It’s time to shop for Spring and we didn’t forget our curvy Workchic ladies. Today we are highlighting some of our favorite shops with chic plus size business casual looks.

Dillard’s has a great selection of basics, fashion dresses, and tops to update your look for Spring.

AK Anne Klein Woman Floral-Print Blouse is cheerful in the office. Pair it with Jones New York Collection Woman Pants in basic black for an easy business casual look.  For a more professional outfit, add a ruffled jacket.

Nygard Collection Woman Ruffle-Collar Jacket is perfect for transitioning between seasons.  You can layer it over this M.S.S.P. Woman Printed Mesh Dress as well.

If you haven’t visited Lane Bryant lately, their Spring collection is a must see!

Ruffle linen blend jacket has a relaxed professional feel when paired with Linen trouser pant. When wearing shorter sleeves add on some arm candy like this 9-piece bangle bracelet set. Save 10% on your entire online order of $100 or more at LaneBryant.com! Enter promotion code 010472008 at checkout. Valid through 4-29-10.

Whether you are shopping on a budget, or just looking for some budget friendly work wardrobe updates, Old Navy is the perfect place to turn.

Old Navy Womens Plus Silky-Gauze Blouson Tops is currently on sale for $19.99. Old Navy Womens Plus Embellished Silk-Blend Dresses would also look chic layered under the jackets we already showed you.
 

Pick up an Old Navy Womens Plus Plaid Tie-Neck Tops for $22.50 and layer it under Old Navy Womens Plus Slub-Knit Tab-Sleeve Cardigans.

These styles from Dillards, Lane Bryant, and Old Navy will take you from the cool winter weather to warm spring days in style. Have fun shopping our business casual selections!

Not quite sure how to incorporate this Spring’s vibrant color palette into your work wardrobe?  We take the three hottest colors this Spring: Orange, Yellow, and Turquoise and show you how to pair them in a small or even big way this season.

Orange and Khaki

Khaki is an essential neutral color to have in your work wardrobe that will prove to be classic and most of all seasonless.  Pair the Self Petal Top in a rich orange with Elbow Sleeve Tabbed Jacket and Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant in Khaki. The stones in the  2 Strand Mix Bead Bracelet completes the outfit.   Wear this Strapless with Twisted Front dress to the office or even to a Summer wedding with the Pleated Ribbon Cardigan in Khaki.  The Orange Leopard Print Scarf is lightweight enough to wear in all seasons. 

Gray and Yellow

We love pairing Gray with a sunny shade of Yellow.   The Bow Sleeve Tie Cardigan and the Cassidy Button Beltloop Wideleg Pant in Gray proves to be a sophisticated business casual look.  Add the Belted Trench and Sequin Stretch Ring to this look and it will  automatically brighten your day!   Feeling bold?  Try the Pencil Skirt in Yellow paired with a neutral Gray Side Ruffle Cardigan.  Don’t forget to accessorize with the Fringed Interlock Earring.

Navy and Turquoise

These shades of blue play off one another.  Turquoise is one way to accent the neutral color of Navy Blue. 

We took the One Button Timeless Jacket and Drew Pointed Beltloop Downtown Flare in Navy Blue and teamed it with a
Baby Ruffle Cami in Dark Turquoise.   We added some fun accessories like the Statement Tied Up In Knots Ring and the Sunshine State printed scarf to this basic business suit. It is anything but boring but still remains professional.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colors.  Even if it is a skinny belt or a pair of earrings it will instantly liven up the neutrals in your work wardrobe!

Dark wash denim definitely makes our list of work wardrobe basics. While some may not think of jeans as a basic for the office, there are many denim friendly workplaces out there.  Casual Fridays are prevalent, and some offices tend to loosen dress codes during the summer months. Even if your office still won’t allow you to wear jeans, they are an important go-to piece to have in your closet. They will look more polished when attending casual weekend events, especially if coworkers will be there.

What makes denim office appropriate?

