As we've noted previously, a good portion of our content will be offering real world commentary on corporate fashion blogs that we've read over the years. We are the first to admit that as newly minted professionals we relied heavily on the content in various corporate fashion blogs when building our working wardrobes. We are also the first to admit that many of the blogs we now snark on have previously provided us with sound workwear advice. Although, notably, most of this advice was given when the blogger didn't show her face and still had an actual job other than blogger. Thinking about this advice, each of us wanted to share the best and worst work fashion advice they have ever received via a corporate fashion blog.
Katie 1
Best Advice: If you find a suit that you love, buy every. damn. piece (i.e. the jacket, skirt, pants, dress). Also included: dry clean all of the pieces together.
Why? Especially as you are building a professional wardrobe (which can be expensive), having all of the pieces adds versatility. You can create an entire week's worth of outfits just by mixing up the items. For example: Monday=Jacket +Dress; Tuesday= Jacket+Blouse+Skirt; Wednesday=Pants+Blouse+Cardigan; Thursday=Dress+Cardigan; Friday=Skirt+Blouse+Cardigan. I found this to be great advice because it allowed me to invest in quality suiting and round out my wardrobe with cheaper items like blouses and cardigans. This also works well for ladies who travel frequently for work. Note: This works best for a solid colored suit.
Worst Advice: You must have professional commuting shoes. We call bullshit. Why? Because no one actually notices and/or really cares what shoes you commute in unless you forget to change when you get to work (*looks down at fee, sees Rainbows. Thinks she should change back into her work shoes. Decides against it.*) If you are worried, change in the lobby of your building, otherwise commute in what's comfortable and don't sweat the small stuff.
Katie 2
Best Advice: Invest in what matters. There are some articles of clothing that you will wear over and over, and truly never goes out of style. Don't scrimp on these pieces. Buy the best qualify you can afford so that the pieces last, then mix in the trendy statement pieces. Think black pencil skirts, white blouses, sheath dress, pearls, classic blazers, classic shoes (black pumps, nude pumps, black ballet flats).
Worst Advice: "Anyone can wear it!" Yeah- anyone who has a BMI of 24 or below. There are just some things that don't look good on normal people. You need to know your body type and your strengths. But believe me, I am just as tired of seeing Sophia Vergara in a mermaid gown as the next girl. You do need to go outside your comfort zone and try something new, but just know this: if the midi length skirt you've been eyeing comes down to your ankle, it's not for you.
Elizabeth
As I do not have the fashion blog experience the Katies have to reference, let me just say that my best advice is to look for pieces that can pull double duty in your work wardrobe as well as your off-duty attire. Now if you a t-shirt and jeans girl outside of work, this advice isn't going to do much for you. However, when I look at my closet, there is very little "work stuff" (outside of suiting) that I wouldn't also wear on a weekend. Pair that cute blouse you usually wear with your suit with jeans, a clutch, and some strappy sandals- voila! You are ready for brunch with the girls. This linen sweater is great for the weekend, but with some dress pants and pumps it is just as appropriate for work. Do not spend money buying separate wardrobes.
Katie 1
Best Advice: If you find a suit that you love, buy every. damn. piece (i.e. the jacket, skirt, pants, dress). Also included: dry clean all of the pieces together.
Why? Especially as you are building a professional wardrobe (which can be expensive), having all of the pieces adds versatility. You can create an entire week's worth of outfits just by mixing up the items. For example: Monday=Jacket +Dress; Tuesday= Jacket+Blouse+Skirt; Wednesday=Pants+Blouse+Cardigan; Thursday=Dress+Cardigan; Friday=Skirt+Blouse+Cardigan. I found this to be great advice because it allowed me to invest in quality suiting and round out my wardrobe with cheaper items like blouses and cardigans. This also works well for ladies who travel frequently for work. Note: This works best for a solid colored suit.
Worst Advice: You must have professional commuting shoes. We call bullshit. Why? Because no one actually notices and/or really cares what shoes you commute in unless you forget to change when you get to work (*looks down at fee, sees Rainbows. Thinks she should change back into her work shoes. Decides against it.*) If you are worried, change in the lobby of your building, otherwise commute in what's comfortable and don't sweat the small stuff.
Katie 2
Best Advice: Invest in what matters. There are some articles of clothing that you will wear over and over, and truly never goes out of style. Don't scrimp on these pieces. Buy the best qualify you can afford so that the pieces last, then mix in the trendy statement pieces. Think black pencil skirts, white blouses, sheath dress, pearls, classic blazers, classic shoes (black pumps, nude pumps, black ballet flats).
Worst Advice: "Anyone can wear it!" Yeah- anyone who has a BMI of 24 or below. There are just some things that don't look good on normal people. You need to know your body type and your strengths. But believe me, I am just as tired of seeing Sophia Vergara in a mermaid gown as the next girl. You do need to go outside your comfort zone and try something new, but just know this: if the midi length skirt you've been eyeing comes down to your ankle, it's not for you.
Elizabeth
As I do not have the fashion blog experience the Katies have to reference, let me just say that my best advice is to look for pieces that can pull double duty in your work wardrobe as well as your off-duty attire. Now if you a t-shirt and jeans girl outside of work, this advice isn't going to do much for you. However, when I look at my closet, there is very little "work stuff" (outside of suiting) that I wouldn't also wear on a weekend. Pair that cute blouse you usually wear with your suit with jeans, a clutch, and some strappy sandals- voila! You are ready for brunch with the girls. This linen sweater is great for the weekend, but with some dress pants and pumps it is just as appropriate for work. Do not spend money buying separate wardrobes.
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