12 Posts are tagged with: office_style

Office Style: Fall's Hottest Looks

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Nov 5, 2009 by Sabah K.

Purple, grey, pink and silver are at the top of the color charts this season, but not all aspiring fashionistas can get away with these color combos without breaking the office dress code. Fortunately, there are several ways to accentuate an otherwise simple outfit with Fall's top color choices, and all you need is a little creativity to sport some of the hottest looks for the season without pulling off a fashion 'don't.' Whether you're anxious to wear a pencil skirt or the oversized cardigan at the office this season, make sure you're choosing your key pieces in the following colors and styles:

The Grey Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are acceptable in most office environments and are a great match for Fall in either light grey, black or pewter. Pair the grey pencil skirt with a lavender blouse, purple cardigan or stick with the basic black top for a Fall-friendly look.

The Purple Vest
Purple is a top color choice for the Fall and winter season this year, so invest in some simple pieces in a deep purple or lavender color for an eye-catching, office friendly look. Purple knit vests can be coupled with a cream-colored blouse for a fresh look at the office.

The Pink Blouse
Pink with purple undertones is a hit for Fall and is a great match for an otherwise neutral office ensemble. Look for pink polka dot or printed blouses that you can wear under an oversized cardigan or wrap, or wear it tucked in with a pencil skirt for a chic and trendy look this season.

The All-Black Suit
The all-black suit is a staple of any Fall and winter wardrobe, and is one ensemble that will never go out of style. However, you can dress this up with the latest trends by wearing a contrasting v-neck purple shirt or sweater underneath the blazer, or wear it with a ruffled blouse for a fashion-forward, stylish look.

High-waist pencil skirts, ruffled blouses and knit vests are among the office wear must-haves for the Fall season. Invest in these key pieces to update your office wardrobe and show off some of the latest trends.

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Clothing in Pop Culture: Superhero Accessories You Might Be Able to Wear to Work

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Oct 23, 2009 by Pam Gaulin

Superheroes have seeped into every dark corner of pop culture. References to superheroes are as popular on The Big Bang Theory as they were on Seinfeld in the 1990s. The slew of superhero movies has been a box office tsunami, and you've probably wondered about the cool clothes superheroes wear. You can borrow some fashion ideas from superheroes for work, as long as you don't wear them all on the same day or you may be banished into oblivion.

Cape
Every gal loves a cape. A cape is a comfortable, non-binding cover up that forgives your extra fall and winter layers. A cape will dance in the wind, even if that cape is made of wool and the wind is made of icy air. A fashionable cape may not help you fly, but your spirits will definitely soar.

Sleek Knee-High Boots
If you go with black, you might be able to wear a pair of sleek black boots to the office. Hide them under a long skirt, if you must. Knee-high black boots, with a bit of sheen and a low-heel will add Amazonian confidence to your day.

Two Wrist Cuffs
In the same Wonder Woman tradition, a pair of wide gold bangle cuffs, one on each wrist will make a strong statement at work. Tone down the superhero reference by opting for silver, bronze or copper instead of a brilliant gold.

Painted Mask
The truly courageous can wear a mask to work. Not a real mask, but a painted mask, a la Portia de Rossi on Ally McBeal. She used black pencil eyeliner to draw a mask over her eyes and along her temples. Her reasoning was that she didn't have any clients that day anyway. The playful mask was an interesting juxtaposition to her otherwise rigid character.

Smart Glasses
Disguise your true identity with a pair of dark-rimmed smart glasses (sans prescription lenses), similar to those worn by Tina Fey and Clark Kent.

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Office Style: Office-Friendly Hairstyles

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Oct 22, 2009 by Sabah K.

While the season's top trends include high-volume curls and flat-ironed locks, some of the latest hairstyles aren't necessarily appropriate for the office. If you work in a conservative or semi-casual work environment, you may be required to wear your hair pulled back in a simple ponytail or hairclip, and keep it looking as tame as possible. How can you stay in line with the company's dress code without looking outdated? Here are some ideas for office-friendly hairstyles for the Fall season ahead:

The Chignon: one of the easiest looks to pull off for the office, this can turn into a modern and trendy look when you flatiron your hair before pulling it back, and smooth out all the frizzies with some sculpting gel. Add a barrette to one side of your head for a clean, sharp and sophisticated look at the office.

