearest cafe, she sports work wear that screams comfort and style.

"I feel more confident and less conscious while attending a business meeting in corporate wear rather than a salwar. In fact, that makes me feel more assertive," says Janet GomGomes a business development manager, whose corporate wardrobe is sprinkled with Allen Solly and Scullers.

However, not all women are ready to do away with sarees and salwar-kameez, yet. "When it comes to Friday dressing, jackets and well-fitted shirts, make way for jeans and skirts, but I am not ready to write off salwar-kameez so soon. As a change from the corporate dress code, one can opt for salwars once in a while,"says Mohini Mehta , a 40 year old PRO working for a multinational. However, more and more women in twenties are opting for western attire. Semi formal is all time favourite with many as it suits many who attend meetings and then probably meet up for cocktails or dinner.

Adds Mita, " there's a wide range you can choose from. Arrow has launched blazers, knits and jackets besides the shirts and trousers. The range starts from Rs. 700 onwards. However, jackets come with an expensive tag. The range for jackets starts from Rs. 2500. Allen Solly, Scullers, Westside, Shoppers' Stop and Blackberries too are eyeing the working women. With emphasis on fabric, cut and colour, these brands offer a wide range of trousers that can be matched with shirts, jackets, knits and pullovers. Also, when it comes to fabric, the most preferred are polynosic, cotton, lycra and linen," says Mita

ACCESSORIES
Office wear jewellery should be minimal and should give a sophisticated and professional look. "I suggest ear studs or a single bracelet," says Pallavi a senior designer at Tanishq. "A small solitaire diamond looks classy and simple. Platinum goes well with office wear," she says.

Here, Mita offers some more pointers in accessories:

Handbags: A 'ladies special' leather brief case or a leather bag preferably in black/brown is ideal for carrying daily to the office. An elegant wristwatch will complete the look.

Sandals: The right kind of footwear is very important. Leather shoes would go well with semi formal western wear and sandals [not colorful though] would be fine for Indian outfits. They should not be so high as to cause discomfort.

Hair: Your hairstyle should be neat and your hair colour should be natural-and should also complement your complexion. Wild colours (blue, pink, platinum streaks, etc.) and hair glitter are a no-no.

Nails: Short, well-manicured nails in one tone, including French manicures, are ideal. Long exotic and colorfully designed nails send the wrong message to a potential employer. rk.

Make -up too should be minimal and naturalistic. Pastel shades of lipstick with a light eye liner should do fine.

Last but not the least, look like a winner, as everybody loves a winner.
* Act as if you are a very important person.

* Strive to appear like a person with a future.

* Try to show others that you are going up the ladder.

* Never lose your composure, even in difficult situations.

Groom yourself to be a person destined to succeed. And above all, be true to yourself and trust your instincts!