You don’t have to throw away your paycheck to look great at the office. Embrace this savvy saving idea: purchase items that will mix and match with a myriad of outfits and ensembles. Investing in a few sensible staples will allow you to create countless corporate-friendly combinations with many items already hanging in your closet. Check out a few of our office outfit essentials:
|
Neutral Spring Blazer |
Neutral Layering Option |
Neutral Spring Trouser |
|
Black Trouser |
White Collared Blouse |
Short Sleeve Blazer |
What’s Your Professional Persona?
Corporate (Lawyer, Banker, Accountant, Sales, etc.)
Clothes don’t define you, but they do influence how others perceive you. It’s your business to appear strong and credible, so the power suit is a staple. But don’t be afraid to infuse a little personal style in your work wardrobe. Stand out like the shining star that you are! When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll radiate strength and confidence.
Creative (Art Curator, Advertising, Fashion, PR, etc.)
You thrive in an atmosphere of inspiration, and your clothes reflect your ingenuity. Creativity is a fundamental forte of your position, so you have more room to be eclectic, fun, and inventive with your wardrobe … while still looking totally put together. Keep in mind that your clothes will often be an indicator to your clients of whether or not they can trust your taste; so don’t stray too far off course in your quest for brilliant originality.
Comfort (Teacher, Counselor, etc.)
While you need to look credible, professional and put together, comfort is also crucial in your world. Opt for loose fitting, but stylish, trousers or longer skirts; layers and non-constraining tops will allow you to roll up your sleeves and run around the playground but still look appropriate for that staff meeting, lecture, or trip to the museum.
On the Go (Mom Extraordinaire, Personal Assistant, Work-from-Home, etc.)
Your “office” is more loosely defined, but that doesn’t make it any less busy. You work hard through each day’s fun-filled To-Do list, and it’s important to have an outfit that accommodates the array of your day. Carpool, conference calls, and errands galore … and that’s all before your lunch meeting! Whether you’re running across town, or just next door, comfort is key in your savvy style!
How to Wear: Professional Posh
How you dress at work will inevitably affect the way others view you. Whatever your role may be, it’s important to appear polished, professional, confident, and competent. But business doesn’t have to be boring, and the personal style factor is still yours to flaunt. Create variations of a standard suit by mixing and matching pencil skirts, trousers, sweaters and blazers, and even substituting nice suiting shorts if your dress code allows. While there is something to say for subtlety, don’t be afraid to add a tasteful pop of color and/or piece of statement jewelry. It’s all about mastering the delicate dance between staying true to your personal style, and emanating sophistication and confidence, which often translates to others as competence. Of course the dress code will vary from place to place, so while spring and summer may lend to slightly more casual work attire, a good year-round rule of thumb for determining the appropriate level of formality is to look to your female superior(s) as your guide.
Sweet Escape
The truth is that many of us spend the majority of our time at work. For both productivity (and sanity!), it’s important to schedule a little “me time” in the day. Walk away from your desk, and indulge in a sweet escape from the worries of the workday. Here are a few of our favorites:
Your favorite coffee drink
Music- iTunes or Pandora
Manicure or pedicure at lunch
Chocolate treat
Sit outside and read a chapter of a good book
Go for a walk outside
Enjoy a smoothie or frozen yogurt
Take a knitting break
Find a grassy place for a lunch picnic
