Dear Mattie: What should I wear to work?
— Looking for Professional Styles in Blueridge
Dear Looking: This season there are many trends that work in the office, some of which are subtle and others that are quite bold. Really, the question you should ask yourself is: "How much do I want to blend in or stand out?"The power suit is in fashion. That means the top matches the bottom. The pieces do not have to be heavy. There are many light-weight fabrics that enhance your comfort and still pull off the powerful look of the suit. Because the weather is warmer, the top can be a blouse. If you choose a sleeveless blouse, then the blazer can have a shorter sleeve. Blazers have a soft, rounded shoulder. A crochet cardigan is a great option for an outer layer for the cooler days and afternoons.
The powerful look of the suit also comes from trendy touches. This is a pragmatic look, not a fancy one. Pants are narrow (not skinny) to the ankle, just longer than cropped. Skirts are tea length, to the knee or just below. The pencil skirt is a classic, but pleats rounding out the skirt for a flared silhouette are just as trendy. Blouses are a lot of fun this season as so many looks are in fashion. Either tucked in or fitted out, the choice is yours. There are lace and chiffon blouses with a conservative under layer that is both feminine and professional.Colour is how you choose to blend in with fashion or stand out with boldness. Pastels blend in. Pastels in pink, blue, green and yellow are trendy options for your power suit. Blocks of colour stand out. Green, blue, yellow, red and pink can also be bold. And, when you don't match your top to your bottom, you have more colour going on, which makes a louder statement. Both versions of the power suit are in fashion.
The blouse can also go both ways. It can be tone-on-tone or contrasting colours. The best top this season is the white top. There are many variations when it comes to fit, sleeve length and embroidery. The white blouse will complement any other colour you add to it. It can be both bold and subtle. It is professional, casual and dressy. But, don't limit yourself there. Blouses are fabulous this season with all the cool prints - and don't forget the ruffles.
The options for tops are almost endless. Professional dressing is definitely not boring this year. Dresses can also be considered professional, as long as you are mostly covered. Layering is a great idea. Sometimes I wear a fitted short-sleeved blouse over a strappy dress. It gives the ensemble the illusion of a suit and still maintains a light-weight and fluid look. There are many great dresses that you can wear to work. You can choose one colour, but prints are also in fashion with dresses. Small prints with a few colours or bold slashes in many colours are still professional as long as the cut is tailored. I love the look of a dress in an office as it can be as refreshing as a bouquet of flowers.The professional look is not complicated. Less is more.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest at Mattie a la Mode.
