Ann Taylor Ensemble – Photo: anntaylor.com
I’m a corporate sister with a love for fashion. I admit it, the love borders on obsession at times…I mean, you know what I’m talking about, because you’re just like me. We like clothes, and shoes , and accessories; we like to buy them, mix and match them, strut our stuff in them…but most importantly, we like to look good in them. Seriously, some of us have it down to a science, so much they know their fashion stuff…
Yet as many of us know, dressing for the corporate world is NOT an exact science, to say the least. You can’t just rock your 8-inch stilettos with that leopard print dress you got on sale at NY & Co at the bi-weekly update meeting…unless you’re trying to give the wrong kind of impression, and by wrong, I mean WRONG!
So how do you transition to fun yet appropriate corporate fashion without losing your fashionista’s edge? And most importantly, how do you get out of the mindset that corporate fashion is boring…As I navigated the ins and outs of corporate fashion, from seriously conservative to totally laid-back (and I mean, TOTALLY), I learnt a few tricks of the trade along the way:
- Work around the Basics! The foundation of your corporate wardrobe is made of the basics. So think basic everything first! Pants, skirts and dresses in solid fabrics and solid colors. Blacks, greys and browns rule as your wardrobe foundation. Doesn’t sound exciting yet, but necessary comes first…And do not hesitate to invest in these, because if you are going to build your professional wardrobe around them, then you need them to be of great quality and last a long time. My go-to stores to stock up on greatly cut pants is Express, love love the fit of the Editor pants! As for sheaths and skirts, I favor Ann Taylor for their uber-elegant cuts and precious fabrics..
Express Editor Pants
- Add color as you go! As you go from wardrobe foundation up, the numero uno rule of jazzing it up is to add touches of color…Whether it’s a shirtdress in bright orange under your black suit jacket, a bright yellow skirt in an all-black or brown ensemble, or just a leopard print scarf tied around your neck under a white button-down shirt’s collar, touches of color will add pizzazz to your corporate outfit in no time. Now of course, be mindful to the type of environment you are working in…While you may not be able to rock a yellow skirt in an uber-conservative lawyer’s office, a printed scarf in a colorful pattern may add just the right amount of funk without compromising the sophistication of the outfit… New York & Co. and The Limited are my current destinations of choice for jazzy yet tasteful pieces…
Photo: anntaylor.com
3. Invest in Accessories! The same way diamonds are a girl’ best friend, accessories are your corporate wardrobe’s besties…Plus they tend to be much more affordable than diamonds, just sayin’….From sparkly brooches, to understated yet elegant necklaces, accessories will bring your wardrobe to that level of sophisticated originality! I tend not to invest much in everyday accessories, unless they’re my go-to jewelry, and like to mix highs and lows in terms of accessory pricing…And here, sky is the limit! Love love The Limited jewelry for their elegance and affordable prices, but I also do not hesitate to stop by Forever 21 for a quick, funky accessory fix…
NY&Co Accessories
How do you jazz up your corporate wardrobe?
The Corporate Sister.
