Our How Do I Wear This series continues with the must have staple in your work wardrobe this season: The Dress!  We love how there are so many versatile dress options this Spring.  We show you how to take these trends and put your best foot forward wearing them! 

Abstract/Digital prints

Since these patterns stand out on their own it is best to balance them out with solid accessories and shoes.  The statement is being made in the print and you don’t want the rest of your outfit to fight with that print!

1.Switchback Sheath
2.Dillard’s Sensitive Skin Jet Link Bracelet
3.BCBGeneration “Betsey” Large Hobo Bag
 4.nude footwear Sunnie Day

Solids

Now is the time to play with prints or bold accessories when wearing a solid dress.  You can instantly transform a basic look into a glam work outfit in no time!

1.Ladies’ Luncheon Dress
2.Gianni Bini “Sofie” Large Satchel
3 nude footwear Vanity Fair
4.GS Lillian Floral Cuff Bracelet

Florals

Add some glam pieces like a ruffled satchel or some snakeskin pumps to this feminine print.

1.Freesia Fantasy Dress
2.Steve Madden “Rose Ruffle” Satchel

3.Kenneth Cole New York Amethyst Cluster Earrings
4.nude footwear Milan

Stay tuned for more on our How Do I Wear This series.  If you have an issue on how to wear something you may have seen online or at the store just leave a comment or send us an email at info@workchic.com!

Make a statement with Lucite jewelry this Spring whether clear or in subtle color.  These pieces can stand out on their own.  We found the following below that won’t break your budget! Just look at how Olivia Palermo layered a lucite chunky necklace with beaded bib necklace.  It brings her basic and neutral outfit to a whole new level of professional chic!  Images are courtesy of Google images.

We love how the sorbet colors will make a glamourous impact to any work wardrobe!

Kenneth Jay Lane Bead Lucite Chain
Korto Momolu Cluster Stretch Bracelet
Korto Momolu Cluster Necklace
Catherine Stein Acrylic Ribbon Necklace
Catherine Stein Shaky Earrings

Stay tuned for more Workchic Must Have Series!   If you want to suggest your wardrobe must have then leave a comment or email us at info@workchic.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Trends come and go. You don’t need to splurge on each new style to keep your work wardrobe fresh. Instead, turn to Avelle.com and borrow your favorite trend for the season. 

Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal, is home to thousands of designer handbags and accessories waiting for you to take them home for a week, a month, or a season. Once you’ve had your fun, items can be returned with no shipping charges. What happens if you fall in love with your rental? You can use rental equity to buy the style and keep it forever. There are so many ways to make Avelle work for you. You can become a member or rent as a guest, sign up for private sale alerts, or work with a personal style consultant. We love how easy it is to use Avelle!

So what trends do we recommend you borrow? Here are a few of our top picks for Spring.

Denim. We are not talking about your favorite 5 pocket jeans here. Denim will be showing up on everything from shoes to handbags and everything in between. This season test the waters in couture style. The Louis Vuitton Limited Edition XLarge Denim Hobo Handbag will make a statement with your label conscious coworkers. For a more subtle take look no further then Chanel Quilted Denim Handbag. Want the feel of denim in a more luxe fabric? Then the Valentino Histoire Pearlized Tote is perfect for you.

A Drawstring Bag has an easy feel for Spring and Summer. Since it is more casual, it’s a great place to play with color and incorporate some of the other trends such as global market inspiration, fringe, and ruffles. Isabella Fiore Blossom Hobo Handbag has a vibrant floral motif and touch of fringe on the braided tassels. Keep ruffles fresh by moving them to your handbag like on this Moschino ‘Bubble’ Ruffle Shoulder Handbag. Furla ‘Aster Metal’ Bucket Tote feels exotic with ostrich embossed leather.

