Fashion & Beauty Blog » Office Style

Blogger Style: The Young, Chic Professional

jenna — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:37:04 +0000

Happy Blogger Tuesday, fashionistas!

Today’s post is dedicated to all you professional, working women out there. Consider this a friendly reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice a major dose of sophistication or your favorite trendy looks to be taken seriously, ladies. One fabulous blogger is showing us how to do office attire the right way. Meet Kristen, a 23-year-old Cali native who’s climbing the corporate ladder in the most stylish way possible. For our blogger breakdown, she lends us her sartorial wisdom with one amazing outfit, but you can see more of her equally awesome looks on her adorable blog, Honestly Kristen. Check out the tips below, and then make sure to head over to her blog. Let’s get going!

Blazers for the office. I have long been touting the virtues of a great blazer, but usually in relation to casual wear. Kristen shows us here how to get it so right for the office. A more fitted, cropped version is perfect for a working gal, as it’s more pulled-together instead of low-key. Love this look!

Masculine-feminine mix. Along with a guy-style blazer, Kristen is working a very girlie sheath dress. The gray blazer offsets the femininity of the frock, making for a great outfit. A blazer says you’ve got what it takes to be taken seriously, and the dress shows you’re also full of grace and elegance. A great combination, right?

Subdued prints. For the office, make sure your print choices are a little quieter than your on-the-street, risk-taking sartorial tendencies. Let your work speak for itself, and don’t let your clothes become too loud! The muted colors of Kristen’s dress are a perfect example of this â€” a spot-on look.

Opaque tights. Tights pull any look together. I love all â€” from tights with cutouts to bright hues â€” but black, opaque tights are an essential for your wardrobe. You can wear them underneath a cute frock like Kristen has here, with dressy shorts or a with a pencil skirt to pull together a pretty outfit for the office.

Skinny belts. For dresses that are more fitted in shape, I love skinny belts. Draw just enough attention to your tiny middle without detracting attention from your cute outfit with a small waist-cincher, as Kristen has done here. I would definitely go with skinny belts for curve-skimming silhouettes and save the bolder belts for full skirts where you most need to highlight your waist to create shape. Kristen’s accessory choice here is just right, like the rest of her look. Feel free to steal it!

Image Source: honestlykristen.blogspot.com/2011/02/outfit-post-one-of-gang-or-outfit.html

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My “Go-To” Work Outfit

tiffany — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:59:09 +0000

You all have a “go-to” outfit right?Â On those days when we wake up and are either too lazy or too tired to even think about putting together a cute outfit, having a “go-to” makes life so much easier!Â Even on my laziest days, I never want to show up at work looking like I just rolled out of bed, so I always put together an outfit of a skirt, cardigan and brightly colored or patterned top.Â

There are so many variations of this outfit that you can do that nobody will ever notice that this is your “go-to” outfit.Â You can switch it up to a dark top and skirt with a bright-colored cardigan or for an easy change just mix your regular black tights for colored or patterned tights.Â The combo that I’m wearing here is definitely the easiest for me, though, and I can go to work without thinking too much about my outfit or worrying about how I look!

A well-fitted knee length skirt is on the top of my list for a must have for the office and cardigans of course are essential since no matter what top I’m wearing (long-sleeve, short-sleeve, cami), it will always provide the extra layer of warmth that is needed in the always-cold office buildings.

What is your “go-to” outfit?

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Office Styles for the Summer

liz — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:26:52 +0000

Summertime in the office can be a little tricky Â– itÂ’s so hot outside but you canÂ’t wear a full summer outfit and still be office appropriate. Plus, itÂ’s so cold once youÂ’re in your office that it seems impossible to dress properly for both the inside and the hot outside. Although the warm weather summer dilemma for office professionals will continue to exist, it doesnÂ’t have to be so bad! Here are some common office wear problems and how to fix them:

Getting too cold at work? Keep your look stylish by covering yourself up (and warming yourself up!) with a cute embellished cardigan, such as one with sequins, ribbon, or lace. These cardigans will keep you warm during the day and will work after work if it gets cold outside. You might also try a menswear inspired blazer or tuxedo jacket. Cream or white blazers look very put together while still remaining casual in the warm weather. Look for one with ruched, shoulder-length sleeves or with cool gold details Â– just make sure you donÂ’t get too Â“Miami viceÂ” with the details. Additionally, you might try keeping a colorful pashmina or other large warm shawl or scarf in a drawer at work. That way, you wonÂ’t have to worry about remembering to bring it every day and you can still have an emergency blanket for when you get too cold.

