You may be glad to hear that the biggest mistake women can make in fashion today is to get caught up in the idea that they need a new wardrobe each season. Before you jump in and buy, buy, buy, consider what you need! Maybe it is something classic that will last you forever. You need time to live with clothes or a new accessory to truly appreciate it for what it is and to experiment with it in your wardrobe — making outfits using your new piece. So, get in your closet, turn the light on and start appreciating what you have in there. If it is not good — get rid of it so you can see the good things in there and use those good pieces to make GREAT outfits!
With that said, when you are clearing out the old and bringing in some new things to freshen up your wardrobe for Spring 2011, here are some gender-neutral things to keep in mind — especially for those in leadership positions or those who aspire to take on larger roles in leadership!
1. Dress above industry standards. Many workplaces have moved to casual attire, but it does not mean weekend attire. Polished, professional and pulled-together are words that should describe your look every day you show up in the office.
2. Appear effortlessly pulled together at all times. This is not easy, and it takes time. When it comes to managing your professional image, what you do behind the scenes on your own time is critical to showing up for work confident and pulled together every day. When you look pulled together, others have confidence that you can pull ANYTHING together. The same goes for your office. If your office looks like a natural disaster area it is going to be hard for people to see you in a different light.
3. Fit in while standing out. This is important – you want to fit in and give that extra 20% to stand out in a subtle way. A well-chosen watch, a designer tote that is organized and functional, and a fashion-forward coat in a cut that sets a business tone are three examples of how we have added fashion and style to the professional image of executives working in more conservative industries. Invest in good basics (your columns, all black, all brown, all white, all off-white): skirts, slacks and dresses all topped off with unique blouses, shirts, jackets, sweaters and accessories.
Men, you have a tendency to overlook belts and shoes and tend to keep wearing them as long as they still fit. Invest here. I know you may not believe me, but brown shoes and belts are stylish and they look different than the ones you bought 15 years ago! Stylish footwear can also significantly “up” your fashion quotient when coordinated wisely for work.
4. Come across at ease and be perceived as approachable. When your clothing fits you well, is appropriate for business, and sets good business boundaries, you feel more comfortable in your own skin. When you are more comfortable with yourself, others are more comfortable in your company. It really is as simple as that!
5. Set the tone for what is expected from others. If you are struggling with a workforce that is overly casual and lax in their appearance (and attitude!), a good way to start reversing this trend is to enhance your own style of dress. For example, if you hardly ever wear a jacket, start wearing one. Spring is the best time to start this — white is BIG this Spring and you can easily incorporate a white jacket into your wardrobe! Jackets tend to instantly communicate a higher level of expectation from others you interact with, both on and off the job. Jean days are another trap for leaders.
Let’s Talk Trends in Women’s Attire…
Bright Colors: Stand out in fresh shades of orange, pink, green and blue. You will see the neon colors out this Spring and it is OK to invest in a few tops, a belt, or necklace…if you must, a purse. But do not overdo it! You do not want to look like a big orange walking down the hallway at the office. You can easily do a tasteful hot pink top or orange top with chocolate brown pants and stay subtle on your accessories… silver or gold with brown. You will also see color blocking this Spring: here are a few examples…
A green bag or a dress to capitalize on the color trend.
Nude Shoes: Nude pumps are big this year and are well worth the investment. Pick a color that matches your skin tone, as the objective is to create a long, lean line.
Envelope Bags: Wear the slim and refined accessory day or night in candy colors, pastels or neutrals. This does NOT mean that you can ditch the designer tote that you have been using to tote your laptop to and fro…You can carry an alternative envelope bag too, if you wish. But, it is important that you keep your big tote for work!
Vests: STAY AWAY from vests at all costs! I could put up pictures and give you ideas of how you COULD wear them…then I would see some of you try, and if you miss it – it will be bad! Just better not to do vests! Oh, if you must – try them on the weekend! This is one of those “blanket general statements” that will not work for everyone. Some people actually look good in vests, but it is a very small minority.
Snakeskin: Yes, there are now snakeskin dresses and jackets…I am serious. Please limit your snakeskin to one item at a time. And it can be a totally neutral tan with snakeskin texture — you do not have to have all the colors! If you have to do a snakeskin dress, please do not tell me or let me see you wear it to the office!
Peasant Blouses: They are a perfect fit for Spring’s easy mood. In lots of colors and prints — you will want more than one. We all know what peasant blouses look like – the 70’s! If you must do a peasant blouse — do it with your trouser jeans on a Friday and belt it — PLEASE belt it — so that it looks finished! A nice big croc belt over an off-white blouse would be preferred! And you can accessorize with minimal jewelry.
Bright Gold: In bracelets or necklaces, dramatic chains are a key accent piece — and they seem to go with anything! Silver is not gone! You can still use silver, and we are seeing silver pop back up again in clothing too! But, gold is dominant this Spring.
Modern Whites: White is big this year, as it is most years. Now is a good time to refresh tired white shirts in your closet that are starting to yellow from too many trips to the dry cleaner’s. This is also the year to find the white jacket you have needed. Channel stylish simplicity with clean lines and delicate details in this pristine shade of white. Check your white shirts outside against a white sheet of paper to see if they are still white! You will certainly be able to find the perfect white dress this summer. White can work well in the workplace. Invest in a white jacket — you can do great things with it with black pants, tan pants, navy too! You can play up a nice modern print skirt with white in it, using your white jacket…
Also, if you are in the market for a trench coat, now is the time! I am attaching pictures of trench styles that take you from classic to “classic-with-an-edge”…little edge for the office, but you can do an edge!
Let’s Talk Trends in Men’s Attire…
We’ll keep this short and sweet because your attention span at this point is going to be short!
Four big trends to see this Spring:
- Black on black. Black shirt, black pants, black shoes – black from head to toe. This look will be better in certain offices rather than others, but it is something that can be incorporated into your wardrobe. I personally prefer it with a sport coat in more formal environments or in a t-shirt and black jeans in more casual situations.
- Pleated trousers. Triple-pleats are back. Choose wisely. Most men look good in pleated pants. Unless you have an aversion to them, I would incorporate some into your overall wardrobe.
- Shorter pant legs on pants. This is the equivalent of a GQ DON’T! People will make fun of you if you are the trendsetter in such a fashion look. Give this a couple of years, see if it sticks, and then buy in.
- Finally, khaki and beige. These colors are big this Spring and work well for some and not so well with others, depending on your coloring. Use this look sparingly as it has a tendency to wash people out when worn as shirts.
To wrap it up — these are the trends and how you can incorporate them into the workplace. Remember — there may be only one trend that works for “Your Style” and people know it if you push out of your comfort zone too much. Stay true to who you are and do not try more than one trend at a time with your style. Confidence is the best image of all!
Submitted by Rebecca Esposito
www.espositocommunications.com
