Style Diary: What to Wear to Work

A lot of fashionistas blog about their style but not a lot blog about what to wear to work.  How does one transform the conservative suit into something special and fashionable?  Working in corporate fashion challenges me to test my styling skills in this manner 5-6days a week.  And because of it, I feel I’ve honed my styling skills when it comes to what to wear to work.  Here are a couple outfit examples from the past week.

Here, I’m wearing a tank from Ann Taylor and suit from Anne Klein.  Both those basics could have been pretty simple and plain on their own but I added the fur stole for a little glam, kept my hair long and wavy (which helped keep the look less austere) and carried a designer tote.  Sometimes the accessories make your outfit.  It was sort of inspired from another Ann Taylor catalog look that I fell in love with.  See it here.

Isn’t the look gorgeous?  You can shop for it here. Ever thought about wearing a belted fur vest over a suit?  Well this picture may just have you doing exactly that.

Yesterday, I wore another Ann Taylor top (hey what can I say, they had an amazing sale this weekend), with my Victoria Secret slacks and modern blazer from Brooklyn Industries. I’ve never worn this pair of pants with this blazer but I find it really works as an alternative to the traditional suit. Sorry the lighting sucks in my bedroom!

I’m loving this metallic blouse because it’s perfect as a layering piece in the trendy lace, has a cool exposed zipper and also works worn alone since it has sleeves.  Since the lace was girly, I paired it with tougher accessories including a chain bracelet (which is actually a chain taken off one of my totes), a black bling bracelet and matching earrings. Voila!  cook work wear.

Here are a couple other shots that I loved and wanted to share.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter to win a goody bag from NY fashion week here.  Or win my vintage red dress here.

 

Style Diary: What to Wear To Work

quote from my mom:  “So it sounds like you work in fashion place like “Prada Devil.”  Yes, mom my place is uber-fashionable and the pressure to look good is as intense as it is in that movie, Devil Wears Prada (hint hint, you got the movie title wrong).   To read more about my latest dress to impress pressure click here.

Because of this pressure, I’ve been in the process of a major fashion edit.  I’m ruthlessly snatching clothes off hangers, leaving only what I love behind.  And I’m putting new pressure on myself to upgrade my wardrobe.  Out go the cute, cheap finds that could in anyway be identified as such in hopes of clearing the way for more grown-up upscale pieces.

In the meantime, I’m happy to style my mix ‘n match wardrobe of designer brands, vintage finds and secret deals.  Below is my latest roundup of work clothes.  (I’m an event planning marketer for a major retailer)  What’s your favorite?

I love mixing opposites.  Here I’m mixing frilly feminine (the tulle lined butter yellow Forever 21 dress) with a tougher quilted leather jacket with chain detail (Forever 21 Balmain knockoff) with studded heels from BCBG and a Chanel chain purse.

Speaking of opposites, after having such a full skirt, I longed for a slimmer silhouette the next day.  Here I am wearing a satin skirt, Forever 21 leopard bow tank and H&M cardigan.  Shoes and accessories are designer (Christian Louboutin and Chanel).  If I’m wearing my secret steals i.e. no-name brands, then I make sure to balance them off with some designer duds.

I love when menswear gets a feminine twist.  In the above photo, I’m wearing a menswear inspired suit by BCBG, a satin lace cami from Nicole Miller (gift), lucite and silver necklace, Chanel purse, and satin heels from Ann Taylor Loft.   Devil Wears Prada, here I come!

© 2024 Stylishly Stella