Wearing a Dress in the Winter

Wearing dresses to work in the winter can be hard...it is so COLD!!! While the space heater in my cubicle does wonders, I have still avoided wearing dresses and skirts this winter.

I recently bought these great Anne Klein sweater tights at TJ Maxx. They are like socks that go all the way up! The toe seam is placed as a sock would be, instead of on top of the toe like tights. There is almost nothing in the world more uncomfortable than the top seam on tights!!!!

These tights are great and very comfortable, I was inspired to wear a dress to work today (that and there were highs in the low 50s this afternoon).

This is the Banana Republic Factory Store dress I wore to my graduation in December. I paired it with a grey open cardigan from Banana Republic Factory Store, the Anne Klein sweater tights, and Clark's suede pumps. Accessories: Fossil Heather watch, The Jewel Box bracelet, sterling silver rings.

Casual Friday

Casual Friday at work means trouser jeans and my new heels from Clark's. I know what you're thinking...the old lady shoes, Clark's? Well this season they have a few cute pairs of pumps and boots that are so COMFORTABLE!! This is my first time wearing these to the office and everyone likes them.

Cold Weather and Chilly Offices

As the days grow shorter, they grow colder as well. As the temperatures drop outside, they seem to be dropping in my office too!! I finally broke down a few days into November and bought a mini space heater for my cubicle. Even so, I wake up every morning and try to put together the warmest outfit I can. The best way I have found to do this is with wool-blend trousers and trouser socks. Not only is wool one of the warmest fabric options, well-made wool trousers are usually lined for an extra layer of warmth!! Trouser socks pair great with wool pants and keep your feet and calves extra toasty. I bought my wool trousers at the Banana Republic Factory Store (surprise, surprise) but you can find them in a lot of stores!

Assuming these pictures post in order (I seem to be having difficulty with photo posts...I'm working on it), the first two pants are from Banana Republic, the next three from J. Crew, a pair from Zara, Talbots, then Ann Taylor.

Interviews!

As I am graduating from college on December 13 [insert squeal of excitement here], I am constantly looking to expand my interview wardrobe.  However, the more I look, the more confused I become!  What is the proper hem length for skirts?  Do I really need a suit?  Does pink scream, "Immature?" 

The truth is, I do not have the answers.  All I can do is RESEARCH!!!  The best outfit is chosen by knowing the environment of the business itself.  Is it composed of artsy graphic designers?  Is it a buttoned-up, corporate financial institution?  Different workplace environments call for different dress codes.  Do you know someone who works at the company who you can ask?  Have you been there before?  What are employees wearing in photographs on the website?

When all else fails.....overdress.  I don't think anyone will ever look at an interviewee and say, "You are dressed far too nice!  I couldn't possibly hire you."  Dressing professionally shows that you should be taken seriously as a candidate and you are capable of being a professional and representing the company in a positive light.

Here is where I begin:

1)  What is the weather going to be?  I mean, sure that skirt is adorable, but shivering and teeth chattering are not a good interview option.  Skirts can be great if made in a wool-blend material, like this Banana Republic skirt below, and paired with tights.  Pants always work too and can be paired with trouser socks for added warmth.  For warm days, a pencil skirt alone will work too.

Options:


     
    Banana Republic Skirt                                         J. Crew Trousers 
 
          The Limited Skirt


2) Color and Material.  I like to choose neutral colors: grey, black, or possibly khaki.  The material is important.  It needs to look expensive or nice.  Make sure that it does not attract lint.  Some black fabrics start out clean and then turn into a yeti after thirty minutes.  Also, make sure that the material does not wrinkle easily.

3) For tops, I go with light layering.  I generally try to choose a blazer or jacket because it looks polished.  Structured cardigans can work too.  Underneath, a light blouse with sleeves is preferable.  No sheer materials or overly bright and garish colors!  Again, make sure the fabric does not collect lint or wrinkle easily.  Also, make sure it is a breathable material because interviews can sometimes make you break into a nervous sweat and stuffy polyester does not help with this.

Options:

 
Banana Republic, $90 (above)




                                                            J. Crew, $110 (right)

  Ann Taylor, $60 (left)


4) Shoes should be closed toe for interviews, just to be safe.  They should be low-heeled and comfortable so you can walk.  Nothing is worse than limping around an office tour.  I try to avoid patent leather as it can look cheap but that is up to the individual.  Black, nude, grey, and other neutral colors work great!


Interviews are hard and nerve-wrecking so choose a simple, professional, comfortable outfit that makes you look and feel great.  If you feel professional, chances are you will act professionally. 

Don't forget to go to the interview with all the necessary materials: hard copy of resume, references, cover letter, etc.  Have prepared answers to typical interview questions.  Relax!!!  Finally, after the interview, send a thank you note!  It could make you stand out.

Gap, Inc. Sale

My favorite places to shop are Gap, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store, and Gap Outlet. These are great places to find well-made, affordable work wear. This weekend they have a lot of sales to take advantage of, and a couple coupons coupons as well. Recently I have been overly obsessed with Banana Republic. Here are a few things on my list this weekend:

Pin-spiration

My free time lately has been spent searching Pinterest for work wear inspiration....and boy have I found a lot! Earlier this week I wore this outfit inspired by two different posts. The pants are black Banana Republic cigarette-style and, surprisingly, the top and sweater are from Old Navy.

While my personal office experience is very limited, I can say that I am continually surprised about how little people seem to care about their appearance!  Here are a couple of things I have noticed:

1) People actually try to wear flip-flops!!! No matter how laid back or casual you think your office is, I can guarantee that flip-flops are an absolute DON'T.  Dressy sandals can be a do, but you need to gauge if it is by what upper-level management wears.



2) People will take any excuse to wear jeans, and we're not talking tailored, dark-wash jeans with heels. No holes, no light washes, and no running shoes.


DON'T!                                                                        DO!

3) Some girls consider any heel to be a dress shoe.  If Nicki Minaj would wear it to a club, it's an office DON'T.  Plain, classy, muted color, neutral heels, preferably 4.5 inches or less are an office DO.



4) There is a difference between sheer and see-through.  It's best to learn it early.  Sheer is classy with a nude undershirt and bra.  See-through is trampy. End of story.




A few days ago, I saw a link to Lauren Conrad's blog on Pinterest.  She suggested when trying to decide if something is appropriate for your office or not, look to the upper management crowd.  If your boss wears a kicking pair of gladiator sandals, chances are you can too. Conrad says there's a reason they say to dress the part.  Dress the part of that managerial job you want to land!!

The images for this post were taken from various Google image searches from Pinterest, Self Magazine, and others.