Fun Fall Looks for Work: Part 1

Last week, I got to participate in a Breakfast Television style segment where I talked fall fasions for work. I often get asked for some tips on building a fun fall wardrobe for the office.  Some fo the key things I share with people are: Play with different colours. Your outfit doesn’t have to match.  In fact, you’ll look WAY more put-together if you pull pieces/accessories together that complement each other.  Some great colours that I’m loving this fall are oxblood (while uber trendy right now, it’s a versatile colour that will work for many seasons to come), deep oranges, deep greens, and mustard yellow. When it makes sense, layer.  With the weather getting a bit cooler, it’s a great idea to add a cardigan or thin-knit sweater on top of a silk dress shirt (for example).  One note of caution- stay away from adding big bulky layers.  While this is a cozy casual look that I certainly love, it really doesn’t look very professional in the office. Let’s get to looking at a breakdown of the Breakfast Television segment from last week.  For this segment, L2 Style was very happy to work with Floc Boutique, to pull together all three looks, and House of Tin and Makeup Artistry by Dana, for the on point hair/makeup looks. Model #1: Michelle Breakin’ it down: On Michelle, you’ll see a simple shift dress that has been sassed up with a bold print (faded from top to bottom) and strategically placed veritcal piping.  These details really draws the eye up and down and gives a more elongated, lean shape to the wearer of the dress. One other thing that helps create a long, lean shape is the two skinny belts Michelle is wearing.  This gives Michelle a longer leg-line. Since the dress is pretty bold and fun, I’ve chosen to pair it with a less conventional yet classicly-tailored jacket.  The rolled up sleeves gives the outfit a bit of a casual feel.  If you’re in a more conservative work environment you may want to go with a more traditional suit jacket. You can’t quite tell in these still shots but we’ve injected colour into this outfits by adding a deep red/oxblood red stacked pump (see the segment). To pull the entire outfit together, I’ve only added one accessory- a simple hoop earring. Last, but certainly not least, Michelle is sporting a chich bun and light daytime makeup for fall! Stay tuned for a breakdown of Model #2 from this segment. If you have a question, please go ahead and ask!  

Necklines: Creating a Polished, Professional Look

So, you want to be taken seriously like the professional you know you are but you aren’t sure if your attire is sending the “right” message to your clients.  First off, good for you for thinking about how your clothing choices might impact your future career success (for those of you that have made this association)!  That’s usually the biggest hurdle for most people to overcome and admit to.  Second, one of the biggest no-no’s that a woman can make is to not think about how they’re “managing the ladies” in the workplace.  Regardless of the type of professional environment you work in (whether you work for yourself or in an extremely formal office), making silly mistakes about the neckline of your blouse or dress is hurting your credibility and could be costing you big $$$! Here are a few neckline blunders that many women are making each and every day.  Once you’ve had a read through these, don’t let this happen to you again. Deep V-neck: This is a great way to show off your cleavage and be the envy of those around you.  You definitely don’t want to attract this attention in the office though.  This doesn’t really let your clients know that you’re a “serious and driven professional.” Wide boat-neck: If your shoulders and upper chest are sculpted, this type of neckline is great for showing off your buff-ness.  However, this neckline isn’t very professional since you can (most likely) see your bra straps!  Remember, we want people looking at you, not your bra. Sweetheart neck: A sweetheart neckline is cute… do you want to be “cute” in the boardroom or with a prospective client?  I doubt it!  I sweetheart neckline also has the ability to REALLY accentuate your cleavage… again, not something you’d want to do during an important client meeting! One-shoulder neck: I know there is at least one person out there thinking “what’s wrong with a one-shoulder top?  It’ll be fine under a blazer!”  Well, it might be fine but it certainly doesn’t let others know you are a professional person.  To me, this type of look says that you’re itching to get to the bar after work. Square neck: this can be a flattering neckline but you need to make sure it isn’t too wide or else it WILL accentuate your bust.  Again, this is great for your personal life (if that’s the type of thing you’re into) but if the cut of the square neckline is too wide, it won’t create a professional look at all. I truly believe that because women have more professional options – and more ambiguity – than men do, we are more uncertain about what is appropriate or expected of us in a professional capacity.  I’d like to share some neckline options that are professional, appropriate and – of course – stylish!  These are going to have your clients thinking about who you are and what you do rather than have them day-dreaming about your cleavage… ugh!

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Great Fitting Blazer

Having a great fitting blazer can speak volumes about you, who you are and what you’re about!  I’ll get right into it… Here are a few of the things I notice when I see someone, in a professional setting, wearing a blazer: “I mean business”- when you see someone who has taken the time to put on a well-fitting suit, including a tailored blazer, I automatically think that they are ALL business!  This person has taken the time to present themselves in a way that will not only gain the respect from others but also position them as an authority. The details are important – focusing on the details such as fit, structure, colour and material of a blazer let’s people know that you care… care about yourself, care about your clients and care about making the right impressions.  Employers and clients want to know that you (the highly respected and highly paid professional) are taking care of their needs.  Focusing on the details is a great way to instantly let people know that you WILL do what’s necessary to take care of them. Time and effort – those that wear an impeccably-tailored blazer, are letting people know that they’ve taken the time and effort to present themselves in a positive manner.  They understand that what you wear is more than just the clothes that you put on but rather a step towards inspiring confidence in others (back to my point on gaining respect and being the authority).  When you take pride in yourself, employers and clients will be confident that you’ll also take pride in your work. Now, I completely understand that you may WANT to achieve a more professional look, by having a properly tailored blazer, but may not KNOW how to do this.  I’d like to share a few key tips on what you should look for in a blazer – either for blazers you already own or those you’d like to shop for in the future: The Fit – Wearing blazers (or any clothing for that matter) that are either too big or too small is doing nothing for your shape!  When a blazer is small, it’ll be too tight around the shoulders, won’t do up properly and will crease all over.  The blazer will pretty much look like you stuffed yourself into it – talk about uncomfortable!  A blazer that is big just looks like your swimming in it!  From an impressions management viewpoint, it looks like you’re wearing your Mom or Dad’s suit.  I’m sure you don’t want people thinking you’re wearing your Daddy’s suit, do you?  What you should look for is a suit that is closely fitted to your frame.  If you happen to be really tall and thin, wearing a suit that is fitted (not tight… fitted!) to your body is much more appealing and attractive that one is hangs off your lean frame. The material – Based on your size and shape, you should consider the type of material you