For those of you who follow the US Open, you may have heard the commentary about Venus Williams’ sparkly dress. While we love pink and glitter as much as the next person, the problem was the fit. The dress rode up the entire match and needed constant adjustment.

It raised the question, how often are you adjusting your outfits during a typical work day?  We’d love to hear your thoughts on this common fit issue.

I love wearing dresses especially in the Summer.  But I as get older (and wiser mind you) I don’t exactly feel comfortable wearing the minidress styles that I am constantly seeing out in stores this season.  Give me an A-line or Wrap dress and I’m happy!   I came across Shabby Apple and love how their dresses fit to flatter women.  They celebrate your silhouette and help you find a dress that will best suit your assets.  You can shop their site by body type: athletic, pear, womanly, tall or short. Shop for a dress by occasion.  Shabby Apple even sells jewelry and accessories to complete the entire look.

 I picked out the following business casual options below.  From the left:  Command attention with the CEO dress.  Everyone will know you mean business!  The V.P dress  is professional and chic with its cap sleeves and A-line skirt.   The Champs Elysees Navy Pleated Dress can be paired with a cardigan or white blazer for a more business casual look.

Want a more casual look?  Here’s a peek at some of my faves:

You can never go wrong with a white wrap dress!  Accessorize the Bonheur Dress with a statement necklace or cuff bracelet for an appropriate office look or dress it down with wedge espadrilles for brunch on the weekend.  L’ete combines the figure flattering look of a wrap dress with the details of your favorite shirtdress.  The Manager Director dress is a perfect shade of cobalt blue that will brighten up any day at the office!

All of these dresses I picked above are under $100! That is a great value for a professional and feminine piece that you will have in your closet for years to come!

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!

A simple sheath dress is the perfect staple for any office. With a few accessories you can take a basic dress and give it a new style.

Hourglass-Business Office by Workchic featuring Jil Sander dresses

Here we took a pleated dress and added 3 different styles of shoes to update the look. It’s a perfect example of how shoes can change the look and feel of an outfit. For a business office we recommend adding a blazer and utilizing the high stakes heels from modcloth.com. We had some fun with a statement necklace in lavender hues that goes perfectly with the smoke print heels and peep toe style.

Pleated spot print dress, 1,000 GBP
K Karl Lagerfeld Wool-blend tailored blazer, $213
High heel pump with Smoke Print, 370 GBP
Ravel Chaussures Peeptoe Courts, 45 GBP
High Stakes Heels in Smoke-Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes, $38
Lanvin Strass crystal necklace, $2,730

Our friend Yvonne just loved the flattering neckline and empire waist on this dress, so she set out to find the perfect accessories. She played on a natural color palette featuring the neutral dress, gold jewelry, and black handbag.  Subtle hits of color were added in the animal and leaf print wrap along with burgundy trimmed pumps. You can pick up this dress and the chic accessories following the links below.

Spiegel V-Neck Sheath Dress in Linen
Hidden Painted Animal Ruana
Champagne Dish Necklace
Kenneth Cole New York Layered-Circle Ring
Kathy Van Zeeland Monte Carlo Belt Shopper

Both of these examples featured accessories that can mix and match back to your work wardrobe with ease. Have fun adding accessories and creating your own personal style.

I was so inspired by the white blouse we showed from Charles Tyrwhitt this morning, I searched out a few more in different size ranges. As you know, basics are a key building block of your work wardrobe. A white blouse is at the top of our list. Since it’s practically summer, we think it’s time to pick up a style that’s a little less basic. Each of these pieces will still achieve the polished finish of your classic long sleeve style, but feel fresh for summer.

Macy’s selection of petites was well rounded with an amazing number of prints. Of course our hunt is for white blouses today, so we selected Alfani Petite Top, Stretch Cotton Rosette Trim Blouse,  INC International Concepts Petite Top, Cap Sleeve Zip Front, and Jones New York Petite Blouse, Cap Sleeve Pleated Georgette each with their own unique details.  Add a skinny belt in black or a summer pop color to the Alfani funnel neck top.

Lane Bryant was the perfect place to start for plus sizes. Sateen short sleeve buckle shirt has flattering shirring at the bust and buckles at the sleeve hem. We were also blown away by the Grecian draping on this Icon Collection draped woven top. A quick stop at Torrid revealed this White Pleated Cap Sleeve Top with tuxedo detailing.

Visiting the Tall Girl Shop we found some nice blouses amongst the Long Tall Sally collection. Buttermere Blouse has embroidery details, lace hem, and back tie to create a flattering waistline. At Banana Republic, Tall eyelet bib top is 100% cotton in a flowing silhouette. We also found Banana Republic Tall 3/4 sleeve safari shirt with rolled cuffs.

