How to Dress Up Any Outfit? Wear a Collared Shirt!

One of the best ways to formalize any outfit for the office is to wear a collared shirt.  There are many styles and colors to choose from. Wear yours under a sweater or blazer, or just wear it with a pair of jeans for casual Friday.


Classy Tip: Pair your collared shirt with nice black slacks, shiny black dress shoes and a string of pearls for an extra polished look! For an extra confident look, untuck your collar!

Classy Find: You can find these styles for cheap at many different stores including:

JCPenney - in the US
Monoprix - in France
Primark - in the UK
 

Late Summer, Early Fall Office Dresses

You can never go wrong with wearing black and white in the office. These colors coupled together radiate confidence and conservatism. Keep your neckline high and your hemline low.


Classy Tip: Add a thin, silver or black belt to polish your look. For an office environment that may be especially cold, add a form-fitting black blazer over your dress.

Classy Find: LOFT by Ann Taylor provides women with simple and affordable dresses for any office environment.

How to Wear Skinny Pants in the Office

When wearing Skinny Pants in the office, wear pants that are NOT form-fitting. Seeing your polka-dot underwear and every crease of your derriere is not a fashion statement, instead stick with looser-fitting pants that won't cause a distraction.

Classy Tip: Couple your Skinny Pants with power heels and a matching blazer.

Classy Find: Banana Republic is my all time favorite place to shop for office clothing! Here you will find classy clothing for the office that transcend generations.

It's Casual Friday, Not Hobo Friday

A. Loose-fitting  Bohemian Shirt & Skirt          B. Form-fitting Black Top & Waist Skirt

The bohemian outfit in Picture A is casual and loose-fitting. Although the idea of casual Friday is to appear more dressed down, you should still wear clothes that are form-fitting, especially your shirt. Investing in solid color, form fitting t-shirts will allow you to tuck your shirt into a free flowing skirt or crisp pants for a thoughtful and polished look similar to Picture B.

Handbag Do's & Don't's!

A. Black, Michael Kors Tote    B. Chloe, Transitions Color Block Handbag

Color blocking is very popular right now but the handbag in Picture B is not appropriate for the office place. This bag is suited for a summery and fun, casual environment. Stick with solid colored handbags. I personally own the Michael Kors handbag in Picture A which is polished and professional.

Classy Rain Coats for Spring!

A. Navy Blue, AQUASCUTUM, Rain Coat          B. Tan, Trench Coat

If you want a great rain coat you don't have to go all the way to London, but it's usually the best idea for cutting edge style. AQUASCUTUM London has stylish, formfitting water repellent coats for the office. Coats that have a collar and belt are perfect for going to the office with their professional flare, they also have a militaryesque appeal that can take you into the evening. These timeless coats are a staple in every wardrobe!

How to Wear Flats in the Office Place

   A. Tieks, Yellow Mustard Flats    B.   White House Black Market, Neutral City Flat

Picture A reveals Tieks, Yellow Mustard Flats which are great for after work and the weekend but not in the office place. The flexible and form fitting style is more casual and should be avoided in the work place. I see this all too often, including yellow mustard and neon colors which are a distraction when interacting with colleagues.

If you'd like to wear flats at work, Picture B is much more appropriate. These flats provide much more structure and have an extremely low sole on the bottom. The colors of the flat are more conservative and will match your overall work wardrobe much better.

Classy Office Dresses for Spring & Summer

                        A.  Belted, Spring Suit Dress    B. Lite, Wool Spring Dress                           

If you're looking for a classic dress, Banana Republic has timeless, conservative dresses for every size. Lite, muted tones are perfect for Spring and Summer. You don't have to stay away from wool in the Summer unless you tend to overheat. Remember to keep your dress no more than one inch above your knees.

What to Wear on an Interview

A. Wear a Pantsuit on Your 1st Interview B. Wear a Skirt Suit on Your 2nd Interview

  

Always wear a fitted pant suit for your first interview, this way you will be giving off a sophisticated and professional look for your first impression. Wear a skirt suit for your second interview that shows a bit more skin but don't wear your skirt more than an inch above the knee.  Choosing your suit colors shouldn't be hard, just stick with neutral colors such as black, brown, gray, and navy blue.

Dress Any Outfit Up With a Collared Shirt

    A. White Top w/ Black Dress Skirt     B. Same White Top w/ Casual Friday Jeans


Whether you're wearing jeans or a dress skirt, wear a collared shirt to dress up any outfit. When you're sitting at your desk or in a boardroom, your colleagues are viewing you from the waste up so to look more professional don't forget that crisp collared top.
The second picture above reveals the casual Friday look with a more professional twist, the crisp, collared buttoned down. It makes all the difference!

Casual Friday Rule # 2 - No Graphic Tops

Unless you're promoting your business or campaigning etc, never wear clothing in the office with pictures or writing, even on casual Friday.

Casual Friday Rule #1 - NO SKINNY JEANS

                A. Skinny Jeans          B&C. Dark, Loose Fitting, Boot-Cut Jeans

Don't wear tight fitting skinny jeans to work, even on Friday. Skinny jeans should be saved for a night out on the town. 
Pictures B and C display jeans more appropriate for a professional work environment. These jeans should be formfitting but not too tight and should not be tight around the calf. Stick with boot-cut and straight leg jeans. Additionally, work jeans should be of a darker color. Avoid light(er) blue jeans as lighter colors tend to be seen as more casual. 


*Throw a black blazer on with black heals and you're ready for casual Friday! 

Stripper Heels Vs. Classy Conservative Heels

   A. Jet Black Chunky 5 Inch Heels             B. Classy Banana Republic 3.5 Inch Heels


Avoid high and chunky heels. Option A should be best left for a night out on the town. Stick with lower, less chunky heels with muted tones. If you must wear tall heels make sure the material of the heel and base of the shoe are evenly distributed similar to Option B.