The Secret To Modern Career Wear
When it comes to career wear I think of one of two things: “I don’t want to wear pantyhose and an oversized suit skirt” or “It’s time to get certified in yoga, so I can wear stretchy pants and tanks forever.”
Either way, it’s difficult to get excited about career wear. From women who remember the days those shoulder padded suits {I am dating myself} were actually IN, to young ladies trying to make their college party wardrobe work for their new 9 to 5, dressing for a job can be hard. I have been grateful to work in the world of fashion where my relaxed jeans and on trend sneakers don’t have CEO’s turning their heads. But I have also been in your shoes too, ladies, and I know the challenges that come with it!
So how do you dress for success without sticking out like a sore thumb?
Well my fashion friends, let me spill a secret of my own: Think Smart! Plan ahead, and be ready from day to night!
LOOK FOR DAY
NECKLACE (ALTERNATIVE) | SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE) | PURSE | JEANS | SHOES | JACKET
NECKLACE (ALTERNATIVE) | SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE) | PURSE | JEANS | JACKET
LOOK FOR BOTH
JEANS | SHOES (LEFT / RIGHT ALTERNATIVE)
LOOK FOR NIGHT
NECKLACE | SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE) | PURSE | JEANS | SHOES (ALTERNATIVE) | SUNGLASSES
NECKLACE (ALTERNATIVE) | SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE) | PURSE | POLISH
That is really all there is to it! We carry monster sized bags with everything under the sun for our kids, but can’t take a moment to plan for ourselves. Thinking smart can be easy if you just try! Show up well {see a little tip from last week’s blog} remember your style, and embrace the fact that we live in a world where dressing from day to night at work is socially acceptable ((with exceptions))! If you work for a more relaxed professional environment like a tech company or a startup, you might have the option of going a little more casual in your dress. My suggestion is to always go with dark jeans so they look a little more like work pants. And still make sure your toes and shoulders are covered.
And here are just a few other tips to remember on you modern career wear journey:
- Re-Purpose Tanks
First things FIRST… When I say tanks, I do not mean your workout tops or your undershirts. I mean fresh, silk or cotton blend tank tops that can be styled multiple ways or those you wear when trying to escape the summer heat in Texas (Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3). These tops can be worn under a blazer or jacket, paired with and tucked into a skirt, or even with a long sleeve top underneath to become work appropriate.
2. Keep Color In Mind
Adding color is a great way to modernize your career wear. Know what colors are on trend for the season and don’t be afraid to pile on the layers! Emerald green is huge this year, so having a dress with a slightly darker toned jacket to throw on-top is the perfect way to make this trend all your own.
3.Update Your Skirt & Jacket Look
But what if we changed things up a bit? Try a more flowing skirt or one with volume and add a cropped jacket to the mix with a tunic top layered underneath. You are still following the dress code, and having fun while doing so!
In our modern work wear world, remember there are still some companies that mean BUSINESS when it comes to dress. It’s not always appropriate to go more casual, but for the most part, this is the new norm in offices!
Stylishly yours,
Jen Young
