How to Dress for Success at the Office
By Kerri Winick, GalTime.com
How many times have you opened your closet during the morning rush, only to stand there tapping your toes and wondering what to wear?
You aren't alone! Figuring out how to dress for the office can be a job in itself!
The key to dressing for success is filling your wardrobe with separates…essentials that you can use to create an endless supply of outfits!
Olga Vidisheva with Shoptiques.com shows GalTime how to "work it" this season!
Which Fall separates are a MUST for the office this season? This fall, it's all about power dressing - think menswear styled in feminine way. I absolutely love simple, silk blouses. They are perfect for the office as they help you look polished and sophisticated, whether your office dress code is formal or casual.
This season, bring an exciting twist to your simple blouse with bright colors or patterns, which allow you to look trendy while still being work-appropriate.
Yellow Long Sleeve Blouse, $36; Polka Dot Blouse, $54; Lantern Shirt, $180
A black leather jacket is a quintessential fall look that goes great over everything. It's an absolute must for every closet! Paired with a pencil skirt and fitted top, a leather jacket gives your classic look a tougher persona.
Related: 6 Stylish Ways To Rock A Leather Jacket
Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $110
Vests are a must-have. Any outfit looks trendier and chicer (and will keep you warmer) with a vest over it.
Brown Vest With Belt, $44.99; Fur Vest, $98; Belted Curly Vest, $370
What are some of your favorite ways to pair the above pieces? There is nothing classier or more stylish than a simple pencil skirt with a blouse tucked in. This season you should spice up this basic outfit with color or pattern and add a vest or a black leather jacket on top. This will help you look both trendy and office-ready.
What's great about black leather jackets, pretty blouses and vests is that they are all great for the office, but they work just as perfectly for a casual day look or a night out on the town, making them a worthy investment!
Shoptiques.com just did a story on how to wear a black leather jacket three different ways. It can easily transition from trendy, to edgy, to office-ready -it's perfectly versatile.
How about accessories and shoes? Which ones do you recommend investing in for work this Fall? I absolutely love peep-toe shoes for the Fall. They pair perfectly with colorful tights, which adds an interesting detail to any outfit. My favorite shoes this Fall are these Jeffrey Campbell peep toes with a chunky wooden heel ($110). I love how they look paired with grey or colored tights and, since they are black, they still feel office appropriate.
Related: 11 Affordable Accessories To Try Now
When accessorizing this season, I recommend large, geometrical pieces. They dress up and edge up any outfit. I love this one from anabelle NYC ($290) in particular because it makes a statement without feeling overdone.
What are some easy ways to stand out at the office...without going overboard or looking too risque? The best advice I ever got was "dress for the job you want, not the job you have". Always notice what your manager/boss is wearing and adjust your attire accordingly. However, stay true to your style. You can wear a black leather jacket and still look work appropriate by pairing it with a blouse and a pencil skirt.
If you want to stand out, experiment with the colors/patterns or stick with a simple outfit and dress it up with accessories. As always, don't forget to Be Yourself. Be Different.
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