Not so elsewhere in the world. While in large cities, women who are involved in professional jobs either dress in a company uniform or wear dull gray suits like many American professional women do, many women still manage to make the best of the restrictions and office policies that they have. While many women, particularly those working for multi-national companies, have either been forced to or are just following global fashion trends when they dress in conservative clothes, many other refuse to compromise on other clothing items like boots, stockings, scarves, and underwear. These women actually prefer fabrics that are rich in color and have creative patterns almost like the ones seen on scarves from Italy and France. 

What role does color play? 

A common complaint is that women are losing their femininity and that is clearly evident from the lack of color. When women abandon colors and dress more like men, they not only appear as a threat to some men but also turn men off. While this is almost an accepted part of western culture, the situation is much different in many European and Asian countries where Women take pride in being feminine and making sure that everyone is aware of their gender. 

Color is critical to a woman's appearance whether it is on her clothing, shoes, or accessories (particularly the skin of her cell phone or a colorful laptop).  Most men that we spoke to, in private, prefer women in colorful outfits rather than dull colors.

Tips on how to use color in an outfit

1. When in doubt, use black or white.

2. When making a statement, use whatever color comes to your mind.

3. Even if you have to dress as per your company policy, use color wherever you can; particularly in accessories like cell phones, handbags, portfolios, umbrellas, scarves, jewelry, hair bands, watch, etc.