The last style we would like to touch on is Vintage. While this trend is not necessarily a must for Spring, we’ve noticed it continuing to infiltrate mainstream markets. If you’re still hesitant to delve into the world of vintage, borrowing accessories is the perfect place to start. Gucci Vintage Flap Front Handbag hasa classic shape with an unexpected pop of red twill insets. Vintage jewelry will allow you to play with the trend towards oversized styles. Late 60’s Coppola e Toppo Vintage Baguette Four Row Bracelet is instant arm candy peeking out under the cuff of a blazer. While this Miraim Haskell Vintage Beaded Necklace could wake up any little black dress or basic cardigan. Each of these looks will add personal style to your work wardrobe.

Both the trend toward denim and drawstring bags can come across more casual, so keep that in mind when dressing for the office.  We hope you’ll visit Avelle.com and borrow your way to beautiful Spring style. Stay tuned as we show you more ways to get the trends right for your office this season.

Did you ever go into a store and just love the item on the hanger but put it back because you just didn’t know how to wear it or what to wear it with? This Spring season there are various trends from soft blush tones to digital prints to utilitarian chic.  We are going to take the trends from one classification and show how you can incorporate them into your work wardrobe. This week we will focus on jackets and blazers.   The three types of jackets to have in your wardrobe are tuxedo, collarless, and the boyfriend jacket.

Tuxedo Jacket

Tuxedo Jackets aren’t just for special occasions or evening attire. This classic  jacket can be worn simply with a chiffon or silk blouse. Here is an example how you can update the jacket by simply pairing it with a metallic blouse, ruffle booties, and a braided chunky bracelet. It is an instant chic work outfit that goes from the office to dinner with clients.

Satin Lapel Tuxedo Jacket
Banana Republic heritage shimmer-print blouse
Snake Braid Bracelet
BCBGirls Dania Platform Pumps

Collarless Jacket

Collarless jackets are all the rage this season.  Whether it is trimmed in chain, beading or embellished detail, the jacket looks best when paired with a simple white shirt or camisole worn underneath.  Make an impact with accessories like this statement necklace shown below.

Nygard Collection Woman Boucle Jacket
Double Button Placket Shirt
Statement Knots Necklace
Elizabeth and James Lola

Boyfriend Jacket-

This jacket was certainly a hot item last Fall but it continues to prove itself as a main staple to have in your work wardrobe regardless of the season.  Add delicate earrings or laser cutout peep toe heels for a feminine touch.

Elastic Sleeve Fitted Jacket

Pleat Neckline Tee
Fringed Interlock Earring
Bandolino Pump

Stay tuned next week when we focus on Dresses for the Workchic How to Wear it with Style Series!

Do you have an item that you didn’t buy because you didn’t know how to wear it?  We would love to hear about it!  Just email info@workchic.com or leave a comment on this post. 

Throughout fashion week we wrote alot about mixing different patterns and textures into one outfit. Today we want to show you how to make this trend work for the office. 

Monochromatic colors make mixing patterns simple. In this business casual style outfit we kept the palette to neutral shades and lavender. Together these soft tones allow a bold plaid pattern to look chic against a floral blouse. Since the pencil skirt and boyfriend cardigan are classic silhouettes, we were also able to play with ruffle accents on the blouse and t-strap pumps without overwhelming the outfit. All pieces used to create this outfit were found at Banana Republic and Dillard’s. Follow the below links to recreate this look.

Banana Republic Cotton/silk ruffle printed blouse
Antonio Melani “Berta” Skirt
Banana Republic Sweetheart exposed-seam cardi
Gianni Bini “Razzle”
Banana Republic Rose dew hinge bracelet
 

Mix Floral and Stripes for a chic and fresh business casual look. Stripes do not need to be bold- we used a classic pinstripe trouser in this example. Then we layered a vintage inspired floral tank and cardigan with rosette details along the neckline to mix both pattern and texture. The accessories are simple and sophisticated. This allows your experiment in pattern to get all the attention.  We turned to Lord & Taylor and Modcloth for the push and pull of vintage and classic happening in this look. These links will take you to each piece used to create the look.