These blouses can mix and match within your wardrobe to create Workchic looks all summer long.  Here are a couple more finds in regular sizes.

Short Sleeve Pleated Shirt from Anne Klein is nicely contoured and available in regular and petite sizes. Jones New York Paper Cotton Short Sleeve Wrap Blouse is playful with a voluminous bow.

Happy Shopping!

I just read that Christian Siriano from Project Runway fame helped design a capsule of Maternity wear for the design duo Moody Mamas.  While it is not as fierce or edgy as I thought it would be, I still love the fact that some of the dresses are perfect for the office.  What do you think all of you Moms-to-be out there?

         

The Moody Mamas Chiffon Knit Trim Dress and Moody Mamas Cowlneck Dress are perfect for the office.  While the Moody Mamas Flounce Neck Dress is perfect for the casual days at the office or running errands on the weekend.  The dresses are priced between $39.99-$49.99.  What is not to love for Moms-to-be looking for a bargain?

         

This week Spanx took their undergarments to a new level and launched a ready-to-wear collection, On Top and In Control.

We think this draped V-neck sleeveless tank would layer beautifully under a blazer for the office during the summer. While in the winter we would turn to the long sleeve turtleneck. Both styles come in white, vanilla, soft gold, bittersweet, midnight, and black.

 

What do you think of the new collection?

Jenny Hamilton is passionate about style, and her mission is to challenge the traditional workplace rules as a successful and stylish woman.  By day, Jenny is a corporate attorney for a Fortune 500 company.  At night, she runs Dorothy Louise, Inc., a style consulting firm specializing in projecting a professional image with a personality.  Her blog, Jenny Hamilton Style, highlights fashion tips for professional women (and sometimes men), ranging from maternity to post-baby to everyday style. 

 We just had to ask Jenny what her thoughts were on going back to work in style when you are a new mom!

                          

Back to Work in Style – A New Mom’s Survival Guide by Jenny Hamilton

When my maternity leave was up, I was ready to get back to work. My wardrobe was not. After nine months of pregnancy, my closet was a mishmash of clothes that didn’t work. My tailored suit jackets no longer fit over my new mom chest. My “go-to” creamy cashmere turtleneck was a neon arrow to my bloated post-baby belly. And my pants were definitely still tight in the wrong places. Like all new moms, I hadn’t given up on the last ten pounds, but I had to find something to wear to work!

How do you cope when your shape is still changing? Here are my “must haves” for getting back to work in style.

• Black. Anytime you are in a transition, it helps to focus your color palette. And when it comes to the need to pull on power outfits in a hurry, nothing is easier than black. Think of black is your best post-baby friend that is going to help you look sleek and chic.

• V-neck tops. Stock up on knit tops with v-neck openings, especially if you are still nursing. It provides easy access if you are going to pump, and v-necks draw attention up to your face and away from your problem areas. Just be sure that as your cleavage rises, the shirt opening rises proportionally.

• White shirts. You can still wear your white button down shirts. I like to throw it on under a cardigan and belt it for a power look. Set of pearls optional.

• Draping. You want some ruching or draping down your mid-section if you haven’t gotten re-acquainted with your Pilates DVD since your baby was born. This extra fabric, if it is placed well, will hide a few extra pounds as you transition.

• Skirts. Skirts are a godsend if your pants are still tight on your way back to the office. Plus, they are easy to pull on in the morning and usually require no alterations. Try a jersey knit a-line skirt or a cotton sateen pencil skirt with a little spandex.

• Wrap dresses. A jersey wrap dress is a great investment. It is a classic staple that can take you from day to night, and it will grow or shrink with you. Do not go too wild with a print, but find one with neutral colors that can be paired with a cardigan or sweater for greater longevity. If Diane von Furstenburg is too spendy, search on Workchic for less.

• Scarves and belts. Focus on attention grabbing accessories, like a long scarf tied loosely around the neck to hide the post-baby belly. Also, invest in medium-width belts and pair with summer weight cardigans or tunic tops. The belt will add definition to your waist, and the cardigans transition easier from work to home.

• Undies. Splurge on nice undergarments, like Spanx, and a few nice camisoles. Nordstrom carries a nice line of camisoles that wash well called Shimera.

• Heels. You may be a mom, but you still need glamour. A pair of nude pumps will go with everything and flatter the leg. If you have gams you are proud of, show them off!

• A Tan. I am not a fan of the fake bake, but a little bronzer can go a long way to perk up tired new mommy skin. My favorite new mom splurge is TANtalizer Award Show glow, which is great for faking hosiery (who has time to run back and forth to the store for it, anyway?)

                                   

Keep in mind, less is more, and you will get through the transition – in style!   

