You can add a fresh look to your business suits with colorful blouses and unique patterns. For the warmer months, we recommend sleeveless shells or short and cap sleeve blouses. They eliminate bulk and with the right styling still look professional under your suit jacket.

A customer favorite, this Banana Republic Silk pleated bib top is easy and comfortable with a knit body. Since it is constructed in a more casual fabric, we recommend layering it under a suit jacket you can button for meetings. The silk neckline will stand out under your blazer. Banana Republic Watercolor print tank is more versatile in a soft print and neutral color palette.  It is also available in Tulle Pink if you would like to add a soft touch of color.

Elementz Top, Sleeveless Pleated Mockneck from Macy’s has a conservative neckline allowing for a more punched up color. This style also comes in a vibrant chartreuse. When wearing a blouse with a more voluminous neckline, like this Alfani Top, Printed Silk Cowl Neck Shell, pair it with a jacket you prefer to wear open.

Ruffle Panel Front Top from The Limited combines both pattern and unique styling.  We would wear a blouse like this under a tan, white, or black suit. In a more contemporary office, add a bit of shine with this Romantic Ruffle Top.

In buttercup stretch georgette this sleeveless button-front blouse has a tie at the ruffled neckline. We love how chic it looks tucked into a high waist skirt. By adding a blazer, Antonio Melani “Baylee” Blouse is office ready.  Also found at Dillard’s, Antonio Melani “Jackson” Blouse layers beautifully with Spring’s neutral shades.

By adding a touch of color or subtle print to your suits they will feel fresh for the office. Sleeveless styles can also be layered under cardigans for more casual days. We have a large selection of Workchic Tops available on our site. If you work in a more conservative office select one element to accent. The more contemporary your office environment the more you can play with color and patterns. Use your judgment to select the perfect blouse to update your professional suits. If you have questions about identifying your environment, send us an email info@workchic.com, or leave a comment below. Remember, business does not have to be boring. Add your personal style and give your professional look confidence!

If you have the luxury of a corner office, you should have the wardrobe to match. If you’re still striving for that big promotion, start dressing the part now! Today we are going to look at Spring jackets perfect for mixing and matching into business professional outfits. Since we know office environments can vary from classic and conservative to trendy and fashion conscience, we are going to look at a variety of jackets.

In a conservative office or industry, find subtle details that interest you in classic silhouettes. Here we feature a Stand Collar One Button Jacket in a classic charcoal hue. A light grey color is a more subtle for Spring.  This Two Button Jacket With Triangle Side Seams is updated with a double collar and slanted pockets.

Contemporary styles move away from classic silhouettes but fashion details remain tailored. This Zip Front Blazer plays on the safari jacket trend for Spring.  Linen Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket stays professional in mink brown.

Pattern and texture add another level to contemporary styles. Black & White Embroidered Matka Jacket plays on plaid and polka dot allowing you to mix patterns in one simple piece. Pair this with a solid blouse for the office.  Boucle is back for Spring in fresh colors like the warm ochre blended with soft yellow in this Baroness Tweed Jewel Neck Jacket from Jones New York.

While we are suggesting these jackets for business offices, they can easily be mixed and matched with skirts or chinos for both business casual and casual outfits. Try wearing a boucle jacket with dark wash denim and a subtle graphic tee to update your Casual Friday look. Happy Shopping!

   

When buying a business suit it is important to find a style that fits you. If you are petite you want to give the illusion of a long and lean silhouette. If you are curvy you want to work with your curves to accentuate them in an appropriate way. We have tips to help you make sure your next suit fits right.

Petite Business Suit by Workchic featuring J Crew

If you have a small and petite frame a pinstripe suit will elongate your look.  You can go with one or two button blazers but find a style with princess seams. These allow for easier tailoring to shape the jacket to your body. Trousers should be a slim fit with a straight or narrow leg. Sharp oxfords continue the long line. We went with a simple v-neck tee and made this chic tapestry necklace from JaLa Designs the focal point.

Business Suit for Busty Frame by Workchic featuring DKNY

If you are more curvy or busty, double breasted blazers help keep your look buttoned up and professional. We paired it with a pencil skirt to add more femininity. This jacket also has seeming to counture your waist into the skirt.  A printed blouse will pop underneath a buttoned up blazer.  Highlight the look with two toned earrings from Twisted Silver. We also found some bracelets with this effect. The rest of the accessories are simple and chic in black.