Sick of wearing khakis in boring ways? Get out of the drab office mold of wearing a basic button-down shirt with khakis. Ditch your white or pinstripe shirts and go bold with a bright summer color. Poppy red colored shirts were seen all over the runways, and I think they could totally work in the office by being paired down with khakis. If you do go for this bold top, make sure you keep the rest of your look simple. If you just canÂ’t break away from your neutral tops, at least try throwing on a different pop of color. Try a bright colored or printed cardigan, or at least celebrate summer with a fun colored shoe!

Bored of wearing pants in the heat: Try a fun summer dress thatÂ’s still totally office appropriate. Make sure itÂ’s at least knee length and does not reveal too much cleavage. Big patterns might not be appropriate, but a bright color will always work.

What do you wear to work in the summertime?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/korona-pl/4112300571

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Office Styles for Women

liz — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:37:44 +0000

Business casual for women can be difficult to get right. ItÂ’s much easier for men who always wear some variation of full suit with tie, suit without tie, slacks and shirt without a jacket, etc. Business casual can be tricky for women to dress for without looking either too sexy or too buttoned-up.

But in the office, you want to appear to be the perfect employee and dressing the part can help make you fit the part, too. First, you want to make sure that you remain modest. No one will appreciate too much skin in the office environment. Pick longer skirts and pants and higher necklines. Knee-length skirts and capris can also work, as long as you still keep your top covered up. A classic pencil skirt is always a good bet for business casual, as long as it comes down to your knees.

Next, try to keep your look fairly neutral. Not to say that you canÂ’t throw in pops of color and prints, but overall keep the look toned down. Most of your outfit should be a neutral color, like black, navy or brown. Keep things simple and elegant; donÂ’t overwhelm your office look with too many bold fashion trends.

Although these office fashions dos seem simple enough, IÂ’ve seen a ridiculous amount of office fashion donÂ’ts. Never, ever have exposed underwear lines when you go to work. For example, if your office does allow you to wear jeans to work, make sure that whatever top you wear covers all of your skin above the top of your jeans and never show your underwear.

Also, always avoid things that are too short and uncovered. If you wouldnÂ’t wear an outfit to have dinner with your parents, then you should definitely not wear that outfit to work. DonÂ’t wear mini-skirts, very short shorts, strapless tube tops, or skirts with high, risquÃ© slits. Never wear something that is too short, too tight, see-through, or exposes any cleavage.

Similarly, make sure you donÂ’t look like a slob at work. If you want people to respect you and believe you are a good employee, you need to show that you care about how you present yourself. DonÂ’t wear anything thatÂ’s distressed (jeans, tops, jackets, just to name a few). Also donÂ’t wear athletic gear, like running shorts, or lounge wear, like sweatpants and flip-flops. None of these articles of clothing give off a professional vibe.

What do you wear to work?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/24328644@N08/2498122202

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Spring Trends: The How-tos for High Waisted Skirts

ritika puri — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:05:05 +0000

When the high waisted skirt became trendy a few seasons ago, I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. Originally, I believed that the trend was reserved for girls with slender and boyish figures. As a girl with curves and hips, I felt more comfortable sticking with my empire waist, babydoll, and shirt dresses.

Now, I’m realizing an an important fact: the high waisted trend is sticking around because it actually flatters most body types from the the curvey to the stick-thin.

Here are some tips for picking the perfect high waisted skirt:

Pick a fabric that is seasonably appropriate. Wear a wool blend skirt for winter, and wear a a lighter knit fabric in the summer.
Don’t look too bulky. Pick a skirt that hugs your figure. If you’re thin, you could probably getÂ away with a “puffier” look. Girls with hips should try to slenderize, not volumize.
Experiment with colors and prints. Basic blacks and whites will make you look over-dressed for an evening party. Fun colors will make you look more casual.
Don’t wear your skirt too high. The skirt should sit at your natural waist. If you’re big busted, your skirt will make you look even bulkier if it’s too high.
Wear a belt!
Wear a loose or form fitting top. Your tanks and blouses will work with this look! Wear a cardigan.
Try on a couple of skirts before settling. From personal experience, I will tell you that it look me many attempts before I found the right skirt. When I found it, I bought two. This trend is really hit or miss, so don’t settle for anything less than awesome! You deserve to look hot, and rest assured, the perfect high waisted skirt is out there for everyone. Take this advice from a girl who never thought she would find one.
Make this skirt *scream* spring and summer by wearing with gladiator sandals.
Take your style from office to evening, and look great everywhere.
Wear it with confidence. Don’t slouch, stand up tall, and know that you look awesome!

