Sure you want to shine in the workplace, but you don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. To avoid being the latest water cooler news, it’s important to dress the part … whatever that part may be. Here are a few suggestions for our polished professionals, from corporate to casual.

	Corporate (Lawyer, Banker, Accountant, Sales, etc.) It’s your business to appear strong and credible, so the power suit is a staple. But business doesn’t have to be boring, and the personal style factor is still yours to flaunt. Spice up your basic suit with a frilly blouse, and add a pop of color to wow the judge and jury! Create variations of a suit by mixing and matching blazers, cardigans, trousers and pencil skirts. Accessories are an easy way to add a pop of pizzazz to your most basic ensemble. Throw on a chunky necklace or funky shoe, and when they call you super stylish, plead guilty as charged!
	Creative (Artist, Art Curator, Advertising, PR, etc.) You thrive in an atmosphere of inspiration, and your clothes reflect your pursuit of brilliant originality. You live outside of the box, and why not?! Creativity is an important part of your job, so you have more room to be eclectic, fun, and inventive with your wardrobe … while still looking totally put together. You don’t follow the trends, you create them, constantly mixing and matching your staples and favorite wow pieces to create unexpected combinations. So whether you’re pairing slouchy boots with a pencil skirt and bohemian style scarf, or going tonal with skinny jeans tucked into your favorite boots and a pop of color on top, you always pull off a look that is uniquely your own.
	Comfort (Teacher, Counselor, Mom Extraordinaire) You sing a song of sensible style. You’re molding the minds of our future, and that’s a big job! But who says you can’t look good doing it? While you need to look put together and professional, comfort is also crucial in your world. Opt for non-constraining tops that allow you to roll up your sleeves and run around the playground but still look appropriate for that staff meeting or trip to the museum. You’re most likely to succeed in mix-and-match pieces like cute cardigans and sweaters, loose button-up blouses, tees, and light jackets with comfortable pants like CAbi’s denim or trousers. Add a hint of personal flair with a necklace or scarf, and you’re sure to be voted best dressed!

Blazers are hot EVERY season, and they are easier than you think to incorporate into your wardrobe. Haven’t worn your black blazer since that job interview years ago? Here’s your chance! Roll up the sleeves and toss it over a bohemian blouse, your favorite jeans, and a cute pair of heels, and you’ll instantly ooze style. Layering a blazer over a dress, skirt, or trouser adds chic sophistication and personality to a potentially plain palette. Whether you’re going for corporate or casual, elegant or eclectic, a blazer can be just the ticket to a fabulous finish. But remember, ladies, when rocking the menswear trend, it shouldn’t look like you raided your husband’s closet! Embrace your femininity and show your shape!

In the fast paced world of today, there’s no time to waste between the office and your next icalendar commitment. So make the most of each valuable moment, and don’t let your outfit hold you back. Shed the blazer, change up your accessories, and you’re ready to ditch the cubicle for dinner and dancing.

Do your feet hurt just thinking about dressing up? We know that comfort isn’t always fashion’s number one goal, but when it comes to your tootsies, there is no need to suffer for the sake of style! An uncomfortable shoe can put a serious damper on your day, so ditch the torture tools, and soothe your soles. On our mission to find superb comfort with stylish tailoring, we found several companies committed to comfort (without sacrificing cuteness!). Our top picks are from Clarks, Aerosoles, and Easy Spirit - but that is just to name a few! They’ve mastered comfort technology with soft linings and cushioned insoles, soft polyurethane footbeds that absorb shock for superior comfort, foam footbeds that reduce step shock for an improved walking experience, and so much more! And all this comfort is wrapped up in a cute little package, disguised as the height of fashion!

Now that you know how to showcase your style once you’ve got the job, here are a few of our top tips on how to get the job! Some of these may seem obvious, but sometimes, it’s the little things that will set you apart from the crowd.

• Arrive early - running late is one stress you do not need to deal with on interview day.
• Dress appropriately; err on the side of overdressed or more professional.
• Begin and end the interview with a firm handshake.
• Always have copies of your resume, portfolio, etc., even if it’s your third interview and you think everyone has already seen it.
• Plan ahead by researching the company, and even your interviewer if possible, and bring a few questions. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your past experience that target the needs of this company.
• Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Check out a book at your local library or bookstore that focuses on such questions to help you get ready to rock your interview. Acing the Interview by Tony Beshara is a great option.
  
• Be positive. Potential employers and coworkers will gravitate towards positive people, so avoid negative comments about past employers, or even the traffic that morning.
  Maintain eye contact during your interactions; it shows confidence and interest.
  Establish the difference between you and the competition. Make sure they know why they should hire YOU!
• Bring a notepad and take notes. Show that you are interested.
  Get a business card from your interviewer and always send a thank you note. A thank you note gives you one more opportunity to stand out and remind the employer about what you can bring to the table.