Charm your business clients with our Workchic suit of the week!  We love how this Ruffle Collar Jacket and Corset Seam Pencil skirt can transition from season to season with ease.  We love pairing a bright green draped top with flutter sleeves  a black and white lightweight scarf, and skinny flower belt to make this suit anything but boring.  We also found a Woven Black Perfect for Work tote and Black Peep Toe heels that have a unique texture and stitching that fit perfectly with this outfit! Your clients will surely be impressed!

Stay tuned for next week’s suit of the week! 

We love Stella & Dot jewelry for the office. The collection always has the perfect balance between refined style and fashion forward elements.  We are not the only ones to take notice. Lucky featured the St. Tropez Statement Necklace in May’s issue. They sought out the right necklaces to wear if you’re busty.  The chunky beads and crystal in this longer style are the perfect balance for adding a statement to a basic ensemble.

Stella & Dot has many bold statement necklaces ideal for adding dimension to otherwise basic outfits for the office.  We worked with Amy R. Independent Stylist at Stella & Dot to select pieces ideal for the office. Some of our favorites include Colette Necklace, Delilah Necklace, and Palm Necklace with Removable Starfish Brooch. Whether you want to add color, texture, or both these necklaces will have you covered.

  

Necklaces are not the only way to add a statement to your look. Earrings can add a subtle or bold accent to your outfits. Mira Stone Stud Earrings are ideal for a business professional dress code, Gold Leaf Earrings make business casual sparkle, while Azure Couture Earrings are all casual fun.

  

Be sure to check out Amy R’s top selections from the Stella and Dot collection on her independent stylist website. These styles will inspire your work wardrobe to a chic new level this Spring. Happy Shopping!

Both Jennifer and myself are petite and often commiserate how hard it can be to find clothes that fit us.  We just had to turn to petite expert, Tammy Jensen who is the owner of  the website  TJ Petite.  Whether you are a size 5 in shoes or want to know the best pants to wear for your petite shape, Tammy has it covered.  We just had to ask her to send us a pic or two of her favorite casual and business casual looks.

WC: Describe your looks in these pictures.
TJ: The 1st one is a classic style that I wear often, the 2nd is the same outfit, I’m wearing my favorite belted jacket. The second outfit is really casual with dark jeans and my go to cardi this is what I throw on when I’m in a super hurry.

WC: What is the biggest obstacle Petites have in finding appropriate work
clothing? What is missing out there for them? How would you change that ?
TJ: First off, I am a tiny petite my height is 4″11, 3/4 I weigh all of 92 Lbs.
The biggest obstacle for me, and most petite’s is finding work clothing (any clothing) in sizes that fit.
I have shopped in the petite department of most major department stores and have, (not always) walked away disappointed. The styles seem to be focused on the more mature woman. I am considered mature at forty-seven and even for me they seem dated. So I would say, up to the minute style and quantity of choices are missing.
Fitted blouses and dresses in petite sizes fit me well but again choices are limited. I also shop retailers that carry extra small sizes that I require.
How would I change that ?
By spending more of my clothing dollars at retailers that support petite fashion (for me that is blouses and dresses) and encouraging other petite women to do the same. I am already doing this through my website TJ PETITE.
Why? More and more petite women, are asking for change in petite fashion, but there is little motivation for change, when it’s not lucrative for designers and retailers to begin to make these changes.
At the same time, I support those that design and sell, the extra small sizes we extra tiny petites
require, but very seldom find in the petite department.
WC: Do you have any tips or tricks to share with our Petite readers?
TJ: Don’t skip the children’s department when shopping, that is where my go to cardi in the photo came from and I love it.
You never know, you might find something wonderful !

WC: Describe your business casual style and tell us what you feel makes it unique ?
TJ: I would have to say that my business casual style is classic and relaxed. I keep jewelry and make up to a minimum.
I do believe at times, especially at my place of employment that less is more.
I know the outfits in my photos look simple, but that is what makes my style unique at my workplace. I work in the music industry and brightly dyed hair, tattoos and and excessive body jewelry seem to be the rule rather than the exception.
I always dress for me, (both in and out of work) and do not tend to follow the crowd which also makes my style unique.
My workplace has a corporate structure, but has not implemented corporate dress code. In case you’re wondering.

Want to steal Tammy’s petite style?  We asked her to pick out some of her faves on Workchic.com! 

Nygard Collection Petites Printed Smocked Silk Blouse

Nygard Collection Petites Button-Front Cardigan

Calvin Klein Petites Belted Dress

Citizens of Humanity Dita Petite Bootcut Jeans
Burberry Murphy Small shopper tote
Ciao Bella Lita

Gap Button Petite Roll up T

 
Gap Petite Khaki pencil skirt
Banana Republic Petite denim jacket
Banana Republic Petite ruffle-placket cardigan

Thanks Tammy for participating in our Steal Her Style segment!  We can’t wait to read more Petite fashion advice on http://tjpetite.com!