THE ARTISTE
Not all jobs require employ-ees to adhere to a strict dress code, especially not the creative professions such as designers, artists, and anything that calls for thinking outside the box. The wardrobes popular at this type of workplace are usually composed of com-fortable, eclectic pieces and natural, eco-friendly fibers.
Over-sized cardigans, color-ful scarves, intricate knits, jumpsuits, long skirts, wide legged jeans...the Bohemian look defines this type of office chic to a tee. Mixing and matching with clothes from the men’s closet can also yield interesting results. Men’s shirts, wide-knit sweaters, blazers and even suspenders create a cute, city look that won’t be out of place at a client meeting.
As for the shoes, well, as a rule, these are out of the ordinary. Often without heels, the footwear of the creative can be made of anything from suede to leather. As long as it’s original and comfortable.
The creative’s hair is also unpredictable. Experimentation is the only certainly. The style can be anything from long and straight to short and wavy. The same goes for color, with some choosing to keep it natural and others opting for a combination of blues, pinks, and purples.
When it comes to makeup, extremes are once again the norm with some creatives preferring to abstain from even the slightest hint of makeup and others going to great lengths to adorn their eyes and lips.
Of course, unless you’re working at a tattoo parlor or a recording studio, the trick is to express your individuality without going too far outside the lines.
THE CLASSIC
The thing about classics is that you can take them anywhere. Whether you work at a bank, a law firm or at a cutting edge ad agency, these styles are never out of place. The classic wardrobe is defined by clean, structured lines, fine fabrics and neutral colors. The prints are usually conservative stripes, plaids, houndstooth and the like. Pantsuits, skirts and matching jackets, classic silhouettes with well defined shoulders, and English-style blazers are popular wardrobe staples.
The length of the jackets, like that of the skirts, can vary based on the prevailing fashion. Hemlines are never mini or maxi, however, but always within an inch or two of the knee. The Chanel suit is an iconic classic look, with its tweed or jersey jacket, brass hardware and the skirt always just below the knee. The pants are straight-legged, neither too wide or too tapered.
As far as shoes, leather pumps, flats and slingbacks will never steer you wrong. Keep the heel at three inches or less and avoid bright colors.
The hair cut needs to be versatile to allow for a variety of styles. A bob is the perfect example. Hair color has to be a natural shade. Short or mid-length hair styles call for soft, easy styles. If hair is long, the best style is a bun, a headband or pulled back in a ponytail. The makeup is the last touch – keep it quiet and neutral. Even the lips should be soft mauves, blushes and pinks.
BUSINESS CLASS
Business dress evolved from the Classic styles and is defined by its functionality and range of motion. These clothes are made for the office, so they have to be comfortable. Natural fibers that breathe, like wools and cottons, are the foundation of the style. The tapered, body-conscious silhouettes of the Classic style give way to roomier, more voluminous forms. Business dress doesn’t have to be elegant so much as utilitarian in order to con-vey a sense of status, author-ity and trustworthiness.
While business dress shares a lot in common with the classic style in terms of the neutral colors and quiet prints, there are definitely more allowance for variation. Appropriate business style shoes are practical above all, either on a low heel or completely flat. Handbags are roomy enough to hold various papers and a day’s worth of essentials. And, above all, be careful with the jewelry. At the office, less is more: A single chain around the neck, one ring, conserva-tive earrings. As Coco Chanel said, “dress shabbily and they notice the dress, dress impeccably and they notice the woman.”
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