women in suit&necktie

My wife often wears a suit with a shirt and necktie to her office,(she is a hospital adminostrator). Sometimes she gets very negative comments from some of her co-workers,both male and female. We both think that this is a very appealing look on her,and you see women wearing suits&ties quite often on tv,although not as much as a few years ago. Is this still appropriate attire for a woman?

well, i've seen a look similar to this.. the lady had o a suit with a skirt instead of the pants... i think that you may have answered your own question by saying its not seen as often today.. that look is a bit dated.. on the other hand.. it can be pulled off..as long as the suit is fitting (see this blazer: Here)and i'm not sure its with a skirt or pants but a skirt would go over better..

I think it depends on exactly how masculine the whole look is and how often she wears it.
If she wears a suit and tie to work every day, I would begin to think she was trying to prove a point... like that she was better than the men or something. But if it's just on occasion, then it can be very fashionable and sexy, particularly if it's paired with some feminine things.

For example, if its a suit jacket, shirt and tie paired with a skirt its much more feminine. Or if she pairs it with unique jewelry, which i think is the difference between the "im just as good as you are so there haha" offensive look, and the "im fashionable and feminine, but powerful" look.

On a side note, i wear feminine suits and ties out a lot actually, particulaly with my hair sleeked back and stilettos. Never to an office though

Well, let's be fair, are you really dying to see a man in a dress? Well? Especially since the dress probably wouldn't be his color anyway and he likely wouldn't be wearing a slip underneath?

Stilettos, stilettos,stilettos, stilettos!
Its all in the shoes and accesories.

Most women that I know who wear ties and suits are not doing so to express power.

Some people might get offended if a woman wears a non-form fitted pant suit with flats and a tie (it would'nt be all that appealing either)

Exactly Leale!

Stilettos with a suit is gooorgeous!

[QUOTE=EmeraldNight] Exactly Leale!

Stilettos with a suit is gooorgeous!
[/QUOTE]
Which is probably why it is totally inappropriate for a woman to wear a suit and tie to work in an office, which is what the original poster was writing about. Sexy is not what workwear is about.

For a woman to wear a suit and tie is to make a more or less political statement. It's fine to do this on your own time, but it would be understandable if the boss didn't approve.

Suit with necktie, hmmm, I should think it would attract the wrong sort of attention and comments.
I wear suits to college (pant or skirt suits) and I usually wear stiletto shoes. There is no reason why you can't wear a suit to be taken more seriously, but still look feminine as well.

[QUOTE=kinat_gin] What is everybody's problem? I wear a pantsuit and tie to work eveyday, without stiloettoes or any jewellry. How is this trying to make a radical statement? I simply like to look professional. And, yes, my boss does approve and appreciate this.

I don't understand how stiloettoes are more appropriate than a suit and tie???

Honestly, what is the big deal?!
[/QUOTE]
Your boss wants you to dress like a man? Wow.

[QUOTE=kinat_gin] [QUOTE=eKatherine] Your boss wants you to dress like a man? Wow.
[/QUOTE]

Not at all. MY boss imply appreciates my efforts to dress professionally at the office. I sometimes wear a skirt instead of pants, but only when I feel like it.

I still don't see how this look is offensive when I am under the impression that a suit and tie is the standars. Why should gender make such a radical difference when one is only trying to look professional and not sexy on the job? What is your problem with that!?
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You're saying that the suit and tie is the standard, which is, again, saying that only men are professional-looking, and women who wish to appear maximally professional should CROSS-DRESS!

Cross-dressing sends a message. Your boss enjoying the fact that you are cross-dressing should be sending you a message.

hehehehe...I love a good argument. I'm still at college (studying psychology) so obviously I don't know what bosses want. I usually wear a skirt suit with stiletoes to college because it makes me feel good, not to please someone else. I definitely wouldn't wear a suit and tie just because some guy thought I looked more "professional".