But you don’t have to wear a nondescript business suit every day – it’s possible to look stylish and work appropriate at the same time. I stick to a variation on four tried and true looks so I don’t have to think too much in the morning: The high waisted skirt with blouson top, the jersey dress, bombshell dress and the shirt dress. I apologize to my pants only people – I can’t suggest something I hardly ever wear! Make sure to click on each hyper link to see examples of the pieces.
Outfit choice #1 – The High Waisted Skirt with Blouse combo
Above: Blouse from JCrew.com; Skirt from Anthropologie.com
A high waisted skirt is equal parts flattering and fashion forward. It's much more of a standout piece than your typical hip level skirt, and it creates a streamlined, hourglass silhouette, especially paired with a waist enhancing wide belt. Another reason why I like the high waist over the standard skirt is that no matter how short your blouse, you never have to worry about skin showing at work.
If you are slim or have an hourglass figure, I would suggest a knee length or calf length fitted pencil skirt style in a solid color or a graphic print, but if you are a pear shape or just don’t want to showcase your hips or thighs, an A-line printed, pleated, or below the knee skirt will have the same figure flattering effect. You can pair either style skirt with a number of different blouses to create completely different looks, like 40s inspired, girly, youthful, nautical, classic or edgy. Finish the look with ultra feminine accessories - a pretty pair of drop earrings, peep-toed Mary Janes and a capelet should do the trick.
Outfit choice #2 – The Printed Jersey Dress
Above: Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, at Nordstrom
You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort when wearing an easy jersey dress. This office essential is perfect for the girl on the go – it always looks fresh and never wrinkles, even after a flight or a long day at work.
Diane von Furstenberg, who made the jersey dress a worldwide sensation, makes the most perfect wrap dress (above), but for a less pricey option try a long or short sleeved high necked style paired with a wide belt. Accessorize with platform booties and a chunky bracelet or cuff.
Outfit Choice #3 Vintage Inspired Bombshell Dress
Above: Shoshanna Belted Peplum Dress, at Bloomingdales
You don’t have to show a lot of skin to look sexy. A fitted 1960s inspired bombshell dress looks super chic in a professional setting. Look for this piece at your favorite vintage store for a literal interpretation, but if you prefer a more modern version, you can find this flattering style almost anywhere. You can choose a bombshell dress that's slim fit or more relaxed, depending on your body type.
No matter what decade or fit you choose, the bombshell dress is a timeless style that will always look sharp. Channel Audrey Hepburn with a multi strand necklace, dark opaque tights (when it's cold), stud earrings, high heeled pumps or bejeweled flats and enormous sunglasses.
Outfit Choice #4 - The Shirt Dress
If your work demands you to dress up, the shirt dress is the breeziest, springiest outfit you can get away with. Not strictly for spring, there are also sweater style shirt dresses more appropriate for colder months. Flirty and fun and never stuffy, the shirt dress can be dressed up with Jazz Age accessories like a long lariat necklace, a boyfriend blazer in lace or chambray, and on trend Oxfords or T-strap pumps.
Above: Coco Chanel