Check out high wasted skirts from Smarter.

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The Pom-Pom Jacket

tanya — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:00:25 +0000

Hello my recessionistas. Am I correct in thinking you all would like to hear about some cheap and chic goodies to add to your closet? Lately, I have been hunting the Gap, Tarjay, etc., to find those little treats to fill out my closet and mix playfully with my more expensive pieces. I firmly believe that a high/low mix lends itself to both a truly idiosyncratic style and to a realistic wardrobe. Based on this philosophy, even if I could afford to buy every piece I own from Prada (and Vera Wang, and John Galliano and Viktor and Rolf — a girl can dream canÂ’t she??) I would not. So, off to Gap we go!

While shopping with a client last Friday, we came upon the little jacket that is pictured. So much bang for the buck on this one, priced at reasonable $69.50.

Pintucked Jacket: $69.50Â

The charming little pom-poms remind me of the tops from Chloe a few seasons back. While the shape is one of a structured jacket, this piece is made from soft, flexible, 100% cotton so it is as comfortable as it is cute. This jacket has enough look to go to work over wide leg trousers, or out to dinner with a skinny jean and heel. Mix it up!

Find at Smarter.com: Â Shop for more women’s pintucked jackets.

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The Case for Glasses

tanya — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:46:30 +0000

I am very happy to see that one of my favorite trends is back. I am talking about big, face obscuring, horn rimmed, old-school glasses. A friend of mine from college used to call them Â“pretty people uglyÂ” glasses; meaning of course, that pretty people wore them to get others to take them more seriously. Think Clark Kent, think Scarlett Jo on the awards show podium, think Grace Kelley reading scripts.

The beauty of these little darlings, in addition to allowing those of us who need it to see a bit more clearly, is that they really do give that pretty/ugly effect. Anyone brave enough to wear the self-consciously geeky frames shows the world they secretly know they are cute enough to pull them off.

I first noticed the trend last fall on the Michael Kors runway (pictured). Two parts chic, one part geek: what could be better? I know that talking about a trend from about 6 months ago is like digging up a relic from the Paleolithic period in fashion time, but the trend is still alive. Flipping through newest J. Crew catalog this month, I saw the same look. Geek is the new black!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more Michael Kors eyeglasses.

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Corporate 101: Stylish Send-Off

colleen — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:38:04 +0000

As the summer begins to wind down and your summer office job along with it, the question becomes: what lasting impact have you made on the company and your co-workers? Will anyone even remember your name a week after you leave? While second-guessing the files you didnÂ’t Â“fileÂ” or the transcriptions you forgot to Â“transcribeÂ”, ask yourself this question before you turn to attention-grabbing fashion as your signature at the officeÂ’s end of season luncheon: Do you want to be hired again?

If the answer is “yes”, stick to the dress code: closed toe shoes, modest skirts and pants, no jeans, and nothing too revealing. Maybe, if youÂ’re really gunning for next yearÂ’s summer associate position, whip out the company T-shirt. Here is a perfect example of humble, appropriate, and traditional office wear:

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MacyÂ’s is having a 20-50% off sale this weekend, so hop on down to get this look with:

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D-ring pencil skirt- $29.40

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Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ruffled short-sleeve Blouse – $26.40

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Kenneth Cole Pump – $82.50

If returning to your summer job makes you want to strangle a newborn koala bear (or worse!) itÂ’s time to break all those conformist rules:

No opened toes, you say? Well flaunt more than your pearly pinkies with a pair of BCBGirls Â“IrianaÂ” Pumps:

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Modest skirt? Laura Ingalls Wilder would change her religion to if she was allowed to knit her patchwork quilt in to one of these leggy beasts:

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Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tommy Hilfiger Patchwork Miniskirt - $41.65

And while I would recommend a plunging neckline as the final upset to office decorum, MacyÂ’s does not dabble in such risquÃ© material. The best I could find was this Lauren Jeans Co. off the shoulder top, but it will do.

