top & sweater, Boden | pants, Limited | shoes, Nine West | necklace, Banana Republic | watch, Michael Kors | bracelets, Stella & Dot
Being a fashion blogger and in HR many people have asked me, "how do I look stylish and be business casual/professional?" Being business casual doesn't mean dressing in all black, neutral or gray. You can wear color to work! Actually I prefer it. Color is happy! Color is lovely! Color makes you look better and people see you better (all the better to get that promotion, right?)!
Things to keep in mind with your clothing:
- Basic pieces like pants, shoes, skirts you can certainly keep in neutrals (like here I'm wearing gray pants).
- Alterations are key. You want to look professional. If your pants are too long or too short, if the jacket sleeves are too long or short, you look half put-together. I understand, buying clothes that fit YOUR body is difficult. For instance, even though I'm 5'1", I can't buy petite pants. They are too short. So I usually have to buy regular, which are sometimes the perfect length. But more often than not I have to have them altered and shortened by 1/2 to 1". Spend the money. Looking lovely is also in the details.
- Bring in color through layering pieces; cardigans, jackets, sweaters, wraps. Layering pieces are a great way to work business casual style. Offices areas can get warm and then suddenly cool off when the air kicks in.
- Skirts, let's keep them to the knee ladies or 1" above. I know that might seem old fashioned, but it is BUSINESS casual.
- Sleeveless shirts. This can be a bit of a contention. Sleeveless can be ok when you're in your office or working at your desk. At meetings or walking the hallways, cover up. The shirt I'm wearing above is actually sleeveless. This is another great reason to layer with a cardi, a great wrap or jacket.
How to accessorize:
- Keep it pretty simple, no more than 5 - 7 pieces; earrings, bracelets, rings, & necklace combined, (I'm wearing 6 above).
- This is another great way to bring in color. A great statement necklace with some simple earrings can be a beautiful look.
- Shoes should be tasteful. If you're wearing open toed, for heaven's sake get a pedicure (or do your own pedi). If you're wearing sling backs, don't have crusty heels, gross. Tip: to get rid of winter heelitis (That's Dr. Lulu's term), remove the dead skin. Buy a great foot lotion, slop it on, and stick on a pair of socks. Sleep. Voila! New fresh feet in the am!
Read more posts on color (what is your color & color combos).
Just a few more days to enter the Stella & Dot GIVEAWAY!
Just a few more days to enter the Stella & Dot GIVEAWAY!
Have a great day!
Perfect look for the office!!
ReplyDeletewww.blog-dailylife.blogspot.com
Great outfit! Looking very stylish!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Greetings
ReplyDeleteu look great ;) and i love iphone case ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips- statement necklaces are always my favorite go to!
ReplyDeleteYoure wearing two of my favs colors, specially gray, so I love your look!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your style and tips. I know you are busy just like me, working Mom and wife. What time of day do you workout and is it the same everyday?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you! I am working but just 2 days a week. I'm blessed that my old job offered me to come back that way. My work outs have been less than nothing the last few months due to schedules. However starting next week things are changing and I'll be back to my normalness :) I really can only workout in the morning - I'm dead to the world in the afternoon. So I'm usually MWF at the gym by 9. If you're working FT I'm sure it's so hard to fit in. I'm going to get into this more in the coming weeks! Good luck! Email me for more help if you like!
DeleteI love you style and tips? You are busy just like me, working Mom and Wife. Just curious what time of day you workout and it is the same everyday?
ReplyDeletePerfect office outfit ! I need more cute top :-)
ReplyDeleteMonica
www.pear-shaped-gal.com
That necklace is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteLove this casual look. Perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
You always share such great tips! I am so casual since becoming a stay at home mom. The business world scares me:)
ReplyDeletexoAmy
www.dreamingincashmere.com
Business casual is my favorite way to dress - it's just so pretty and classy and you feel dressy and professional all at the same time. Love it, and love this outfit!
ReplyDelete