CALVIN KLEIN Madison Pinstriped Pants
SWEATERWORKS Rosette Detail Cardigan
Morisot Top
COLE HAAN “Village Soft” North/South Satchel
ARTURO CHIANG “Driane” Peep-Toe Patent Leather Stiletto Pumps
AK ANNE KLEIN Goldtone Circle Link Stretch Bracelet
Edie Earrings in Socialite
 

Fossil.com shows us how to make bold and graphic patterns combine for a casual day in the office. Here polka dots are the focus in a yellow cardigan. Layered underneath is a simple yet graphic gingham plaid. These patterns are tied together with white so we added a white belt to compliment the look. Wearing it around your waist will slim the silhouette against flare leg denim. For a final touch we pulled a patterned crossbody bag and deep cocoa wedges.

Fossil Iris Cardigan
Fossil Lucy Shirt
Fossil Center Cording Belt
Fossil Flare Denim
Fossil Maddox Wedge Pump

When mixing patterns into one outfit the key is to watch the balance. Make sure colors play harmoniously and that silhouettes are simple. For the office, anchor your look in a classic style such as a pinstripe trouser. You’ll notice we completed each of these outfits with a cardigan. It’s a work wardrobe staple and adds a touch of professionalism by covering up bare arms. The more contemporary your office the more you can push trends in print and pattern. We encourage you to use this daring trend to showcase your personal style. Follow our tips to keep your look professional, feminine, and chic. Happy Shopping!

We often find that we may have the outfit down but forget about the coat we are wearing over the outfit.  Wearing the right coat with your outfit completes the entire package on making that lasting impression.   That is why we believe a trenchcoat is the must have basic to add into your wardrobe this Spring season.   It can easily be dressed up or down and  worn over your business suit or your favorite pair of jeans.   We are seeing lots of great options out there with utilitarian and topstitching detail. We are even loving a denim trench featured below.  Consider a light khaki color even if you normally tend to gravitate towards black.  Khaki works with all colors in your wardrobe.  Remember to look for trenches that fall right at your knee.  It is universally flattering on any silhouette.  Just at some celebs spotted in their trenchcoats courtesy of Google images.

Here are some of our must haves for the Spring season:

 
Gap trench coat-$59.99

Banana Republic Classic trenchcoat- $198.00

Banana Republic Indigo 3/4-length trenchcoat- $175.00

Banana Republic Womens Tall Classic Trenchcoat-$149.99

Stay tuned for Workchic Wardrobe must haves every Tuesday!  Happy shopping!

Get 25% of orders of $100 or more at BananaRepublic.com from 5 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST. Enter BR25AFTER5 at checkout.  Good from 2/23 5pm EST to 2/23 11:59 EST.

We hear this question often! Since we are stuck in the winter doldrums we thought we would turn our thoughts to Spring.  There are so many Spring trends this season:  warm hues, feminine florals, and innovative prints.  How can you take these trends and still look professional for your age?  We show you some examples how you can take the Print trend and translate it into age appropriate office looks.  Today we focus on the age ranges: 20, 30, & 40’s.

20’s:

Now is the time you can experiment with prints and patterns.  Try not to go overboard but have fun with it!

Thakoon Knotted T Shirt Dress
Wink Coco Skirt
Tucker Smocked Collar Blouse

30’s:

We love how you still can incorporate prints into your office wardrobe with the use of a belted or wrap dress.  We also love the printed bodice of the Rachel Roy dress on the right.  It adds just the right touch of sophistication to the dress.

Diane von Furstenberg Correa Wrap Dress
Rachel Roy Marbella Dress
Catherine Malandrino Belted Floral Dress

40’s

Purples, Blues, and warm hues make these prints age appropriate for the office.  Pair the skirt with a solid blouse or cardigan. The printed blouse can be worn with dark denim and a khaki blazer for a casual friday look.

