Q: I’m 23 but look no older than 18, and my wardrobe hasn’t been updated since college. I deal with the public a lot, so I’d like to retain a casual air so as to be friendly and welcoming rather than overbearing and stuffy. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously. What are some essentials I should add to my closet that walk the line between professional and casual?
by Traci Tsai
A: High quality fabrics and structured silhouettes are the key to a more professional and mature look, while extra details add a fun and casual element to a work outfit without taking away sophistication.
Do a different take on the suit jacket: the cropped length and flower pin are a little more casual than your normal business attire, but the silhouette is still put-together and business-casual.
Flower Pin Blazer | $24.80 at Forever 21
Wide Leg pants in basic black, dark grey or a dark pin stripe pattern are a must-have. After all, pants feel more business-like than a skirt. Remember: tight-fitting pants are a dead giveaway to youth, so make sure you choose a cut in a wider leg and a looser fit to keep your attire appropriate for work.
Creme Fraiche Heather Trouser | $98.75 at South Moon Under
A blouse is an essential for a young female professional – it can be paired with skirts, dress pants or trouser jeans depending on the type of workplace, and it fits nicely under a blazer. If you choose a blouse like this one, the bright coral fabric adds a touch of youth, but the elaborate detailing at the neckline adds an air of sophistication.
Silk Ruffle Blouse | $69 at Banana Republic
Patterns are a great way to add some flair to a work outfit. The knee -length hem and sleeves are all relatively conservative, but the geometric print adds visual interest, so you get the best of both worlds. To add another element of maturity and structure to the silhouette, you could replace the fabric waist tie with a more substantial wide belt.
Geo Print Wrap Dress | $130 at Banana Republic
Patent Pumps are an easy, everyday work outfit complement. Pumps are classic and sophisticated, but the patent leather shine makes for a younger look and will stand out more than your typical leather pumps.
Nine West Barb Patent Pumps | $68.95 at Zappos
Never underestimate the power of a few good pieces of jewelry. The right accessories can instantly add a level of maturity to an outfit. We recommend investing in a few versatile long-strand necklaces and some long earrings. Here youth is an advantage, and you can be more daring with jewelry types and colors without it taking away from your professional look.
Layered Chain Necklace | $49 at Banana Republic
What would you wear at work to walk the line between casual and formal? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 24th, 2009 in Q&A, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Pastel Colors?
You said: Yes to Pastel Colors, with a 61% to 39% vote.
Style tip? The Pastel Colors you’re seeing in stores are a sign that Spring is on it’s way. How to wear them? If you’re dark skinned, pastels are a natural - they provide a beautiful contrast to your skin tone. But for those of you who have fairer complexions, pastels can wash you out. Two solutions for our fair skinned friends: (1) pair your pastels with a brighter color (like the pictured sweater over the light pastel shirt), or (2) wear your pastels with a tan (or bronzer).
P.S. Pastel colors aren’t just for women. Guys, if you want to be adventurous, you can try a lilac (or salmon pink) shirt for work or for play.
Next question: Like Pastel Colors, Gingham Check fabric is a harbinger of Spring. Tell us, would you wear Gingham? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Short Sleeved Cotton Cardigan | $49.50 (sale) at J Crew.
Posted by Trisha on February 23rd, 2009 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.com
What’s the scoop for Fall 2009 fashion? In keeping with the economic downturn and our new First Lady, we’re back to restrained style and a refined, ladylike glamour. Great news for those of us whose style reflects a classic, sophisticated sensibility. Here’s Omiru’s picks for the top trends from Fashion Week Fall 2009:
Moods
Ladylike Glamour
Seasonless Style
Prints
Watercolor Prints
Animal Prints
Statement Plaid
Classifications
Capes and Capelets
Collarless Coats
Cropped Pants
Uber Cropped Jackets
Layered Dresses
Cocoon Coats
Colors
Gold
Green
Teal
Deep Blue
Not So Basic Black
Details
Shawl Collars
Chunky Knits
Zipper Detailing
Accessories
Bold and Beautiful Necklaces
Brooches
Posted by Trisha on February 22nd, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comLadylike Glamour at DKNY, Luca Luca, and Monique Lhuillier.
Style tip? Maybe it’s the effect of the depressed economy, maybe it’s the influence of elegant Michelle Obama–but restrained, ladylike fashion is fully in style. So don your gloves, pull on a polished skirt suit, or slip into a sophisticated ball gown.
What do you think? Would you wear ladylike glamour? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 20th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comGold at Lela Rose, Philip Lim, and Milly.
Style tip? Be bold with gold. Wear it head to toe (as at Lela Rose), or tone it down by pairing it with neutrals (as at Philip Lim) or other warm colors (like the orange-gold combo at Milly).
What do you think? Would you wear gold? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 20th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comWatercolor Prints at United Bamboo, Jeremy Laing, and Lela Rose.
Style tip? Now here’s a pretty sub-trend that feels more Spring than Fall. Watercolor-like prints are a feminine twist on the broader Bold Prints trend. Because they’re so dramatic, we recommend making them the focal point of your outfit. They’re simply lovely on dresses, as seen at United Bamboo, Jeremy Laing, and Lela Rose.
What do you think? Would you wear watercolor prints? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 20th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comSeasonless Style at Preen, Lela Rose, and Abaete.
Style tip? Winters are getting warmer - and designers are adjusting. We’re seeing a good number of runway looks that could very well have come from the Spring collections. If you live in a warm climate, you can do as these designers do and wear your Spring clothes early (plus a sweater and/or jacket).
What do you think? Would you wear seasonless style? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 20th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comGreen at Thakoon, DKNY, and Marc Jacobs.
Style tip? Blue’s not the only hue that’s hot for Fall. Green is also gracing the runway. We love pairing it with grey (as at Marc Jacobs and DKNY) or a bold black and white print (as at Thakoon). But if that’s not your thing, try pairing green with an equally strong color: deep blue or bright yellow.
What do you think? Would you wear green? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 19th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comShawl Collars at Tse, Charlotte Ronson, and Lacoste.
Style tip? Shawl collars have been a fixture on the men’s trend circuit for the last couple of seasons. They’re still hot for men, and they work just as well on women. What we love about the shawl collar is it’s lengthening effect; the vertical line it creates makes you look longer and leaner (especially on sweaters and jackets with a low stance). For the longest leanest look, try shawl collars on a monochromatic outfit. But feel free to add a splash of color through accessories, as at Lacoste.
What do you think? Would you wear shawl collars? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 19th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Photo Credit: NYMag.comUber Cropped Jackets at Karen Walker, Jeremy Laing, and Shipley & Halmos.
Style tip? Cropped jackets and blazers are a mainstay, especially since they tend to be fairly figure flattering. What’s new is the uber cropped jacket that hits above the natural waist. While they’re not as warm as full length jackets, they’re ripe with possibility for layering. Plus, they’re great for long waisted women, as they visually shorten your torso and lengthens your leg line.
What do you think? Would you wear an uber cropped jacket? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on February 19th, 2009 in Runway Reviews, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
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