A classy statement jacket.  Tuxedo style jackets or blazers were among the popular choices from the androgynous trends for the last few seasons.  They were seen on runway shows and sported by celebrities and fashionistas.  A good tailored topper is all it takes to make you feel instantly chic – tuxedo jackets are just that, even better in two-tones.

These soft tux jackets from Dorothy Perkins are no-brainers for incorporating into your workwear.  We love the refreshing two-tone colors with a less formal vibe.  The soft fabric – 100% polyester – allows for fluid movement that drapes the body beautifully.  Just as fresh cinched with a skinny belt.  Feeling comfortable and looking chic at the same time has never been easier.  In ivory/black or navy/stone.

And, these elegant nude pumps are begging to be worn with the jacket.

Add color to your work day with green trousers!  Green is having a major moment this season (along with red).  One way to incorporate this hot color trend into your workwear is with dress pants.  Darker greens are an optimal choice for apparel especially for business professionals.

Here are a few of our favorite work-chic pants in varying green hues – hunter, teal, kelly.  Wear with neutrals for a fail-proof outfit.  For a bolder look, go for fun printed tops such as stripes and polka dots.

In the world of fashion, bigger is often better and bolder is often best.  Why not incorporate the latest trends into your work wardrobe especially those who enjoy flashy styles?

Fashion loves extravagance and decadence, and with celebrity icons such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna constantly pushing the boat out with their unique and innovative style the pressure is on for the rest of us to be daring.  Having fun with colors, textures and unusual designs can be a lot of fun, but there are some essential dos and don’ts when you’re going for a bold look.

Firstly, colors are always important and should never be overlooked or seen as secondary.  Although you might want to make a big impression, choosing colors that don’t go together will just make you look silly.  You either want colors that clash (in a good way!) or you need to make sure that one color complements the other.  You should also be cautious when combining bold prints such as a leopard-print top with a floral skirt.  Items of print clothing should be paired with items of block color you can achieve a bold and outlandish look without looking like you got dressed in the dark!

Secondly, if you’re going to go with a daring piece of clothing then make sure you know how to wear it right.  Some of the most hideous trends of the past have come back into fashion with a vengeance – jumpsuits, for example, are back on trend but they have to be the right style and worn in the right way in order to work.  You don’t want to look like an aerobics instructor, or as if you’re about to jump out of a plane!  Do your research to see what’s in and what’s out, and see how your favorite celebrities or other style icons are wearing a piece before you attempt it yourself.

A great way to find bold and colorful clothes is to shop online, where you can browse through hundreds of different items quickly and easily. Scandinavian retailer Ellos has recently launched a UK website, www.ellos.co.uk, with many sophisticated items of clothing that perfectly utilize the latest trends.  Why not check out the dresses and skirts by Ellos which are going down a storm this season.  Ellos offers really minimalist, simplistic fashion, which work well in the workplace, as well as out.

photo credit: style.com

Wearing fur to work?  There is nothing wrong with adding a little drama to your usual workwear.  Blazers take up more than their fair share of your professional wardrobe, now it’s time to break out the fur to combat the chill in style!  Fur outerwear isn’t just for fancy outings anymore but rather consider it along the lines of your best friend.

Let’s take style ques from the Fall 2011 designer collections featuring various fur fashion to sneak into your work wardrobe.  Keep in mind that there are more reasons to prefer fake over real when it comes to fur – faux sure!

Fur collared coats or cardigans are your best bet to pull off at the office.  The clean line and knee-length silhouette creates an elegant look.

Another easy-to-wear fur topper is a fur vest.  This basic black fur vest will look great over a turtleneck & trousers.  Go for ones in a similar color tone to bring it all together.  It can be layered under a jacket for extra warmth.

If you are worried about donning fur outerwear all together, fear not – slip on this super cozy faux fur scarf to jazz up your whole outfit.  How about a chic blazer with a removable faux fur collar?

(continue reading this article…)

No pattern quite says luxury and sophistication as it does with quilt.  Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and Burberry have all showcased quilted patterns on their catwalks from jackets and handbags to shoes.  Our favorite is quilted boots, a major cold-weather staple!

Think quilted boots are all about donning Chanel & Dior?  Not at all!  These classic quilted tall boots, Steve Madden Reggo & Corso Como San Angelo boots are affordable treasures for under $200.  Give your workwear a luxe style this cold season by incorporating quilted boots with your outfits.

For waterproof boots, it can’t get much more chic than these Hunter Regent Savoy & Sperry Top-Sider Hingham.

Create an effortlessly-chic outfit with double-breasted jacket, slim pants, and quilted boots.

Red pants are in full swing this season as they were sported by fashion-forward celebrities and many fashionistas alike.  These red-hot trousers are perfect for work with a flattering wide-leg cut and overall sleek appeal.  Hakaan’s Olea Trousers on the left retails for $955 while the High Waist Wide Leg Ponte Knit Pants by INC International Concepts on the right retails for only $79.50.  The latter one is not only much more affordable but machine washable as well.

Red pants are not as hard to pull off as one might think.  The lovely ladies below perfected their look by pairing the bold-hued bottom with a simple button top & blouse.

glamour.com, elementsofstyleblog.com

We’d love to treat these neutrals with a punch of red – jersey shirt & oxford pumps.

More Victoria’s Secret…

Are you looking for modern yet casual pieces to add to your work wardrobe? It’s refreshing and exciting to think about wearing attire to the office that is both comfortable and professional.  Nordstrom’s “The New 9 to 5″ promotion provides pieces that are work appropriate yet geared to be comfortable for all day use. Not to mention versatility in that you can wear in casual social settings and match with a wide variety of staple pieces you probably already own.

One thing we really like about this featured promotion is that they suggest staple pieces and pull together complete outfits to fit each day of the week.  Click the picture above to scroll through the sample looks and get inspiration or even look for specific pieces that will fit into your fall wardrobe.  A couple of our favorites have to be the skinny stretch jeans and the silk bow blouse!

Feeling blue lately?  As we are transitioning from summer to fall, suede pumps are a perfect style to be enjoyed now and through cooler seasons.  We are seeing blue pumps quite often this year donned by celebrities, mostly in cobalt blues.  The vibrant hue alone will liven up just about any outfit without much effort (that’s the power of shoes!).  These versatile shoes can be worn with wide-leg pants for work or a pencil dress for evenings out.  Here are 5 fabulous pairs.

Jessica Simson Waleo

(continue reading this article…)

When it comes to dressing for the office in the summer, cardigans may not always be the first thing that comes to mind.  However, cardigans can be an essential piece for your summer work wardrobe in that they can be colorful, lightweight and fun.  Yet can still provide enough warmth and coverage for that frigid office air or possibly for an evening out after work.  Here are 3 different styles to consider when deciding on what cardigan to choose.  If you are like us you absolutely love all three styles and probably want at least one of each.

Bright and colorful cardigans for the office
(From Banana Republic, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales)

Celebrity stylist turned designer Rachel Zoe, has launched her second collection offering a contemporary and practical line with a touch of 70′s vibe – for her love of bohemian style.  The wide-leg trousers are to die for, as Rachel would say it’s ba-na-nas!  Here are our top 10 favorite looks from the collection.

(continue reading this article…)