How to Dress for Success and Still Look Fashion-Forward
By: Most Wanted USA
As much as we would like to be able to stroll to our desks in our most comfortable pajamas, what we wear to work matters, and that’s not just because of the status quo. Whether it’s the interview, your first day on the job, or just another day at a company you’ve been with for over a decade, how you present affects more than how your associates see you. It contributes to how you see yourself and your own level of confidence and comfortability in a place you likely spend hours at everyday. The right outfit will make you feel like you have a place at the table, like you’re someone worth listening to, and most importantly, like you can take on any challenge that comes your way. The best part? It doesn't have to mean only a Wall Street suit or boring business casual. There’s always a way to look professional, capable, and fashionable.
Staple Pieces
This is what you’re looking for: staple pieces. Elements in your closet you can put with endless combinations that you can wear throughout the week if you want to give your creative styling sense a break. Start with a relaxed blazer. The stereotype that an office means being uncomfy doesn’t have to be the standard and you’ll thank me later, once you feel good and still look like you’re in the power seat. A relaxed blazer can be acceptably paired with denim wide leg jeans, high-waisted or low-waisted work trousers, and a loose pleated polyester maxi skirt. If buttoned, it even hangs beautifully with shorts or a shorter skirt and tights depending on the season. Next you’ll need a suit set. If you’re looking to save money, the relaxed blazer can cover half of this, but either way, you’re going to need a matching tone, (ideally matching color) blazer, vest, and pants set for a morning when you're rushing out the door or presenting to the boss. The set alone will elevate the sense of what people associate with typical business casual, but to really seal the deal, you should add a loosely buttoned white-collar shirt, and neutral colored tie. (though if you’re feeling extra stylish you can add a pop of color tie complimented by diamond accessories). And don’t forget your pumps or white platform sneakers!
Another necessary set of staples are the tops: a white baby tee, loosely fitted, a set of neutral colored tanks under the loose blazer or sweater, and a sleeveless turtleneck. Feel free to find colored options in all of these to differentiate your outfits and accessory options! It would definitely benefit you to have a few neckline variations too.
Some V-necks, turtlenecks, mock necks, crewnecks, button ups, and scoop necks. For outerwear, opt for a loose denim jacket, a more fitted leather jacket, a patterned or leather trench coat, and sweater vest, either black, or with appropriate graphics to put a sense of play in your everyday work routine and remind your co-workers to have a little fun. You can’t forget a few dresses. As formal as they seem, cotton dresses with flowing bottoms are comfortable and often hang on the body in a flattering way. They’re easily paired with any work bag and show, and can be long sleeve or sleeveless if you bring outerwear to put on and off.
You are allowed to opt for a chic print or fun color for some extra character! Your pant staples should include high waisted options that allow for different style tuck-ins to make it look like you tried (even if it took 5 seconds), a fitted and loose maxi skirt, black tights for the fall, and shorts or a pleated “mini” skirt for the summer.
Always have some clean cut denim options in your wardrobe, and for tights, nothing says fashionable like a black lace print on the tights or pattern to add some life to what’s probably being put with a neutral colored skirt. You don’t even always have to see the pattern as long as it pops out from underneath the dress or skirt occasionally, it’s doing its job to make your outfit more mindfully constructed. If you’re aiming for mindful AND demure, because that’s how you get the job, structure your outfit with a minimalistic approach. Anyone who says fashion can’t be a “try less” mindset hasn’t read enough Vogue, because behind these editorial extravaganzas, are recommendations for Ready-to-Wear designer labels that specialize in minimalism. The straight edge silhouette of a loose mock neck long top with a straight midi skirt, a long boot, a claw clip hairstyle are an attempt at modest, full coverage high fashion that does a lot by doing little.
You can go monochrome throughout and look like you're on the runway while still blending in with cubicle colors. As an accessory brand, it scares us, but the benefit can’t be overstated. (nor is it a bad idea to pair the combo with a thin buckle belt.)