Long and Lean Business Suit by Workchic featuring J Crew

If you have a long and lean silhouette, brake up the line with darker trousers. We also went with a peplum jacket for soft curves. Three quarter sleeves means you don’t have to worry about the length. We paired the wide leg pants with a pointed toe ballet flat. To pop this outfit we selected a plum blouse and matching bracelets.

We’ve shown you navy pinstripes, black double breasted, and khaki peplum jacketed suits. Each style has it’s own unique details to help you look taller, slimmer, or softer and more feminine.  Dress your unique frame with the style that will accentuate your assets while maintaining your professional image. Then visit your tailor to make sure the fit is perfect!

We have more business suits available in different sizes through out our site. You can also visit our recommended tailor list to find a qualified seamstress in your area. Remember if the suit fits… buy it!

Summer does not make wearing suits a whole lot of fun. Unfortunatly most days this is your required ensemble. Don’t worry cooler fall temps are right around the corner; but for now we need to get you into Workchic Summer suits. Lawyers, legal aids, and even judges are required to keep a business professional demeanor in and out of the courtroom.

When you think of wool, you usually think winter. Wool is a natural fiber and will breathe better then synthetics in hot temperatures. Plus it will keep you comfortable if you are in a room with heavy air conditioning.  Look for suits in light weight wool for the summer months.  This style from Charles Tyrwhitt has a traditional pinstripe on light grey. The pants are only lined to the knee for added breath-ability.  Soft Pink gives some subtle color to a grey suit. This style from Thomas Pink has three quarter sleeves so that it is still professional if you take off your jacket, yet cooler with it on.  We finished the look with an Anne Klein pointed toe pump and simple silver jewelery.

Light Grey Stripe Lightweight Wool Trouser
Light Grey Stripe Lightweight Wool Jacket
Pink Strada Plain Women's 3/4 Length Sleeve Shirt
Women’s shoes: AK Anne Klein Christa – Black leather
Sterling Silver Fancy Oval Links Necklace – 17
Kenneth Cole New York KC4497 (Women’s) – Stainless Steel/Natural

Another great fabric in the summer is cotton. Again this is a natural fiber. Most styles that you find will be blended to improve the structure and hand of the garment. The style we found at Banana Republic is Cotton/Rayon/Spandex.  We like the moonlight shade as opposed to white or khaki. Offsetting the light color with a deep plum blouse gives the suit dimension.  We kept the belt and shoes in neutral shades and picked the plum back up in a structured tapestry tote for holding important paperwork.

Women: Sleek flap-pocket blazer – Moonlight
Women: 718 Martin sleek straight pant – Moonlight
Women: Linen/cotton embroidered blouse – Black raspberry
Women’s Merona Trouser Buckle Belt – Tan
Bandolino Women’s Jaelle Detailed Sling
Women’s handbags: 7 For All Mankind Malabo Tote – Berry

If you have any casual days in the office, this probably actually means business casual. We still would not pull out blue jeans. Try a nice pencil skirt and ruffled blouse instead.  This skirt has a sophisticated herringbone pattern. To give the neutral outfit some personal style we added a satchel with woven salmon sides and multi colored clover bracelet.

Antonio Melani “Ramsey” Pencil Skirt
ABS by Allen Schwartz Ruffled Blouse

Charles By Charles David Women’s Pompadour Pump
Women’s handbags: 7 For All Mankind Leather Link Satchel – salmon/khaki
Liz Claiborne New York Wide Bangle Bracelet

Liz Claiborne New York Interlock Earrings

Working in a law firm and looking Workchic, no problem! You have all the tools you need to dress to impress this summer. Remember natural fibers will be more comfortable and keep you cool in heated situations.

Recently we overheard a conversation of someone saying they had to run to an interview right after work and didn’t have time to change.  Now depending on what your current job uniform is, this could be a devastating situation. We wanted to give you a few tips on perfecting the quick change. Whether you have to run out during lunch or before or after a long day at the grindstone follow these steps to perfect your last moment interview look.

If your office is casual or business casual and you are planning on interviewing, start dressing up more now. Small subtle changes to your work wardrobe over a couple of weeks will be less obvious then walking in with a suit on the day of your big interview.  Also, you don’t need to go with a traditional matching suit. Instead try a combo like shown below to make your look less interview obvious. It will play double duty by helping you look professional and more memorable since you’ll stand out from the crowd.

