Whether work looks like class from 7:30-2:30, the office from 9-5, or college classes scattered throughout the day, there is no denying that summer is coming to a close. The hallways are going to be filled, the classrooms are going to be stocked, and it is time to revamp our style for the fall. Now I know we all have that thought in our mind whenever back to school or back to work rolls around, “I want to look like a brand new person this year. I want everyone to think I am just getting better with age”. I hear you, and I’m here to help. Let’s break down what will give you that effortlessly perfect look for your return to the workplace.
First things first, cut out the microtrends. I know they’re tempting, but stay away from any trend that has taken social media by storm, seemingly overnight. Yes, I am talking about bows, micro mini skirts, camo, and even those chunky statement necklaces. I know it is so easy to fall in love with them but they are the first thing to date your outfit. Trends, especially microtrends, come and go so fast that trying to keep up with them will cause you to completely break the bank.
Try swapping out the microtrend for a more timeless piece. For example, instead of barrel jeans which have broken the internet, try a looser straight leg jean. The internet is always going back and forth on which jean cut is in, but straight, loose, and well fitted jeans will never go out of style.
via Cotton On
With a timeless piece like this, it is incredibly easy to pair any top, dressy or casual, and still look put together. There is a reason a clean, crisp tank top and jeans are the unofficial “model off duty” uniform. Those women can consistently rely on that outfit to look good and, in turn, their inevitable paparazzi photos to turn out well. If your place of work doesn’t allow such a casual pant, try a tailored pair of trousers. The good thing about most corporate workplaces is that their standard dress code is, at the bare minimum, business casual. There often is not a lot of wiggle room for loud expressions of creativity in one's outfit so it eliminates the chance of dressing inappropriately. This also leads me to the next microtrend to stay away from in a corporate setting, the office siren. I know you have all seen the inspiration: Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada, any 90s Kate Moss campaign, etc. Corporate America does not allow for mini skirts and half-buttoned tops. As fun as it is, the workplace is not a place to push the limits. Try swapping out the low-rise skirts for a mid-rise midi skirt, and a clean button-up or cardigan. Think less Jessica Alba in the Fantastic Four and more Rachel Green from Friends.
The next step is to find the colors that suit you. You can look back on a previous article I wrote on finding your color palette if you need help doing it from home. But as we enter the colder months you need to decide which route to take. Do you: A.) lean into the colors of the season and stick with the warm, muted colors? Or B.) embrace the difference and wear the bright colors to bring back some light to those quickly darkening days? Whichever you pick, make sure you are doing it tastefully. Here are a few outfits to kickstart your fall.
via WhoWhatWear
via Juniper Boutique
via Rachel Klu
via Sezane
Now, if you’re still feeling lost, do not worry. Revamping your style, especially for a workplace, is hard and takes time. You need to ensure that you will get pieces that will last you, are good quality, and are timeless. Do not stress if you cannot encapture your vision right away. However, if you are jonesing to kick start that fashion revamp right now but don’t even know where to start, you can set up a style consultation with us here at The Citizen's Poste and we can help get you going in the direction you want. Fashion can be intimidating, but you should never let that fear stop you from expressing yourself in the way you want. As always, please keep in mind that all I have said is merely a suggestion. If you love a microtrend and that is what makes you, you, then you keep rocking them. If you love an all-black outfit in the middle of winter, you wear that all-black outfit. Here at TCP, we simply want to help you bring what’s on the inside, to the outside.
By Abigail Moynihan