Shoshanna Ruched Sleeve Blouse
Diane von Furstenberg Della Dress
Thakoon Pleated Skirt

See how easy that is?  We know that some trends simply cannot be for everyone but don’t let them intimidate you!  Experiment!

While cropped, short sleeve, and light weight coats may seem counter productive they can be warm and chic.  Especially this time of year, when the temperatures shift daily.  We found a few styles in punchy colors and patterns perfect for heading into the office. 

Cropped and swing jackets are ideal for layering over bulky sweaters. Floral brocade, Women’s shoes & accessories: Kensie Floral Tapestry Swing Jacket - Black mix, or wool plaid and velvet trimmed SWING COAT, feel luxurious and professional.  We also like the more tailored version in this red herringbone BB Dakota Stanwyck Coat. Black on black piecing details are fashionable and chic for the office in this Cropped leather & suede jacket.

Longer trench styling with wide three quarter sleeves are great with dresses and skirts.  Try long gloves when you wear short sleeves under these coats. Wool swing coat feels fresh in bright raspberry and over-sized Plaid Wool Coat.

For casual office outfits right through the weekend, take the bright raspberry into a bomber style coat from New York & Company Women’s Wool Blend Bomber Jacket - Green, Brown, Pink, Black.  Another options is Women’s shoes & accessories: MM Couture Red Checker Jacket - Red belted at the waist with cuffed sleeves and warm hood.

We love wearing these styles of jackets and coats before the temps drop below freezing. They’re also great to travel with when your not sure what the climate has in store. Shop now before winter hits and enjoy the bright colors and trendy patterns in a cropped coat.

A strand of pearls can add a classic touch to any work outfit.  If you want to make a jewelry investment this season, consider buying pearls that you will have in your wardrobe for a lifetime.  Whether it is a pearl necklace, earrings, or bracelet- these are items that will never go out of style.  You can see the hottest trend seen on celebrities this season are the long strands of pearls which adds instant workchic to a black dress or business suit. Images courtesy of Google images.

The name Mikimoto has become synonymous with the highest quality of pearls. Only 3-5% of all cultured pearls will carry the Mikimoto name.  We couldn’t help but salivate over the Mikimoto Pearls found at JR Dunn. Here are our favorites that will never go out of style no matter what outfit you may be wearing.

Happy Shopping! 

Oprah has a new pair of favorite jeans and she is telling everyone about them!  She recently discovered CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans on a cover shoot for her O, Oprah Magazine.  “The perfect jeans for real women with real booties.”  Both Jennifer and myself were extremely excited to hear about a new denim line for curvier silhouettes!  Here’s Oprah wearing a pair below.  Photo courtesy of Oprah.com.

The collection was created by Cookie Johnson who happens to be the wife of basketball legend, Magic Johnson.  She teamed up with Michael Glasser, who created denim lines such as Seven for all Mankind and Citizens for Humanity, to create a collection with clean lines and higher rise in the back to avoid that gaping hole syndrome that us curvy ladies all have experienced with our jeans or pants.

The collection ranges in retail price from $141 to $198 which is a bit pricey but remains competitive within the contemporary denim world. The size ranges from a 24 to 38 which translates from a size 2 to 18. 

These jeans are selling out everywhere.  You can find these jeans at Designs by Stephene.  Hurry and order now if you want November delivery! Featured from left to right:
CJ by Cookie Johnson Love Boyfriend Jeans in Twilight Vintage (Oprah’s favorite)-$196.00
CJ by Cookie Johnson Grace Bootcut Jean in Filmore-$189.00
CJ by Cookie Johnson Faith Straight Leg Jean in Rinse- $141.00

We would love to hear if you purchased a pair of the CJ by Cookie Johnson Jeans!  Are they your favorite jean?  Just reply to this post or email us at info@workchic.com. Read more about CJ by Cookie Johnson Jeans on Oprah.com.