Professional and social dress for women?

**JamieM** · 02-01-10, 04:20

Hi,

I am moving at the beginning of February to Jakarta from the US. I am a young female professional and will be working at a non-profit organization, but will also be conducting interviews with other organizations. What do women typically wear in non-profit, government, and business circles in Jakarta? Standard dress for my jobs in the US has been suits, or a button-down shirt and slacks, but I am worried I'll be unbearably hot in those clothes in Jakarta.

Also, what do young women wear out socially during the day and in the evenings? I'd like to be fashionable while still being appropriate.

Thanks for the advice!

**Mas Fred** · 02-01-10, 06:33

I wear this little number in karaoke bars.

**Mas Fred** · 02-01-10, 06:37

Seriously. Casual dress here is about the same as many western countries. You tend to see round necks rather than deep Vs and legs tend to be covered but that's about it.

**kittikat** · 02-01-10, 09:50

ha ha Mas Fred, nice top. Actually he gave really good advice. Fancy batik blouses with black tailored pant or skirt will always be acceptable especially for government sponsored events.
Jakarta folks are very well dressed, so make sure you have at least one fancy outfit for those business dinner events.

What to bring from US: fancy cocktail/summer dresses, nice scarves/wrap, fancy shoes & bags, and few suits made from lightweight fabric (suit jacket with 3/4 length sleeve is very useful), linen materials (great for hot humid weather and it's difficult to find here), and 1 versatile jacket for travelling. Buy your sports clothes here bcs it's much cheaper.

What to buy in Indonesia: For limited budget, go for local brands like Executive or Et Cetera (found in any big mall) or Batik Keris for batik blouses because they use lighter and more breatheable fabric. Sometimes I go to Singapore to shop because they have more option for my small budget. Bali is also a great place to shop but more expensive (unless you just want to buy typical beach wears). If you have big budget, then get your clothes tailor made (it's difficult to find reliable tailor and it can be expensive).

Dress code: It really depends on your company's policy. I'd go for conservative just to be on the safe side. I wear a lot of suit combination and layers (bcs it's hot outdoor and cold indoor). Most business meetings typically will be in A/C-ed building anyways. Low cut is not advisable even if there's no cleavage (yes I got a complaint from HR after wearing a "harmless" vneck shirt from US). Skirts should be okay but make sure it's modest (knee length).

Good luck.

**waarmstrong** · 02-01-10, 11:27

You may tray checking out some of the Indonesian women's magazine's on-line editions -- Femina, or Dewi for example. Even if you don't read the language, the photos may give you a better feel for what passes for fashionable business dress here. I am not an aficionado, but typical Western summer business clothing seems to me to be very common in Jakarta. I am guessing, as well, that most likely your work places and travel modes will have AC making a lightweight business suit OK.

**atlantis** · 02-01-10, 14:05

Originally Posted by waarmstrong

You may tray checking out some of the Indonesian women's magazine's on-line editions -- Femina, or Dewi for example. Even if you don't read the language, the photos may give you a better feel for what passes for fashionable business dress here.

Wise advise Waarm... Thumbs up.

**thisldome** · 02-01-10, 14:57

My wife usually wears a jacket, shirt and either ¾ length skirt (well below the knee) or pants and more often that not a scarf around her neck or a loose fitting tie. Similar to the business suits that you would wear in the west. At night if we are entertaining, she will wear pretty much anything, but if it’s an off the shoulder number she might wear a casual jacket or a shawl…it depends on the occasion and the time of year.

**kingwilly** · 03-01-10, 03:03

Originally Posted by JamieM

Hi,

I am moving at the beginning of February to Jakarta from the US. I am a young female professional and will be working at a non-profit organization, but will also be conducting interviews with other organizations. What do women typically wear in non-profit, government, and business circles in Jakarta? Standard dress for my jobs in the US has been suits, or a button-down shirt and slacks, but I am worried I'll be unbearably hot in those clothes in Jakarta.

Workwise, the same, or more formal, than you would wear at home. Indonesia is a conservative society. As for being hot, you'll be working in AC. In fact, you might find your cold. (unless you are working for an NGO saving orang utang out in the wilds of Borneo forests.

**ohmdafyd** · 03-01-10, 09:19

Wise advice indeed, but, perhaps somewhat revealing...

**drahman2in1** · 04-01-10, 00:56

Originally Posted by kingwilly

.....orang utang ......

sorry KW, its orang utan...utang=debts

maybe just a typo...

for Jamie M,
looking at female magazines can be a good referrence for you...like Pak Waarmstrong had said...