Workwear

When I first started working in an office many years ago and wise man told me "to dress for the job I wanted, not the one I have". I think this is great piece of advice; thank you Mr D.

From that day on I was aware of what is appropriate for the workplace and what should be left in the nightclub. Reading some of the fashion magazines it is no wonder there are people out there getting it all wrong - I would love to know other in the fashion industry or some cool creative office, where off the shoulder tops, dangerously short minis and towering shoes that would normal grace a pole are acceptable in the workplace. Jeans should only be worn on casual Friday, and even then they should not have any holes or excessive fading.

My general rule is to keep it conservative until you know what is acceptable in your work place. And here is what I would wear.

Skirts to the knee.
Tailored trousers.
Structured dresses.
Blouses or knit tops (not tshirts)
Jackets or cardigans
Classic shoes - ballet flats are fine if you can't wear heals.

These two outfit are from Banana Republic (one of my favourite stores).  The first is a great more corporate look and the second for a office where a suit is not required. You can insert your personality to a more conservative outfit by using colour as seen in the first picture or subtly using interesting accessories.

My advice is it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

What does your look say about you?

I often hear that you are shallow if you take care of yourself , dress well or follow fashion. THIS IS NOT TRUE.

Fashion and style are forms of non-verbal communication.  It can tell people what you are about. If you look like you have just rolled out of bed and into some clothes, what do you think this says about you?  People can perserve this as you don't care about yourself.

So for those of you who are thinking - I don't care what others think of what I wear or how I present myself - think about how your image might affect your career or other opportunities that life might send your way.

If you are presenting yourself this way others may assume incorrectly that you don't care about what you do, that you won't put effort into your work.  Often this is far from the truth.

If you present yourself in a stylish way it will remove a barrier which will make you more approachable. Thus bringing you more opportunities.

Your outfit doesn't need to be expensive, just flattering by fitting well and being in a colour that suits you. An expensive outfit can look cheap if it doesn't fit well.

Why would you not want to look your best everyday.

Keep an eye out for my new website early next year.


Seasons Greetings

What to buy to setup your wardrobe

If you are on a budget or just want to make it easy in the morning rush a mix and match wardrobe will be perfect for you.

A good place to start is to look back at my previous post about my ten must have items.

http://stylishleigh.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/my-ten-must-have-items.html

Buy these ten items in the best quality you can afford.

To update your look each season buy some jewellery or shoes in the latest colour or style.  Lovisa and Diva are great places to pick up some trendy and well priced fashion jewellery. Below is an enamel bracelet from Lovisa for only $16.99

Remember if you are unsure of the best shape for you body - hire a Stylist.