If you flip thru the pages of Lisa Birbach's The Official Preppy Handbook , you'll notice many of the professional preppy women are wearing dresses rather than suits. In one pictorial of socializing professionals called The Cocktail Party, four out of the seven women in the scene were wearing dresses with only one wearing a suit (the Saleswoman from Brooks Brothers). It's a testament to a time when dresses were the de regueur business wear for women rather than suits. These days, you're more apt to find the reverse which brings me to the second essay on Preppy Style; but this time for women.

The look we're going to examine is called The Associate. This look features preppy, simple and elegant business suiting for women and involves the following basic pieces:

• A waist seam jacket
• A crisp cotton shirt.
• A pair of leather pumps.
• A stretch skirt.

The Associate by Ann Taylor

This look is not only a classic but one that exudes confidence. There are many things you can do to make the look even preppier but the keywords to remember are simplicity and elegance. You want to let the fine tailoring of the suit speak for itself. Some preppy accessories include wearing a pearl necklace and earings, or carrying a leather tote bag or portfolio. Most preppy accessory is a silk scarf. You can also go with pinstripe rather than plain to make the look even more corporate. You can opt for pants rather than a skirt. A sheath with a square neckline or camisole rather than a shirt. Timeless preppy navy blue color suit rather than black or gray.

Conquer the business world with The Associate.