We started with a slate colored pant and added a light grey blazer to keep the styling professional.  This blouse will make your look business casual without the jacket and add personality under the jacket during your interview.  Keep accessories to a minimum since this outfit already has enough going on.  Take off the jacket when you get to the office and leave it on your chair. If you drive to work, you can even leave it hanging in your car. This way you really avoid the office scrutiny. These pieces can be found at BananaRepublic.com, click on the images to learn more.

If your current job requires a uniform, our best advice is to bring a change of clothes. Don’t underestimate the first impression- dress to impress. If this is just not feasible, try these tricks.  Many uniform pants are black, navy, or khaki. Trade in your standard casual style for a pair of trousers. Let a friend know what your up to so you can avoid any messy jobs for the day.  Also wear a nicer pair of shoes.  If you can prepare yourself this far you will only need to change tops and add a jacket before heading out the door.  Depending on your uniform requirements you may even be able to use this trick for your blouse too. If anyone asks why you are so dressed up, shrug and say laundry day.  Here are some of our easy care suggestions.

This cotton twill suit is easy to care for yet still professional. These styles were found at oldnavy.com, click on images for more info. Hopefully you can wear this white blouse during the day too. Then you just slip into your jacket and off to your interview in sophisticated style.

The job market is tough right now, don’t let your hectic schedule get in the way of your professional appearance. Follow our tricks to make sure you show up dressed to impress!

We know the last few months have been exhausting for you, and we have given you a slight pass on your work wardrobe. But the rush is over and it’s time to get back to your professional image.  We also understand that your office may be more conservative then most but that you still want to be fashionable.  These looks will help you rediscover your professional, feminine, and chic financial style.

Business Professional offices are more prevalent in your field then others. Instead of going with a basic suit we selected separates and put together your own chic suit.  This jacket has nice details and a crisp look. We paired it with basic black trousers. We would generally wear the jacket closed to keep it more professional. We like the idea of a little color popping out around the neckline, so we found a light weight knit top to wear underneath.  Play up the black grosgrain details on the jacket with a black pearl necklace and ring. Finish the look with a low heeled sling back pumps. This style has a unique woven detail at the toe.

Alex Marie “Tasha” Jacket, $139

Ellen Tracy “Linda” Doubleweave Pants, $278

Women: Women’s Slub-Knit Puff-Sleeve Tees – Bright Coral, $14.50
Lauren Ralph Lauren 14mm Pearl Necklace, $58

Dillard´s Sterling Collection Pearl Ring, $36

Matisse Women’s Slice Slingback Pump, Originally $95.95, currently on sale for $42.

Our second look is for business casual offices. We started with a pleated skirt in a sophisticated print and paired it with a button down ruffled blouse.  Tuck the blouse in and belt the look.  We went with a dark brown belt and wedges.  Then added a navy satchel and sand colored watch. So, while you are stepping out a little in a printed skirt, all the other pieces keep the look toned down and professional. 

Dana Buchman Pleated Silk Skirt, Original price $56, currently on sale for $28
City Style Shadow Stripe Ruffle Shirt, Original price $36.95, on sale for $22.17
City Style Wide Buckle Belt, $19.95
Nine West Women’s Tuffy Tailored Wedge, $78.95, current sale price $59.57
DKNY Chronograph Watch, $165

MAXX NEW YORK Babbo Tote, $136.40

We hope this inspires you to reach a little deeper into your closet tomorrow and start doing some Spring shopping.  For more business casual skirts, in petite, tall and plus sizes, check out our Apparel & Skirt section.  Your our hard working financial advisor and times are tough right now. Make sure your associates and customers know you mean business as soon as you walk in the door. Showing yourself in this professional and chic light will build their confidence and trust in your advice.

Tell us how you plan to keep it Workchic, and send any work style questions to info@workchic.com.

Our friends at Polyvore have already covered work-wear for apples, boyish, and pear shapes. We are jumping in to help with hourglass figures.  Your friends are probably jealous of your figure, but when getting dressed for work it may be easy to stumble. We want to show you how to keep the sexy secretary at bay and play up your polished professional look.

Hourglass-Business Casual Office by Workchic featuring Dorothy Perkins cardigans

For a Business Casual office, go with a printed A-line skirt. We selected a knit top with a ribbed waistband so it will accentuate your smallest part. Both the drapey cardigan and skirt will float away from your body.  The necklace should hit above the neckline of your top.  This combination is sweet and sophisticated all at once. You will be ready for any event thrown your way since this outfit creates such a balanced look.

