Welcome to the first Work Wear Wednesday post!
I decided to start the Work Wear Wednesday sequence with my Ten Commandments of Professional Style to set the tone for the posts. Here are my tips on what to do and what not to do with regard to professional style.
The Ten Commandments of Professional Style:
Commandment 1: Thou shalt not wear club clothes to the workplace.
In other words- if you'd wear it to the club or bar on a Friday or Saturday night, chances are it is definitely not appropriate for the workplace. Leave the mini skirts and sequin at home.
Commandment 2: Thou shall ALWAYS inspect rear skirt slits.
The dreaded skirt slit. Its happened to most of us. You have a skirt with a rear slit that looks minimal, yet when on it gapes open exposing way too much back of the legs and possibly some cheek. Do yourself a favor and check your rear skirt slits and find out exactly how much you are exposing before you become THAT girl walking down K Street showing cheeks.
Commandment 3: Thou shall ALWAYS wear a cami under button down shirts.
Another over exposure Commandment. Buttons DO come loose on their own, and just like you don't want to be cheeking it down K Street, you don't want to be showing off your hot pink lace bra to your boss and colleagues in a meeting. Embarassing.
Commandment 4: Thou shalt not wear cross trainers and socks with a business suit.
I totally get wanting to be comfortable for your commute, HOWEVER throwing all style sense out the window and pairing a suit with sneaks is just not ok. There are plently of cute flats that are made especially for walking, or even fashion sneakers that can pass in place of the cross trainer. Leave the kicks for the gym. End of story. #boycotsuitsandsneaks
Commandment 5: Thou shalt not expose shoulders, cleavage, or backs in the workplace.
This ones simple: cover yourself up. Nothing good comes of showing too much skin in the workplace and it makes you look extremely unprofessional.
Commandment 6: Thou shall invest in a power blazer.
The power of a blazer is an incredible thing. It can dress up any look and is a staple in the workplace. If you do not own a power blazer, stay tuned- I will dedicate an upcoming Work Wear Wednesday solely to power blazers.
Commandment 7: Thou shall invest in a power pump.
Just like the power blazer, the power pump is a staple in the workplace. Especially if you are a shoe addict like me, your entire vibe can change with the click of a heel (literally). Although not as comfortable as flats, heels make an outfit look more polished and are much more flattering. I will also dedicate an upcoming Work Wear Wednesday to power pumps, so stay tuned.
Commandment 8: Thou shall invest in a seamstress.
Nothing looks worse than baggy pant hems dragging on the floor. Most department stores or drycleaners offer alteration services, so there should be no excuse for sloppy pant, sleeve, or skirt/dress hems.
Commandment 9: Thou shall accessorize.
Since professional attire can be conventional, I personally like to wear statement jewelry to enhance my overall look and add flair. Look to jewelry, shoes, scarves, and even belts as a way of including your own personal style in your more traditional professional attire.
Commandment 10: Thou shall always have a smile.
Ok, I know this isn't style, however you do look best when smiling. It also makes you more approachable and likeable, which is always a good quality to have in the workplace.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, fashion friends!
XOXO
Blonde in the District