French Twist: a simple, sophisticated look that will add a twist (no pun intended) to your pulled back look at the office. The French twist can be embellished with pretty hair clips or a shiny barrette, or left 'as is' for an elegant and functional look at the office.

Half Ponytail: this classic look can be modified by parting hair in a deep part on either the left or the right, and clipping it in place with a barrette that lies parallel to the part. This sweet and sophisticated look is great for any preppy office look, and is easier to pull off if you flatiron your hair first.

Headband: pick up a wide headband in a bold color that matches a color on your outfit and flatiron your hair straight before pulling it back in the band. This season's top trends include the '50s-inspired headbands on super-straight hair. Use a styling gel or mousse to make your hair shiny and straight, and keep frizzies under control all day with a frizz-control spray.

Fall season calls for a few changes to your look, and wearing your hair in a fresh new style is a great way to get started. Consider any of these simple and sophisticated hair styles as you head off to the office this season!

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Office Style: Boots or No Boots for the Office?

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Oct 1, 2009 by Sabah K.

It's finally time to ditch the flats and sandals at the office and strut your stuff in some high-heeled boots. Fall calls for the return of the ankle boots and knee-high boots that show off your gams conservatively under a knee-length skirt, but how do you pick out something trendy and functional for those long days at the office? Here are some important tips for selecting the right style of boots for the office:

1. Avoid the stiletto heel boots. Stiletto-heel boots are among the top trends for shoes this season, but that doesn't mean they're appropriate for the office. While you might be able to get away with them under a pair of long black pants, they're sure to raise a few eyebrows when paired with a dress or a skirt.

2. Go for the chunky heeled ankle boots. Ankle boots are back in a big way for the Fall season, and you can find a variety of styles that are suitable for the office. Go for a chunky heel with a square toe if you want to stay comfortable and fashionable for those long days on your feet. Ankle boots are especially flattering with a knee-length skirt.

3. Save the over-the-knee boots for the weekend. Another hot trend for the Fall season are the over-the-knee leather boots. Definitely a style you want to show off at least once this season, but just don't make it at the office. This look is best reserved for weekends with the girls or date night.

4. Ankle lace boots are a definite fashion don't. No matter how much your inner rock star wants to play during the 9 to 5 hours, save the ankle laced boots for social hour. These boots are fun, flirty and make a bold fashion statement, but they're not a good match for the semi-professional office environment.

5. Try platform boots for casual Friday. If you're dying to wear boots this season but can't find a match for the conservative dress code, you may be able to get away with a wedge or platform heel boot (or bootie) on casual Friday. Take your pick of rich leather or soft suede in a variety of colors for a classy and trendy Fall look.

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Office Style: Power Up Your Look with Purple This Fall

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Sep 17, 2009 by Sabah K.

One of the leading colors for the Fall 2009 season is purple, and if you want to flaunt this trend at the office, you can play with a variety of shades to keep your look polished and professional. Purple is a great complement to an all-grey suit, a black pencil skirt and other neutral tones, but you need to follow some basic guidelines to stay in line with the office dress code. Here are some simple ways to power up your look with a touch of purple this Fall:

1. Carry a purple handbag or work tote. Trade your black briefcase or dark grey work tote for a deep purple version. This season's top styles that work for the office include oversized hobos, slouchy bags and glossy patent leather totes.

2. Wear a purple blouse under a vest. You can add a touch of purple to your outfit by wearing a full-sleeve purple blouse underneath a black or grey knit vest to keep your look semi-professional. This preppy ensemble can top off a simple pair of wide-length black pants or a black skirt in a snap.

3. Accessorize with purple jewelry. From oversized necklaces to drop earrings, take your pick of classic silver earrings accented with purple. Purple gems and jewels are a simple way to freshen up your look and add a luxe twist to your ensemble.

4. Wear a purple shell. Add just a hint of purple to your outfit by wearing a shell underneath the blazer or blouse, and you can instantly transform a white shirt, grey suit or black ensemble into something a little more stylish. A deep purple shell is great for darker suits and blouses, while a lilac or lighter purple shade will work well with a white or cream colored shirt in early fall.

5. Go for the purple heels! Purple shoes are showing up at shoe racks around the country, and you can pick out some patent leather Mary Janes, kitten heels or leather pumps in a rich, dark purple for the office. Just make sure you're not wearing purple anywhere else to keep your look professional and chic.

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Office Style: Tips for Building a Solid Fall Wardrobe

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Sep 3, 2009 by Sabah K.