Each of these styles from Banana Republic is in a dark rinse, void of any holes, rips, or tears, and has a tailored fit. These are the top features we look for when selecting denim for the office. From there it’s about what fit looks best on your unique body.

We’d like to highlight the trouser style. This will come across the most professional of all the denim styles. You can identify this styling by reviewing the pockets, hem, and waistband. They will not have the traditional 5 pocket styling. Instead they will resemble a dress pant with a more refined waistband and pockets that may be slanted, on the side seam, or non-existent. Back pockets will usually be in a welt style. These pants usually do not have gold or tan contrast stitching, instead they use a tonal thread which means the hem has a cleaner finish.  Banana Republic Dark wash trouser jean is office ready because of its polish and structure. You’ll almost mistake this jean for a trouser pant.

Here are a few more styles from Calvin Klein, Habitual, and J Brand.  Find Petite, Plus, and Maternitystyles within our Workchic assortment.

Pair your denim with a printed blouse, bangles, and neutral pumps for a Workchic Casual Friday look.

Saturdays are often set aside for running errands.  Just because it is the weekend doesn’t mean you have to compromise comfort and looking chic.  For example, a floral watercolor scarf in red and yellow hues can transform a basic pair of denim and a khaki trenchcoat.  Here is an example of a chic way to run your errands in style.  You never know who you are going to run into! Happy Weekend from Workchic!

Weekend Chic by Workchic featuring GAP bags

Items in this set:
classic fashion professional clothes trench coat boden :: Hair Beauty…, 89 GBP
Workchic.com – Gap Tote, $40
Fred Meyer Jewelers – Jewelry – Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings, $310
Medium Montauk Coral Hinge Bracelet, $295
Old Navy Womens Floral Watercolor Scarves, $13

We are starting a new series highlighting quick ways to update your work wardrobe with less then $50. This week we will focus on statement necklaces.

Each of these styles is just under $50 and will make a huge impact to your work wardrobe. 

Mix and Match your statement by purchasing multiple necklaces with that same $50. Charlotte Russe Marbled Bead Necklace is $10.50.  Triple Strand Shell Necklace from New York & Company is $16.95.  Old Navy Womens Beaded Ribbon-Chain Necklaceis $9.50. That leaves you $13.50 to shop within our Workchic assortment. Follow this link to more necklaces under $25.

How does a statement necklace make a high impact with your work wardrobe? Check out this one statement necklace, available for only $18, worn three different ways!

Statement Necklace by Workchic featuring Falke tights

Make your statement necklace the true statement of your outfit by wearing it against a simple tee.

Hidden Statement by Workchic featuring Anya Hindmarch bags

Layer your statement necklace underneath a crisp white blouse. It will peek out along the collar with a glimpse of color. We added ballet flats in the same hue for more impact.

Statement over Floral by Workchic featuring Bottega Veneta cardigans

Layer a statement necklace over a floral blouse to add interest along the neckline.

Featured Necklace – $18 at LauraAshley.com

Stay tuned for more Workchic finds under $50!

We recently had Sophia email us asking the question that has been the topic of many discussions with our Workchic friends!

Can you wear Sequins to the Office?

The answer is of course you can!  There is no reason why you can’t add some sparkle to a cute pair of flats or a chiffon blouse.  It isn’t just meant for nighttime.  You can achieve that glam effect without going overboard if you wear this trend in a subtle way.  We love how the celebs below added some shimmer to their wardrobe. Images courtesy of Google images.

We found some Workchic options to add some sparkle to your work wardrobe.

Wear the Sequin Tie Back Metal statement necklace with a boyfriend blazer.  It dresses up any casual knit sweater or T-Shirt.

Pair the Printed Mixed Sequin Top or the Sequin Explosion Back Drape Top underneath a blazer for a business casual office look.

 You can wear the  Diane von Furstenberg Nika Sequin Python Print Flats with a pair of dark bootcut denim paired with a blazer for casual Fridays at the office. 
This Sequin Dropwaist Mesh Top is a great way to add some shine into your business casual wardrobe. This would look great with black pants or a black pencil skirt.  Going out after work?  This Say What Sequined Cardigan adds just the right amount of sparkle to a basic black dress without being over the top at the office. 

