Dress For Success

By Alexia Gonzalez on October 12, 2014

Sometimes donning your favorite fashion ensemble during work hours isn’t deemed entirely HR appropriate. It’s usually difficult to incorporate the latest trends into your work wear when trying to maintain a professionally respectable image.

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Dressing for success is fundamental in any professional environment including office locations, internships, job interviews, formal meetings, or even class presentations.

Your appearance is the first thing that is presented in any of these scenarios, thus it is crucial to exude strength and confidence through your wardrobe and aesthetic. Most importantly you want to be taken seriously as a legitimate and reliable figure of authority or potential employee.

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It is necessary for every girl’s wardrobe to contain a few key items that can be combined to craft a refined and polished ensemble.

You never know when a professional opportunity may present itself, so be sure to keep your closet stocked with formal attire that can work both on and off the clock.

Blazer

A simple blazer adds a dose of sophistication to any ensemble. The functionality of a blazer is that it adds form and structure, while instantly creating a polished appearance.

Dress up a plain white tee with slacks and accessories and you’ll be ready to take on the workday or the runway. Aim for dark neutrals such as blacks and navy blues in order to easily coordinate your outerwear with the rest of your outfit.

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The Pencil Skirt

A good female leader always embraces her womanhood. A form fitting pencil skirt is classic and fashionable, with the length keeping things serious enough for it to allow you to play up your femininity in an office environment.

The pencil skirt pairs with anything from a simple cardigan to a detailed blouse or even a basic tank top under a blazer, yet upgrades your get up to next level professional status. Avoid high slits or shear fabrics to keep your look respectable and conservative.

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Trousers

Women’s trousers are among the most kaleidoscopic pieces of clothing in terms of the many ways in which you can pair them. For an office setting, a pair of slim leg trousers gives you a soft, yet professional edge. Simply tuck in a fitted blouse, add pumps, a belt and some subdued jewelry for a stylishly savvy appearance.

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Smart Sheath Dress

Lady like yet sharp and restrained, a neutral sheath dress boasts the ultimate wear-anywhere silhouette for a flawless desk-to-dinner look. This style of dress provides a bold outfit within itself and can be vamped up with simple statement accessories.

Opt for a sheath in monochramatic tones, with a raised collar or scooped neckline and cap sleeves to balance out the snug fit. Top it off with a feminine statement necklace.

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Sophisticated Blouse

A formal blouse will garner you an endless array of possible outfit combinations, and not to mention is a lot more fun to wear than a starchy button up shirt. Look for something soft to the touch with feminine details such as a draping or a peplum shape.

Wear over pants or the aforementioned pencil skirt and you’ll look ready for the boardroom. However, be sure to avoid exposing too much (if any) cleavage, as you always want to remain business appropriate.

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Pointy Pumps 

There is no better way to establish your presence and command attention than to don a sleek pair of high heels. A pointy-toed heel is an elegant finishing touch to any professional outfit, and can easily take you out on the town.

Always keep a set of black or nude pumps handy but don’t be afraid to play up your work wardrobe with some standout colors like reds or blues (just be sure to avoid bright neons or embellished heels in the workplace).

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Time Piece

Stash away your over the top, chunky bling, and elect a more subdued timepiece for the office. A delicate metal watch looks fashionable and mature and makes any observer feel as though time is definitely of the essence for you. Although you’ll be fashionable, you definitely will never be late!

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Structured Bag

A clutch may seem too juvenile while a slouchy bag looks more boho than chic, but an angular purse appears confident and right along the lines of CEO. Elect a medium to large size that can fit any of your daily needs (or important documents) and stick to solid colors and slick materials accented with metal hardware.

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Eye Wear

Prescription or not, glasses can be a fun form of accessorizing a potentially dull and serious outfit. Stand out from the intellectual crowd with a distinct color, light pattern, thick rim, or larger lens.

Experiment with various shapes and find a pair that compliments the contour of your face and eyes. Have fun but desist from picking out something too funky; your goal is to exude intelligence, not trendiness.

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