Even though summer season is in full swing, Fall is only a few months away which means it will soon be time to freshen up the office fashion closet. While you can get away with tailored capri pants and pencil skirts for a few weeks of Fall, the season's top styles include fitted blazers and suits, crisp poplin shirts and wide-leg black pants. Are you ready for a fresh new season? Here are some of the top Fall 2009 must-haves for any office maven:

The Purple Blouse
Purple is at the top of the color charts for Fall 2009, which means you can dress up any grey pantsuit or black skirt with a touch of color. Stick with the darker shades of purple to create a rich, luxury-inspired look, and balance it out with a set of pearls or simple silver jewelry for a complete polished ensemble.

The Grey Pantsuit
All shades of grey are in this season, and you can ditch the all-black pantsuit this year for a lighter, grey version instead. Look for tweed and simple knit basics for your grey suit of the season, and pair it with a stark white blouse and a long string of pearls for a modern and sophisticated look.

The Red Cardigan
Bright red is another hot pick for the Fall 2009 fashion season, and you can add some color and a stylish twist to a pair of black pants or a simple skirt with a bright red cardigan. Pair this with a white shirt or blouse for the complete look.

Wide-Leg Pants
Straight-cut, wide-leg black pants are an office essential for Fall, and these versatile pants can be worn with all of Fall's hottest colors. Wear these with a super-skinny heel for a chic and modern look.

The Patent Leather Handbag
Glossy patent leather handbags and briefcases return for another season, so if you still don't have one of these office essentials yet, 'tis the season to get one! The glossy patent leather handbag exudes sophistication and style, and you can find a variety of designs suitable for even the busiest office professional. Look for totes with hidden organization features such as extra pockets, dividers and compartments if you need to take along a netbook and other electronics along on your daily route.

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Office Style: How to Dress for a VIP Meeting

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Aug 13, 2009 by Sabah K.

Whether you're meeting with corporate executives in the boardroom or attending a VIP meeting offsite, you'll need to dress for the occasion. Here are some important tips for putting together your work ensemble for the big day ahead:

1. Head to the tailor. If you plan on wearing an expensive suit or a fancy dress for the meeting, make sure everything fits just right. Head to the tailor to make sure the lengths of the blazer are perfect, and that the dress is of an appropriate length. The small investment will be well worth it, because you'll feel more confident and relaxed in your outfit when it fits you properly.

2. Stick with the basics. Avoid wearing too many colors and flashy prints, even if it's just for accessorizing. Maintain a polished and professional look by sticking with neutrals - preferably black and white. You can always accessorize with a colorful scarf or a bold colored bag, but avoid wearing anything that will attract too much attention.

3. Bring out the skinny heels or pumps. Avoid wearing any open-toed shoes or fashion-forward styles with embellishments, fringe or anything that doesn't fit the 'classic' mold. Your best bet for an important meeting is a pair of skinny heels or pumps with a thin heel (no platforms) in black or dark brown, depending on your outfit.

4. Wear a blazer. If you're not wearing a suit, you should still wear some type of jacket or blazer over your blouse or top to create a more professional look. Make sure this matches perfectly with your skirt or pants, and have it tailored (see #1) to achieve the perfect fit.

5. Accessorize with simple jewelry. A set of pearls, small silver or gold stud earrings, diamond or cubic zirconia bracelets, and other classic pieces of jewelry are the most appropriate selections for the polished, professional business look. Even if you're used to wearing flashy, oversized and trendy jewelry with your office attire during the week, the VIP meeting calls for something a little more simple and elegant. When in doubt, stick with the basics!

Dressing appropriately for the VIP meeting is just as important as being on time and delivering your best presentation. Take the time to put together the right outfit so you can make a lasting impression!

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Office Style: Stay Comfortable in Heels at the Office

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Jul 30, 2009 by Sabah K.

If you work in an office that adheres to a business casual or professional dress code, selecting the right types of shoes for every ensemble can be a bit of a challenge. How do you find the perfect balance between heel height, comfort and style? While some office mavens can get away with platform pumps and stiletto heels, your feet and legs may not be in prime shape to tackle the stairs and long trek across the building in a pair of skinny heels. However, there are some ways to stay comfortable in high heels, like with Mary Janes and kitten heels for those long days that you're on your feet.

If you choose to wear stiletto pumps or another style of skinny heel, consider adding a few gel pads for extra support on the ball of your foot. The balls of your feet absorb most of the pressure from wearing those extra-high heels, and if you plan on trotting around on them for over an hour, the extra support will prevent foot pain and soreness.