Have fun with this trend this season!   

Last month Melissa and I flew to Houston to tape two TV segments with ABC affiliate show Mirror/Mirror. Tonight our first segment will air on the Live Well HD Network!

This is a very exciting opportunity for Workchic! We want to thank Dillard’s Department store at the Galleria for allowing space for filming and use of their clothing. Dillard’s has an excellent assortment of styles perfect for updating your work wardrobe.

Today’s segment will showcase ways to layer for the season while maintaining a streamlined look. During the Spring season temperatures tend to fluctuate more than usual both outside and in your office. You can use chic layers to stay warm and look professional. Tune in at 9pm to learn more! Visit this link for your local channel information: http://livewellhd.com/feature?id=6775183.

We couldn’t have put this all together without the help of these amazing models!

From left to right; Shannon, Libra, Rina, Angela, Marcela, and Ashlee.

We hope you enjoy our television debut on Mirror/Mirror. Our second segment, scheduled to air the week of April 19th, addresses ways for women to dress professionally without looking boring. Stay tuned to Workchic for more ways to look professional, feminine, and chic everyday in the office!

When I read this article last week about how workout apparel is now being designed towards the working woman, I immediately sent it to my friend, Lara Dalch who successfully made the career transition from a corporate maven to a fitness professional.  I just had to ask her the question- What is the best way to dress professionally when you are a fitness professional?  Read more below!

Corporate to Comfy: How I went from “New York chic” media executive to fitness professional without skipping a fashion beat- Lara Dalch  

I spent almost 15 years working in offices.  I went from a start-up company in Seattle, where the dress code was “almost anything goes,” to a major media company in New York, where the attire was decidedly more corporate.  I remained in that work environment until about a year ago, when I made a major life change and became a Pilates instructor/marketing consultant.

“What’s the problem?” you may be thinking.  “You get to wear jeans or workout clothes EVERY DAY!”

The problem is that, in my corporate life, I was a bit of a clothes horse.  I wasn’t nearly as bad as a lot of New York women, but I liked to look sharp.  I amassed a collection of professional but feminine suits, fashionable separates, back-wrenching heels, and various designer (or designer knock-off) handbags.  My prized fashion possession was – and still is – my black Chanel tote bag (which I now take to the Pilates studio with me, yes I do).  So, you can imagine my alarm when I realized that my closet was full of clothes that were completely inappropriate in my new work environment, a classical Pilates studio in the West Village.  Not only that, but my new “work wardrobe” – consisting primarily of stretchy pants, form fitting bra tops, and athletic leggings – was just not what a previously fashion-conscious professional like myself wanted to wear every day.

Now, almost a year into my new professional life, I’ve figured out how to be studio appropriate and still look fashionable.  Here a few things I’ve learned.

·         Jackets are your friend.  I live in my Lululemon Athletica jackets, at the studio and around town too.  They’re flattering around the waist and look great paired with a tee or workout tank and jeans or black pants.

·         Yay for the “retro” leggings and boot trend!  This has been a fashion lifesaver for me.  I spent all fall/winter teaching in leggings, a “normal” top, and one of several pairs of high boots (with low heels, of course…high heels don’t work so well when you have to demo a Pilates move on the Reformer for a new client).

·         Double yay for athletic outfitters – particularly those geared towards the yoga/Pilates crowd – who finally understand that women need more versatile workout clothes.  I swear by Lululemon for a fashion/function balance; but there are even more choices out there now, as evidenced by the list in this article sent to me by Workchic’s Melissa McGraw.  One of my other personal favorites is Lucy.  (Side note for trainers about Lululemon: Join their “R&D Team” program to get 15% off purchases in exchange for your feedback on their clothes a few times a year.  And no…they didn’t technically pay me to say that, although I am an R&D Team member.)

