Hair up or down with a suit?

I found out a short while ago that I been selected to lead a team in my class on a project that we are doing. Part of my role will involve giving a presentation to some senior people.

I want to give a totally professional look. I have a cream colored classic suit (just above knee length skirt and jacket) that I am going to wear.

What do you guys recommend for my hair. It's pretty much all one length, straight, bra strap length.

Should I keep it loose, tie it back into a long ponytail or wear it up?

Thanks

Stacy

Hi Stacy,

I'm with Supersugar. I'm guessing that these "senior people" are people you have yet to make an impression on? First time, hair up to make it easy for them to focus on your presentation (and gain a favorable impression of you. If and when you make presentations to these people again, then you can begin to let your hair down, since they've already formed their initial opinion of you.

My 2 cents.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

It sounds like I should wear it up then.

I was thinking about this last night. I am thinking of a French twist, but I wondered if that might be too 'dressy', more like a going out to dinner look, compared with just a simple bun.

The other option I was thinking about was doing a French braid with the loose end tucked under and pinned up.

Any thoughts on these options?

Thanks again

Stacy

PS - I won't be meeting all of these senior people for the first time - this is a role playing situation - but I do want to impress them with how I look and behave in a new 'leadership' role.

I think a french twist would look very nice with a suit, and very professional. But a tucked french braid would also be good too. Wear whatever will make you most comfortable.
Good luck!

I personally think a low ponytail is great for a guy. It won't be swinging around getting attention like the high ponytail on the other girl, and it should stay behind him pretty well. He could also braid his low ponytail. I can't really picture a guy in a bun or a tucked in braid, (you mean tucked under french braid like you were talking about for you?) I've never seen a guy wear it that way, if it's too unusual where you are, it may attract more attention than it should. You know what's acceptable stylewise at your school, so your group will probably have to judge.

You mentioned that you are in a fashion school. I would assume that the presentations you are making are fashion-related. I think that would give you some leeway in terms of hair style and dress. I've worked in advertising for 8 years. I often make presentations to conservative corporate clients, but I don't make any attempt to dress conservatively. I have waist-length hair and usually wear it down. I am an art director/designer. I dress professionally, but more creatively than most business people. I don't think this makes my clients uncomfortable. They come to me for creative, innovative ideas. I think they may be less likely to trust a large account to an art director who is dressed just like them. My clients have included sports teams, a major hotel chain, and investment companies. Regardless of the client I'm meeting, I always dress like myself. I don't know the details of your situation, but this works for me.