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Best of luck in your final days of mindless summer corporate work! DonÂ’t forget to end on your own terms.

Find at Smarter.com:Â Shop for more pencil skirts.
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shop for more pumps.
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shop for more short sleeve blouses.

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Corporate 101: Changing with the Seasons

colleen — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:36:59 +0000

Cover up those sunburnt shoulders and tone down the color paletteÂ…itÂ’s time to get ready for theÂ best time of the year for office fashion sensations: FALL!Â Â What to do until the leaves start a-changinÂ’, school bells start a-ringinÂ’, and the season is really in full gear? We know youÂ’re tired of those bright flower prints youÂ’ve been wearing all summer long. So letÂ’s get ready for fall with some transitional clothing! It sounds difficult, but really, transitioning from one fashion season to another just takes a few color and layer switches, and youÂ’re good to go!

Top Transitional Clothing Pieces, from Summer to Fall:

The Sweater Coat.

Look for a sweater coat in a grey shade. It looks far more sophisticated than straight black, and allows for some summery-dress layeringÂ’s without feeling like youÂ’re headed out on a night on the town, or back from a rude hangover. Also, look for lightweight cardigans, and none of those Â“only cover the shoulders and chestÂ” ones. Other than (obviously) not being very warm or functional, Â“the shortiesÂ”, as I like to call them, look like they were stolen from a fifth grade tap recital.

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Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â BDP GE Cardigan: $48.00 – urbanoutfitters.com

The Power Pants.

Never underestimate the power of well-fitting pants to make you look and feel great going in to a hard day of work. Treat yourself to a personally crafted fit at your local tailor, but for starters look no further than ExpressÂ’s sleek designs.

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Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Express Fit & Flare Pant: Modern Stretch: $59.50 (Buy 1, Get 50% off)

Halfway-There Jacket.

Before we jump full-steam into a cushy pile of colorful fall pea coats, letÂ’s take a little pit stop at some of the more transitional-appropriate cover ups. Check out the wide variety of vests and short-sleeve blazers in style this season. WhatÂ’s great about the vest population is that no design is exactly alike. Play around with the colors, belts, and tightness of the design.

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Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Remy SS Blazer: $27.80, forever21.com

Find at Smarter.com:Â Shop for more women’s sweater coats.
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shop for more women’s vests.
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shop for more women’s pants.

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Corporate 101: Snooze-Button Blues

colleen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:01:37 +0000

The corporate world is a lethargic place. Waking up at 6:35am all four other mornings of the week, Fridays often fall prey to the snooze-button blues. I too understand this quibble. You hit the snooze-button about 5-6 times, and it always makes you feel so good because you think youÂ’re stealing back some of what the office steals from you everyday. Of course, after hitting that snooze button 5-6 times youÂ’re late for work, spend about 10 seconds getting dressed and eat breakfast in the car. Needless to say, those days arenÂ’t you finest, fashion-wise. IÂ’m not saying snooze-buttons are a bad thing, but how can we prevent hitting the snooze-button on our style? HereÂ’s a couple easy style tips to save you minutes in the morning and still look dashingÂ…and of course, IÂ’ll write them all before you can say Â“10 more minutes, please!Â”
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1. Lay out your clothes the night before. Sounds like kindergarten when you forgot to wear socks for a month, right? And mom made you sleep with them on so you wouldnÂ’t stink up your Keds? Well this is the same little social exercise, only slightly matured. Believe it or not, setting out your clothes often gives you something to look forward to in the morningÂ…and buys a couple extra minutes with the snooze machine. WhatÂ’s not to love?

2. Unique Dresses. Leave the babydolls and jersey knits for the weekend beach brigade, love. Look forward to smashinÂ’ fashion Fridays with some unique dress finds, like this Banana Republic Polka-dot Sheath Dress for $150.00 . Look for dresses with interesting cuts, necklines, and silkier fabrics. A simple choice in fabric or interesting cut will make this one-garment throw-on seem meticulously planned.

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3. The Boots to Match. Just as dresses are a quick fashion statement, so are boots. Call me crazy, but they look far better than flip flops or your favorite pair of sheepskin moccasins. Boots can be fun and completely flexible, just remember keep them toned down in color, size, heel, and shape. Boots are an accent, not an outfit in and of themselves. My favorite:

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Find at Smarter.com:Â Shop for more women’s dresses.
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shop for more women’s boots.

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