·         Scarves and wrap sweaters make anything look chic, even gym clothes.  A fun necklace paired with a workout tank, sweater, and a pair of leggings or workout pants also looks non-workout enough to go out for drinks after you teach.

·         Inside the studio, as in life outside, a good pair of black pants goes a long way.  Lululemon’s Groove Pant is my favorite.

Share your gym/studio fashion tips in the comments.  Would love to read them!

About the Author:

Lara Dalch is a Certified Pilates Instructor at Core Pilates NYC in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.  She is also owner of Dalch Marketing Partners, a New York-based boutique agency specializing in integrated marketing and brand partnerships.  In her past life, Lara held various roles in marketing and promotions for entertainment companies such as Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Comedy Central, Classic Media, and Wizards of the Coast.

Read more about Lara’s transition from corporate to comfy on her blog, Marketing to Mat.

This weekend the salon was filled with women waiting to get a fresh pedicure for the season. Yes, I was there too and as I was considering the colors, I started thinking about which sandals I might start wearing. In turn, that inspired me to write this blog post on the perfect styles to wear to the office. Some of the more strappy sandals may look chic on the weekend, but we need to think twice before wearing them into work. We followed some of the hottest trends straight to sandals that will look professional, feminine, and chic all season in the office.

PROFESSIONAL PEEP TOES

A structured platform is sophisticated enough to wear with business suits in the spring and summer months. Nine West Bonfire comes in eight different shades from natural cork to red snakeskin, and basic black to pebbled bronze. As seen in the April issue of Elle Magazine, Yessa Peep toe pump, will add impact to your business casual wardrobe. Another great option for business casual style is this 2-1/2″ Glitzglam wedge. It’s stylish with a buckle highlighting the peep toe and your new pedicure.

CASUAL FRIDAY FUN

Justice Heel – Taupe are rocker chic with dark wash denim.  Add a punch of color to your work wardrobe with Jannis Sandle – Multi. Ballet flats can also read as a casual sandals when they are crafted with cut out details like the Hazel Flat in Dark Silver.

COMFORT IS KEY

Naturalizer Wallace in Black Leather is a comfortable and professional look for the office. For more casual days turn to Naturalizer Falconette Sandal. Wear it with chinos or capris on casual Fridays or to update your weekend chic look. Naturalizer Dixon Caged Sandal is comfortable enough to wear all day in the office and stylish enough for dinner and drinks in the evening.

SEASONAL SPLURGE

Try Pour La Victoire Bridgette for seasonal cut out details. For a fresh take on white shoes featuring the nautical trend, go for Chie Mihara Abba. Our third choice will give back for seasons and is worth the splurge. Coclico Orlean is Workchic in a dark taupe perforated leather. Wear these with everything from business casual trousers to fun and feminine skirts this Spring, and next, and the one after that. T-strap peep toes in a neutral shade are timeless.

Pick up these Workchic sandals and update your work wardrobe for Spring. Happy Shopping!

By combining fashionable and professional appearance along with business etiquette, women can easily command a presence and gain the attention of their desired audience. This audience can be found in a boardroom, conference hall full of people, or even in one hiring manager’s office. There are many ways to look at the way you present yourself in a working environment. This is why bizMe and Workchic teamed up to bring information to women at all stages of their careers. From the initial interview to changing jobs later in life, women need to know how to showcase their own personal brand!
By drawing on their knowledge of brand awareness they put together a professional series like no other. Each of the following topics will showcase a 360° view of how women are perceived in business, from etiquette to appearance. Topics will include:

- Interviewing Tips
 - What to do once you’ve landed the job
 - Career advancement
 - Reentering the workforce or starting a new career later in life

Careers thrive and grow out of knowledge, preparation, and insight. This series will show women how to launch their careers and grow them while looking and acting like the strong professional women they are.

Professional Dress + Etiquette = Lasting Impression! Sign up for Webinars at http://workchic.com/content/38  or email info@workchic.com. Series begins April 13th.

The Seminars are a great gift for yourself, friend, relative or a new college graduate headed out into the workforce! Don’t Miss out!