Shoes are a tough decision in the morning. If you’re a fashion girl, this is arguably the most important accessory of the outfit and you probably have some unique colors and silhouettes you want to pair with a designer ensemble or basic business casual look. But you also want to be able to walk to the conference room without blisters. Sometimes, beauty is pain and you’ve got to wear those Jimmy Choos. If heels are non-negotiable, your best comfortable bet is a pair of versatile pumps or kitten heels. Nude, Khaki, black, and light brown are options that you can pair with a trendy casual look, or a pantsuit set. If you’re vying for comfort, you can never go wrong with loafers, some of which can exude a kind of quiet luxury that heels can’t even manage. Almost every design label carries this kind of shoe style, usually with a gold accent on the surface or an embellishment like these from Sezane, that match a fitted work capri trouser just as much as they compliment a denim pant.
If you’re reading this and fall has arrived, you should already know: you can never have enough boot options, especially for work. The pinnacle of style and comfort is a leather boot, and you can opt for a stiletto slouch style paired with a pleated maxi skirt and long sleeve turtleneck under a blazer. The benefit to this fancier footwear is that it will equally match a more relaxed fit, like a knit v neck sweater french tucked under a leather belt and slit denim maxi skirt. Even more versatile is a flat heeled, loose buckle leather boot to match.
The Accessories
If you’re a non-minimalist looking to take your style in a bold new direction, this is what you need to know. Accessories can sometimes make and define the outfit. Without the bag, the belt, the earrings, the shades, or the scarf, sometimes business casual is just too plain to bolster your self-perception to where it needs to be for a presentation. The classiest, easiest way to elevate your everyday business casual office outfit to a new level of professional fashion is with leather accessories. A hobo bag, a slouch bag, a satchel bag, and especially a shoulder tote are ideal. A leather tote; solid, pebbled, or in croc print will undoubtedly accentuate whatever high waisted leather belt your pairing with trousers and keep all of your essentials within reach thanks to its ample laptop space. For basic belts, the ideal width is either super skinny or medium skinny. A statement buckle belt or unique design shape belt can be as thick as you’d like if it’s going over a buttoned blazer, or on a simple monochrome dress. The work essential belts that you must have look like this, and a high end, quality fabric bag will make you feel like you’ve got all the answers to any problem. Scarves for the colder months won’t just keep you warm, but tied in variations around the neck, in the belt loops of your pants, or even on top of your tees, will make it look like the shirt you wore yesterday is not the same one as today. Options boosted by creative styling boosts your confidence, your clothing choices, and your associates' understanding of your ability to think outside the box.
Cuff hardware bracelets and statement earrings are also must-haves. Ideally in gold, but if you’re a silver girl, you’re in luck too. Get some straight dangling diamonds, some gold and silver hoop variations, and some crew neck shaped necklaces that either define the outfit or don’t distract from it. The more uniquely shaped your jewelry and sunglasses are, the more “basic your outfit can be” and you still look unlike anyone else in the office, probably because you look like you own it. For a clean look, no necklace with long statement earrings and matching bracelets are always reliable and on a more exciting day, you can always layer your multi-length necklaces with some bangle bracelets and button earrings for an organized but fashion-forward look.
The Makeup
When you work in fashion, playing with makeup is rarely looked down upon unless it’s a rainbow highlight and vibrant liner shape moment in a meeting to discuss a serious matter. But if you’re a lawyer or an actuary, that might not be the case. Since every work environment has its own expectations, we can guarantee that no-makeup makeup is always your safest bet. This means lighter-to-no foundation, concealer only where you need it, the softest, naturally curved eye-liner, and neutral colored shadow on the upper-crease. Lip gloss or a nude/light pink lip is ideal here, along with light highlight and mascara. Fluff and feather those brows and you’re good to go. But to be fashionable means to experiment and push the boundaries, enough that you’re learning, but not so much that you lose your livelihood. You can always opt for a warm-tone smokey eye to do a little more, carefully blending complexion-complimentary shadow tones on the lid and upper crease. You can also sharpen the liner with the smokey eye on a day where you have little to lose, or sharpen it without any eyeshadow at all, with a dark lip for work-appropriate drama and contrast. Adding a little sparkle to the upper lid is never a bad idea. It doesn’t have to be rhinestone level, but shimmer never killed anyone and if that’s pushing it too far, you may be too fabulous for that company anyway.
Assuming your outfit does play with color, like a pop of red bag, an orange trim neckline, or a green belt, you can absolutely get away with a colored makeup look, because what makes fashion appropriate in any workplace is that carefully matching and thinking of your presentation, even if its bolder than the norm, says your thoughtful, capable, and intelligent.