What is the most important thing you can do to create your signature style? Accessorize!
Accessories can also change your look from day to day, and easily wake up a tired look. Here are my three favorite work worthy accessory options from Elle’s Complete Fall Trend Guide:
1. Stacked Kitten Heels – What is so great about this trend? The stylish yet comfortable factor. Why not wear stacked kitten heels instead of flats and update your office style.
Welcome back! How was your summer? I’m grateful for the rejuvenating time I spent soaking in the beauty of Cape Cod with friends and family. I also enjoyed a little hiking. Did you like the tree climbing picture I posted on Facebook?
Have you noticed all the dry leaves falling?
I guess that means it’s time to focus on work again.
One of my favorite things about fall is the ability to layer. Layering means more fun work style options. But we are not there yet – the days are still hot and summery. Here are three ideas, as seen in on elle.com, that you can use to transition your work wardrobe from summer to fall while the weather is still warm:
1. High Waisted Pants – The key to wearing high waisted pants is to ensure the perfect fit. Too small, and high waisted pants are unflattering: Too big, and high waisted pants look frumpy. Continue Reading →
It’s not too late. Still want to invest in a couple great summer work pieces, but don’t know where to start?
Start with white.
White quintessentially spells summer, and is entirely on point for Summer 2015. If you are out to invest in simply one piece or two – try one of these five white summer work wardrobe favorites:
Crisp White Short Sleeved Shirt – Also those sandals; they are amazing! But I digress – back to the shirt. You can tuck your short sleeved white shirt into any pencil skirt, midi skirt, and all your work pants. A crisp white shirt can also dress up your jeans on casual Friday, and even shorts on the weekend.
Are you feeling outdated at work?
Do you look in your closet and feel less than excited about your day because you are sick of wearing the same things over and over? It’s going to be “A” ok ladies – I found some ideas for you to help you over your sartorial hump:
Here are seven amazing Spring 2015 accessory trends fit for women in leadership:
1. Statement Earrings – For a more conservative office- wear smaller interesting earrings that reflect your personal brand. For more liberal offices, have fun- just enough to make an appropriate statement!
2. Statement Stone and Metallic Choker – Mixed media necklaces and cuffs were all over the runway. Metallic and stone necklaces were a favorite mixed media combo.
This piece paired with a simple sheath dress would look stunning. Continue Reading →
“Are these pants too tight?” That is what my client- a millennial woman in leadership- asked me the other day.
We were working on her closet. She was trying on a pair of fitted ankle pants she loved to wear. Her conservative company is forward thinking. They are embracing millennial ideas into their historically conservative company, in order to connect with younger consumers.
It got me thinking.
One important thing for millennials is style, and self expression through style. But what are the new professional boundaries? How tight can your pants be and still be acceptable at work for a woman in leadership?
I looked into it:
In Corporette‘s blog post The Perfect Pants Fit, Kat suggests being able to pinch at least an inch of fabric at your thigh. For that reason, Kat also believes skinny jeans are not appropriate for the office. Corporette is a style blog and forum largely for lawyers, so their offices are typically ultra conservative.
Having a great handbag can make your day.
But it has to be practical and functional when you are a woman in leadership.
It has to be easily accessible, fit a small laptop or iPad, perhaps a file or two, and your other daily essentials. I did a little research and here are my five favorite WIL- friendly Spring 2015 handbags.
Balenciaga came out with a work tote size of this mini tote. What beautiful yet simple detailing. I visualize stopping by a big client’s home for an afternoon meeting by the pool.
This amazing picture was taken by Chriselle Lim who has a style blog The Chriselle Factor. I have always admired her artistic blogging style and work ethic. She just had a baby, and this was her “push present” to herself. Great choice!
This winter is too cold! But warmer days are around the corner. I love snow and the fun layering opportunities winter allows, but right now I can’t wait for spring! How about you?
Now is the perfect time to start popping little bits of spring happiness into your work week rotations. To get you going, here are 11 spring 2015 trends that work right now for women in leadership:
Floral– Try working pops of floral into your work looks- perhaps in the form of a shell, a scarf or a belt.
I know what you are thinking -“Florals for spring – groundbreaking!”But really, every year florals for spring seem fresh all over again. Note, that is one of my favorite lines from the movie The Devil Wears Prada. Yay, I got to use it.
Head to Toe Blue – Blue is still the new black. I love these powder blue pumps paired with the model’s navy dress. You could also try powder blue earrings, necklace, or a statement ring instead.
You need a fantastic look for your corporate holiday events! Why? Your choice of outfit sends a positive or negative message about your personality outside of work. source
Many companies are embracing updated technology and updated business ideas including social media, and social responsibility in order to attract a younger, millennial customer. One way to show you are able to help your company move into the future is to align your personal style brand with your corporate brand. Your corporate holiday function is an opportunity to do this.
One major rule according to celebrity fashion stylist and editor Dawn Del Russo; go easy on the glitter and sparkles. Instead opt for classic looks. The holiday season may seem like the perfect time to go for your sparkly dress, but it probably isn’t. source
Here are ten classic look ideas with updated holiday twists:
1. Skirt and Sweater Combo– But no holiday sweaters, even if they are designer! Also try to avoid anything that showcases holiday animals or characters to maintain your professional image. The CEO may not appreciate the humor and they can come across as tacky. (Unless you are the CEO!)
Accessories elevate your look from fabulous to unforgettable. Accessories tell your story and define your personal brand.
Accessories are especially useful when networking because they offer people a conversation starter. For example, if you are wearing an interesting ring, someone nearby can feel comfortable to say, “Hi, great ring!” and voila – you are in a conversation. So be kind to others, and accessorize!
When accessorizing, matchy matchy is outdated. Aim to coordinate. Did you know that 25% of your wardrobe budget is the rule of thumb when purchasing accessories? For this reason, each piece should be versatile and complement several of your outfits.
Here are seven work friendly, look-elevating accessory trends for fall:
1. Gorgeous Gloves – short or long, just a gorgeous pair. Long gloves work well with cape coats, as shown above.
There must be a hundred trends stamped “fall 2014”!
The question is which trends work if you are women in leadership? Here are six ideas for you. Try picking one or two suitable options based on your field, and body type to update your work look instantly:
1. Statement Necklace – Add interest to any simple basic. Try wearing a statement necklace with your turtle neck as shown here.
2. Plaid- There are blazers, button down shirts, skirts, scarves, and more in plaid. Just pick a piece that works for you, and the statement you want to make!
3. Cape Coat- Olivia Pope, from the hit TV show Scandal, has certainly helped- if not singlehandedly created- the rise of the cape coat trend. Cape coats come in various lengths from hip length to full length, and look so sophisticated!
The taller you are the longer the coat can be. Longer coats, three-quarter length or longer, appear more formal than shorter ones.
4. Ankle pants- For the leanest line, wear pointed-toe heels with ankle pants. You could also try wearing booties. Booties look fantastic with ankle pants and keep you warm in colder months.
5. Culottes – or simply wide leg pants if you aren’t quite ready for full-on culottes!
6. Leopard Print – Either in clothes or accessories. You can’t go wrong with anything leopard print this fall: provided your industry, and personal brand fit the trend of course!
Which trend(s) would you incorporate into your work look?
xo,
Jamie
