8/12/2009

What to Wear: For Work

Business Casual 

I've had a couple of requests from readers who would like some suggestions on how to dress for a "business casual" work environment.  It's a lot easier than it sounds and there really is no excuse to look your best at work and stay on a budget.

I developed three basic looks that will take you through the week without spending a fortune. 

The Flirty, Chic and Professional Dress

Business Casual Attire Dress

This dress will fool your co-worker's eyes in many ways. First, it's a one piece dress and second, it is so affordable you'll have people lining up at your cube to ask where it's from!

When wearing a dress to work, please keep in mind the following:
  • Make sure your cleavage and back are well covered. Leave the strapless dress outside your workplace, if you want to flirt with your boss you're going to have to wait until after 5 pm. 
  • Keep your dress's length right above the knee. No one wants to see your privates when you bend over to pick up the documents you dropped on the floor. 
  • Don't be afraid of bright colors! Use them wisely and moderately. Remember you're not  a circus clown, but you don't need to match the office carpet either.

Get this look:

Sequin Hearts 2-Fer Chiffon Dress, $32.88 at Dillard's 
Double Pearl Necklace,$6 at Charlotte Russe
Mirror Bangles Set, $24 at Topshop
Framed Patent Tote in Scarlet, $44 at Newport News

I Wear the Pants at Work

Business Casual Attire Trousers

At work, you want to be both chic and comfortable, this easy and affordable business casual look is the trousers and top look.

When wearing pants and a top to work, keep in mind the following:
  • No tight pants. Leggings and stretchy, body clinging bottoms will not lead to a  promotion.  You have plenty of time to show off your tush après work. Go for the wide leg, curvy styles.
  • Buy neutral, easy to iron trousers that you can easily mix and match with cute tops.
  • Make sure your twins are hiding under that nice flirty top. Youcan be sexy and feminine   without showing the world that pair of DD's.
  • When wearing a tank top, like the one on the picture, wear a cardigan or jacket on top to go from casual to business casual. 

Get this look:

Breezy Idyll Tank, $39.95 at Anthropologie 
Pointelle Cardigan in Apple Green, $24.99 at Charlotte Russe
Wide Leg Trousers in Dark Green, $59.59 at Gap
Lauren Ralph Lauren "Alhambra" Multi Bead Cascade Earrings, $38 at Bloomingdale's 
Blu Bijoux Gold Circle Bangle Set, $17 at Max & Chloe
Deena & Ozzy Tweed Chain Bag in Brown, $42 at Urban Outfitters
Karmel Pleated Wedge, $22.99 at Payless 

The Classic Pencil Skirt
Business Casual Attire Pencil Skirt
These are some classic, must-have pieces that are perfect for business casual attire. 

When wearing a pencil skirt and button down shirt to work, keep in mind:
  • The skirt shouldn't be too tight, nor too short.
  • Make sure you're not popping out of your shirt, you don't want to blind someone with a flying button. Use a small safety pin to close any gaps.

Get this look:

Essential Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt in Pitch Black, $39.50 at Express
High-Waist Pencil Skirt in Bold Bloom, $34.75 at Express
Black Patent and Croco Bag, $39 at Newport News
Sterling Silver Shell Pearl Stud Earrings, $7.99 at Kolh's
Peep Toe Pump in Natural/Black, $49.99 at Nine West 

Happy Shopping :)

3 comments:

  1. great post!
    love the looks.
    ;**

    http://minutodemoda.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Maria! Stick around for more on FashionGypsy :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. this is great, thanks dear, i will try to buy these and the gap jean, yeah

    ReplyDelete