I hate business attire! There I said it! Business attire deserves a very special place in style hell right next to Bai Ling and stone wash denim. Matching pinstripe suit jackets and skirts, chunky loafers and dreadful khaki pants are often what women are relegated to in pursuit of dressing smart and stylishly while navigating the ropes of Corporate America. I have to admit that my outer creative self has never been able to fully navigate dressing in a business setting. Who says a red romper isn’t business appropriate? Appropriate for the business of style!
The reality is that we work in companies where the focus is working not W-E-R-King it. However, the professional image we want to project and the confidence we feel when we look our best, effects our performance. So what is a style conscious girl to do when the selection of work appropriate attire leaves something to be desired?
The Multifaceted Shift Dress
Smart, polished, work appropriate. The Shift dress is the employee of the month when it comes to dressing stylishly for work. Not too clingy, as not to bring unwanted attention to your ladyparts but cut to flatter most figures (cause that hot guy in accounting is eying you). And since it’s a common silhouette shifts come in a wide variety of colors and prints (no boring LBDs here)
Stylish Stacked Heels
So the F me pumps are clearly a no-no for Monday’s board meeting, unless board meeting is code for porn set. And don’t you even think about buying that pair of Clarks. Work appropriate (I hate that term) footwear has come a long way from the square heel loafers and boring flats. I’d go as far as to say that footwear is the one item you can get really funky with.
WERK it Out with these options
1. ASOS Africa Shift Dress 2. Chain Necklace w/ Medallion 3. Vintage Blazer 4. Dial M for Marvelous Skirt 5. Here Comes Truffle Heel
Beyond the Button-Up
Maybe I’m just a bitter big chested heffer, but oxfords and I don’t have the best relationship, beside the fact that it’s probably the most overrated piece of clothing in history (definitely bitter). So instead of giving out rehashed, “wear a button-up” rhetoric I would suggest having fun with tops. As long as they’re not too revealing (again bitter big chest, party of 1) you’re pretty much set. Ruffles, satin and rich tones always manage to look crisp, stylish and put together.
Accessorize your Portfolio
I don’t know about you but accessories always cheer me up and serve as a distraction. My chunky bracelet is banging against my desk as I’m typing. I’m constantly leaving my rings in the restroom. It’s a love/hate relationship. But accessories can add that extra pizazz to a simple work ensemble. Hell, the right chunky necklace will make me forget that morning commute coffee stain. Stylish and therapeutic.
Work attire is always a balancing act, much like work/life balance but more fun. The test is in combining your weekend style with your office style and finding a happy medium that won’t have you either in orthopedic shoes or written up.
Do you mix business with pleasure? What’s your “work” style?
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Ugh! Another issue I tackle everyday! At my old job I didnt care at all, so I just always looked like I rolled out of bed, and found the first pair of “slacks” (i hate that damn word) and top, and threw on a pair of Torys. No thought whatsoever. Now I’m at a new job, and its not my dream job – but I am the first face ppl see when they come in the door, so I have to look presentable. I cant keep telling myself that my weekend clothes are the sh*t. If I am truly fashionable, my weekday clothes will be as well! LOL. So, my answer to the query is my work style is a work in progress. But I will get this work style down, goddammit!! lol
@ Naimah: Same here. I always tell myself that business attire isn’t my real style so I don’t have to worry about it, When truly your style should extend to all areas
@Anna: Yes, it’s hard out here for a pimp lol
@WendyB: *envious stare* Don’t have me taking a trip to NY to raid your closet lady!
This article is the truth. Only the Chic Corporate Fashionistas would understand!!!
You need to see my beautiful suits! I had a whole collection. McQueen, Gaultier, some vintage….I don’t work in a corporate environment anymore but I kept them all. They were such a big investment. I’m making a big effort to wear them as separates and occasionally as real suits…the latter works well for dinner.
I’m happy I don’t have a dress code, but when I did, I absolutely LOATHED it. Too bad I didn’t think to get a cute shift or something. I was trapped in khakis.
*shudders*
Great post. I am so glad I no longer work in the corporate world. No dress code, I can wear what I like – yeah!
As a young professional not interested in the flat bottom trousers give all women, I am loving this post! I also love wearing pencils skirts to spice things up. The cardi over a ruffled top can be a good look. =) I loved this post! I can’t wait to read more of your blog.
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