Hourglass-Business Office by Workchic featuring K Karl Lagerfeld jackets

For a Business Professional office, keep the garments simple and play with accessories. This dress is perfect for your hourglass figure, the pleats along the skirt will provide a softening effect and the jacket keeps things all business. The simple nature is begging for a statement necklace. Depending on your office environment, pick the shoes that will work best for you.

Hourglass-Casual Office by Workchic featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs clutches

For a casual day at the office, try wide leg trouser jeans and a loose printed blouse. Tuck in the blouse and add a belt for a polished look.  Also plan on wearing a cami underneath this light weight fabric.  We paired it with fun aqua and green accessories to bring out the colors in the print. 

Learning how to dress your figure will move you in the right direction to polishing your professional image. Remember that every body type is different, a tailor will always be your best friend!  Here are a few more blouses perfect for your figure and the office.

Reading our favorite magazines over the past couple of weeks we have noticed the editors focusing more on work apparel then usual. Personally we are excited about this, but not about the reasons behind it. Obviously the current state of the economy has changed our views and buying habits substantially. Those of us that have jobs are taking extra measures to keep them and those without are putting all their resources into finding one.  This means more then a good work ethic and a polished resume, this also means looking our best.

Here at Workchic it’s always our mission to have you looking professional, feminine, and chic everyday.  We want you to be able to utilize the pieces in your closet and make key seasonal updates to put your best foot forward.  Over the last few months we have paid extra attention to interview outfits and basics.  We share this mission on Twitter and Facebook and have also had the opportunity to share it on site’s such at Shop It To Me, Marie Claire, and Polyvore.  We know you are carefully deciding where to spend your tax returns and how to improve your professional image.  Today we wanted to remind you we are here to help. Please send us any work wardrobe questions to info@workchic.com or connect with us on our social networks. 

Make sure you are dressed to impress for that next meeting. A blazer can go a long way to polish off your look.  If your office is business casual or casual and you feel over-dressed in a jacket, wear it into the office and then leave it on your chair during the day.  Then just slip it on as you head in to pitch your big cost savings plan to the president.

Another tip we have is regarding shoes.  Sometimes we select an ok shoe due to the weather or how far we have to walk.  Don’t look like you gave up half way down.  Throw a pair of shoes in that giant tote and change when you get into the office.  This may seem like a no brainer when it comes to rain boots, but maybe you have been testing the waters with your weekend skimmers or fashion sneakers.  Complete your look! Remember this is about putting your best foot, or stiletto, forward!

As always we have many more tips to come.  Keep your heads up ladies and promote yourself with a chic and polished professional image.  We would love to hear what you are doing to step it up around the office! Please add a comment.

Do you work in legal, finance, or anther conservative environment?  If so, your interview suit needs to be more traditional.  A couple of weeks ago we discussed interviewing for positions in creative and retail atmospheres where your outfit can be more trendy.  Today we are going to cover interview suits and professional looks suitable for these more conservative offices.  We also have a Q&A with Debra Snider author of A Merger of Equals to help you handle the tough questions during the interview process.

For business professional go with a traditional suit, pinstripe or solid.  If you have a shorter frame a one button may be best, otherwise we recommend a 2-3 button jacket.  The extra buttons will stabilize the jacket and keep it in place.  Keep in mind a tailor is your best friend with a new suit.  Many times you need to do more then sleeve and pant hems. Look for suits with princess seams so that it can easily be tailored to your unique body shape.  Check out our Tailor List to find someone in your area.  Some classic suit colors include black, navy, and charcoal gray.  Since we are going into the warmer months you can also look at taupe and medium grey.  Feel free to wear pants or skirts, it’s about what you are most comfortable in. Though if you go with skirts, nylons are a must for interviews in this environment.

 

At Brooks Brothers we found a nice black wide stripe option available in regular and petite sizes.  If you will not be wearing suits to work everyday, purchasing one jacket with two different bottoms is nice.  It will be easier to pick accessories for one suit option and varied bottoms will be great once you get on the job.  The blazer will still be available on days with big meetings.  We are going full on classic with this option, add a textured white blouse, and mid-heel alligator pump.  Stick with simple and sophisticated jewelry, stud earrings and a watch are perfect. For a little added personality try a gold necklace with delicate beads.