When you're wearing kitten heels, consider wearing a thin no-show sock so that your feet aren't slipping out of the shoe easily. Kitten heels are a great, classy alternative to the standard pump for the office, but they can feel like a pair of sandals if they're not cut very high. Wearing a thin pair of socks with these shoes can make the shoe much more comfortable and will prevent your foot from slipping out.

If you decide to wear a pair of booties with a high heel for the day, make sure you've practiced walking up stairs and on elevated floors with them. Booties and boots will constrict your ankles, which means you can't climb very easily. If you know you're going to be tackling escalators or flights of stairs during the day, make sure you're comfortable making the climb in these constrictive shoes.

Mary Jane pumps are great for the office, but even a platform shoe or a thick heel can put some pressure on the balls of your feet and calves. Wear some padded insoles or gel support cushions if you plan on wearing tight leather shoes for several hours so you can get the support you need.

Finding the shoe that fits for your office ensembles can take time. Make sure the heels you choose can provide the comfort and support you need to get through those long days that you'll be on your feet.

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Office Style: Slimming Office Ensembles for Summer

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Jul 23, 2009 by Sabah K.

If the desk job has you sitting behind a computer for hours on end, staying in great shape this summer might not be an easy task. Even when you're hitting the gym before work and eating healthy throughout the day, a few extra pounds can creep up on you. What's an office maven to do? Wear the right type of office attire so that looking slim and fit is in the realm of possibility. Here are some tips for looking slimmer when you're stuck with the rules of business-casual:

Single Colors from Head to Toe
The office fashion lineup for summer includes neutral-colored linen suits and all-black or all-white ensembles. This is a great way to look slimmer in a flash, because the monochrome outfit elongates your legs and torso.

Kitten Heels
Everyone in the office may be wearing ballet flats and gladiator sandals, but these can make you look heavier (especially if you're petite). Stick with kitten heels or shoes with at least a 2-inch heel so that your legs look just a little bit longer. The extra height can also improve your posture and make you look leaner.

Pencil Skirts
Pencil skirts are great for the summer season at the office, and will help you pull off a chic and stylish look. These can be paired with a fitted blouse or top, and are especially slimming for larger hips and thighs. The straight lines create a sophisticated, pulled-together look and also trims away a few pounds.

Long Blazers
If you must wear a blazer on a hot summer day, skip the cropped blazer trend and wear a blazer that ends a few inches below your waist. The longer blazer has an instant slimming effect, and is also a classic look that can be worn through early Fall.

Button-Down Shirts
A crisp cotton button-down shirt is a summer necessity for the office, and is a great base piece for layering. The clean lines and straight cut has a slimming effect, and you can wear this with cropped dress pants, a pencil skirt or straight-cut, wide-leg pants for the complete look.

From kitten heels to long blazers, you have several options to choose from when it comes to dressing for the office in style. Pick out a few of these key pieces when you want to hide a few extra pounds but still stay fashionable and comfortable this season!

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Office Style: The Grey Line of Business Casual for Summer

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Jun 25, 2009 by Sabah K.

Summer season calls for carefree looks and lightweight clothing, but if you're adhering to a business casual dress code this season, you'll need to exercise some discretion over the season's hottest trends. Summer fashion trends include short minidresses, cropped pants and halter tops designed to show off your tan and keep you cool, but most of these pieces won't even make the cut for your business casual wardrobe.

Stock up on linen pants that you can press for a pulled-together look. Linen pants in darker colors are a great substitute for your usual black office pants and skirts, and can create a semi-professional look when you pair them with a fitted blouse. Just make sure they're clean and pressed, and wear a pair of ballet flats or closed-toe shoes to complete the ensemble.

For tops, try some of the season's loose and billowy caftan or dolman sleeve blouses. These work especially well with a pair of cropped pants that fall below the knee - the perfect business casual office look! These tops will keep you relaxed, and give you that playful summer look without breaking the dress code.

If you prefer to wear a skirt, look for the frock-inspired skirts and pair it with a fitted blouse or V-neck tee for a cute and fun look. These skirts are great for summer, and can be paired with some closed-toe ballet flats or other closed-toe shoes to create a pulled-together look.

