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!

5 Responses to “Work It!”

1. Roquel  Says:
   August 25th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

   I never would have thought to wear that scarf around my head like that - especially to the office! Of course it looks fabulous and I think I am going to copy that whole outfit for work tomorrow!

2. Sadie H.  Says:
   August 25th, 2009 at 6:51 pm

   I just love the comfort look! It looks effortlessly put together but so chic and fashionable. The picks have a great “from my boyfriend’s closet feel”.

3. Kathy Nelson  Says:
   August 28th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

   If teachers want to be treated as professionals (and I haven’t met one who doesn’t) I suggest stepping up the overall look to a bit more professional. Granted elementary teachers may need to dress more flexibly if they are going to be crawling around on the floor or assisting with messy projects–But I would contend that teachers dress as they wish to be treated–albeit, that may mean substituting your favorite CAbi clothes on some days for less expensive yet still professional-looking ones.

4. Kim L.  Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 6:52 am

   I’m a teacher and wear CAbi EVERYDAY! I always feel put together and comfortable!!! I am always complemented on my appearance. LOVE CAbi~~~

5. Suzanne  Says:
   October 24th, 2009 at 8:40 am

   I agree with Kathy N. As educators (I’m a SSW) it is imperative that we create a polished and professional look every day. I work in the city and although I may be completely comfortable as I wear CAbi clothes, a day doesn’t go by without an approving nod or verbal compliment from my colleagues. Working with urban elementary students provides a perfect opportunity to teach the girls how a woman can and should dress each day. They are amazed how ‘put together’ look yet their SSW can still sit on the floor or run across the playground with them. There is no time to appear unapproachable whether I’m ‘playing or in a meeting. When these girls give an approving nod you know the ‘look’ is working. Love CAbi!

Leave a Reply