Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Life Uniforms: Professional

Before establishing the empire, I was a Dr. Professional. My career spanned from secretarial mini skirt suits to vice presidential power slacks. And during this occupational orbit, I learned a few strategic wardrobing tactics which I am delighted to share with you fellow doctors of profession.

1. Cut:
Nothing says casual like revealed skin. Following is an abridged inventory of stretches of flesh that should never be visible in the office: the midriff, the upper thigh, the chest crevice, the lower back and its continuum. Not only should these items be cloistered when standing demurely, but they should remain under wraps when you bend over, raise your arms, and lean forward. Also ensure that your clothing skims rather than clings; offer a smooth outline rather than a detailed delineation. It's not that these areas are unappealing, quite the contrary, they are far more interesting than your annual budget report.


2. Color: Dark hues report in proper business tones. Unlike their flighty pastel counterparts, dark colors speak of grounded, responsible individuals. But that doesn't mean you are limited to black, navy, and gray. You can have a pop of color, but make sure it's a taste, not the entree. There's a reason that the crimson power tie is a staple and the crimson power suit never quite caught on.


3. Class: Stay in good taste and excellent repair. If you look sloppy, people will assume you don't spellcheck your e-mails. You might be an obsequious grammarian, but people are bound to make assumptions. As you enter the office you should be flawless from your scuff free shoes, to your properly hemmed trousers (breaking at your instep), to your cleanly pressed blouse.

Below is a sharp little banker formal ensemble:

































Nordstrom's Mac & Jac Linen Jacket: Wearing a jacket doesn't require a matching suit. You'll get more wear out of separates
JCrew Solid Silk Garland Cami: Keep a little bit of pretty and color close to you at all times
White House Black Market Sateen Pencil Skirt: Fresh for spring with appropriate feminine allure
Banana Republic Jefferson Medium Shoulder Bag: Because your lappy needs a proper home
Endless Luichiny Miami Pump: Black never has to be boring
Ann Taylor Black Diamond Studs: Your jewelry should not jingle nor jangle



1 hundred 98 cents = your own Professional Wear fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own professional wear recommendations and much more.

10 comments:

  1. Sometimes I wish I worked in an office so I could wear these...

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  2. Thank you for doing this. I wish some of the people I interview were reading this.

    As an office manager I've spent half of my time explaining that causal Fri doesn't mean a crop top and short shorts.

    I love this series.

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  3. Great prose and cute outfit! Thanks!

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  4. Are you posing like Victoria Beckham in the photo intentionally? If so - well done. If not, it is a compliment anyway.

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  5. I love the pieces you chose. I struggle with a uniform at work. We have 4 days a weeks where we have to wear polos. I have a hard time dressing up a polo and usually end up in jeans (we can wear dark denim) and feeling frumpy all day long. Any ideas how to dress up a polo???

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  6. I am loving that little banker number.
    You've inspired me to start dressing up more at work rather than throw on whatever is near me at the moment.

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  7. Even if I was not interested in the subject matter, I would enjoy reading your blog as your writing style is delightful.

    Is the top under the jacket appropriate for office wear? I am not sure if you are suggesting that it is or if you are just showing the photo as is to show the jacket.

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  8. I couldn't agree more! I think you are absolutely right. I love this out fit that you put together.

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  9. where on earth did you get that red cardigan? i absolutely L.O.V.E. it! please tell!

    i've found myself obsessed with cardigans lately and find them perfect for work & elsewhere.

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  10. I agree with Emily, I would love to have the excuse to wear these. They are just so pretty. That bag is amazing.

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