If your office dress code permits sleeveless tops, don't think this means you can throw on the halter top or ruffled tank tops just yet. Sleeveless can still be conservative for the business casual setting if it's a polo neck top, or a sleeveless vest that's layered with a high-neck camisole or t-shirt. Be careful about how much skin you're showing when you're in the office environment, and stick with the more modest styles whenever you can.

It can be tricky to make sure you're abiding by the company dress code over the summer season, but there are plenty of clothes and accessories that do make the cut for business casual. When you choose to wear linen pants, oversized blouses, and well-cut sleeveless tops, you can stay attuned to the season's trends and enjoy a more relaxed look without breaking the rules!

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Office Style: Do's and Don'ts for Summer Fashion at the Office

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Jun 18, 2009 by Sabah K.

As the office steams up from the hot weather and you're seeking out air-conditioned territory, choosing the right outfits for the day can be a challenge. Many of the season's dresses, tank tops and capris just aren't fit for the business-casual dress code, and some won't even make it to casual Friday.

What's a cubicle dweller or corporate exec to do? Here are some do's and don'ts for summer fashion at the office:

+Do pair pencil skirts with a fitted tee. Pencil skirts are a great match for summer days, and you can find a variety of styles made with lightweight linen and cotton. Pair these up with a fitted tee for a semi-casual but professional look.

+Don't wear gladiator sandals. Gladiator sandals are a hot look for the summer season, but these open-toed flats probably won't make the cut for your business-casual days. Stick with closed-toe pumps or flats for all day time office wear, but look for lightweight leather and kitten heels to keep it summery.

+Do wear long capri pants. Capri pants that end up right above your ankles are usually appropriate for the business-casual wardrobe. Pair these up with pumps or closed-toe flats for a fun, summertime look.

+Don't wear halter tops. Unless they're strategically hidden under a suit and those shoulders never make an appearance, the halter top is a definite 'no' for the office. Stick with fitted tees and camisoles that are layered with a short-sleeve sweater or blazer for a more acceptable summer look.

+Do wear relaxed button-down or linen shirts. It's okay to do away with the crisp cotton shirt tops for a few months and replace them with relaxed versions. Just iron and press these slightly so you create an attractive silhouette, and enjoy the lightweight, breathable materials on those hotter-than-hot summer days.

+Don't wear shorts. Shorts are a no-go for the office, no matter how casual your office environment is. If you want to show some leg, stick with the capri pants or a well-cut skirt. Save the shorts for your weekend wardrobe!

Finally, do pay attention to what others in the office are wearing. If nobody else is wearing capris or fitted tees, they may be an office fashion faux pas. Take the time to review the company's dress code so you don't get in trouble for your summer ensemble.

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Office Style: Shoe Report for Cubicle Dwellers

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May 21, 2009 by Sabah K.

Does your office wardrobe need a refresher for the season? Start with the shoes, and you can transform your office ensemble in a snap! This season's hottest trends in shoes include Mary Janes, platform heels and cute flats; all of these styles can be incorporated into your office look, and might even do double-duty for semi-casual days on the weekend. These shoes are versatile, sassy and comfortable; they're the perfect match for the stylish cubicle dweller.

This season's Mary Janes are best worn as a platform heel or flat. Skip the cone heel completely for the office, and pick up a comfortable pair of patent leather Mary Janes with a more versatile heel. Look for bright and bold reds, greens, and blues if you want a fun and playful touch on casual Friday, and stick with the basic black or brown for the rest of the week. Mary Janes work well with both pants and skirts, so you can look forward to wearing them through this season and beyond.

Need to add some height? Skip the stilettos and skinny heels in favor of some platform heels instead. Platforms are back for another season, but you need to wear just the right style and color for the office. Skip the bold and vibrant hues in favor of neutral shades for your office wardrobe; all-black, grey and brown styles are your best picks for the office ensemble, because these attract plenty of attention in their own right. Platforms are also super comfortable, so you can get that height without giving your calves a major workout.

If you're sticking with the ballet flats this season, look for a pair in bold, eye-popping candy colors or covered in a polka dot or plaid design. Flats can be the focal point of your wardrobe, and work out great with capris, a knee-length skirt or a summer dress. They're also perfect for the office maven on-the-go; you won't have to lug around two pairs of shoes if you need to run errands in the city when you're sporting a pair of versatile and comfortable flats.

From Mary Janes to flats, you have several options for comfortable and versatile shoes for the office. Take your pick of any of these styles to complement your chic and sassy office ensemble!

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