At Banana Republic we found a coal suit, this shade is often more flattering then true black.  The collection is available in petite and tall with many bottom options including straight leg pants and a universally flattering A-line skirt.  With suits we are recommending a sophisticated shell with simple printed pattern.  We recommend tucking it in and adding a classic belt.  A medium sized shoulder bag just large enough to hold your resume is the perfect last minute accessory.  Not that anything should be last minute about your interview suit.  Remember this is your chance to make a lasting first impression.

In the last few weeks, many of you who didn’t already know about, probably learned of Twitter.  It was mentioned on The View, The Daily Show, and many news station after The President’s Speech.  For us, Twitter has been come a great resource in helping us expand our network of Savvy Women.  That’s where we met Debra Snider.  She has years of experience in legal and financial markets, but her true love is helping to give women the tools to succeed.  You can learn more about Debra here.  We of course had some more pressing questions to ask here.

1. What is a typical outfit in your industry?
   There is not so much a typical outfit as an overall polished and professional look.  Women who want to be taken seriously and to succeed in more conservative work environments like the finance and legal worlds must take care to dress like serious, capable experts and not like they’re heading out to bars or picnics.  Women are lucky to have a lot more flexibility than their male counterparts where dressing appropriately is concerned.  There’s no need to be boring or unimaginative, but we do need to recognize the lesson inherent in the “classic suit, long-sleeved shirt, and tie” uniform traditionally required of men.  We, too, want our appearance to convey our intelligence, our professional standing, our dedication to our work, and our understanding of the rules of the game.  Natural fabrics, well-made clothes that fit properly, and high-quality shoes and accessories are essential.  With this guidance in mind, suits work, separates work, dresses work, even skirts or pants and sweaters work.
    

2. Do you have a go to suit for interviews or meetings?
   I once did – it was a gorgeous navy blue Armani pantsuit.  I felt like a million bucks in it, and that feeling always carried over into the interview or meeting.  At one point, though, I realized that the suit was great not only in and of itself, but because it was easy to wear, comfortable, always appropriate, and a color and style I looked great in.  It suddenly occurred to me that getting dressed would be a lot simpler if ALL my clothes met those standards.  Bit by bit, I weeded out of my wardrobe all the complexity (blouses that never quite felt right, uncomfortable shoes, overly trendy items, etc.), all the “seen better days” clothes, all the pieces and outfits that didn’t make me feel stylish, well-dressed, comfortable and self-assured the minute I put them on.  Once that was done, I could wear pretty much anything in my closet to pretty much any interview or meeting with confidence.
    

3. What inspired you to put together your set of professional questions and answers?
   I enjoyed a very successful business career, and I have a passion for helping other women to see that it is both possible and incredibly rewarding to succeed – as a woman – in the business world.  I believe the world needs women among its leaders in every arena, and I want to continue to help open the doors and give women the tools they need to understand the rules of the game and play to win, all while suiting themselves and leading balanced lives.  It’s not necessary to deny who we are to succeed; our differences are competitive advantages, not disadvantages.  These beliefs inspired not only my own career, but also my novel, my business books, my Q&A and all the other career resources on my website.

View Debra’s Q&A now.  Some of our favorite questions include; answering pre-interview questions about your salary expectations, posting resumes blindly, how to follow up on job applications, and how to communicate enthusiasm for a job during an interview without sounding silly or obsequious.  Also here are your connections for Workchic and Debra Snider on Twitter.

 

 

If the office you’re interviewing at is a business casual environment you do not necessarily have to wear a full suit.  We do still recommend a blazer though.  Try this combination from Dillard’s.  Double notched blazer is updated and will look very polished with sleek black pants.  Add a button down blouse in a light sherbet shade.  It will add color without overtaking your outfit.  Pair with simple cuff earrings, a chic watch, and pumps with a little added personality.

These three looks should get you ready for your interviews in conservative office environments.  Plus Debra’s sage advice will help prepare you for the tough questions.  To see more business looks visit our outfits section or sort any of our Apparel by Business.  Good Luck from Workchic.com!

At some point we all have to go on interviews, today both of us had the joyful experience.  Don’t worry, we are still dedicated to Workchic.com.  We just also have “real” jobs for the time being.  Melissa and I both work in the fashion industry in NYC.  This translates to a lot of black clothing.  Check out what we wore to our interviews today.

   

Melissa’s position was more senior level on the business end of things.  She opted for a black suit, with a contemporary four button jacket instead of traditional blazer.  It was paired with a full black skirt hitting at the knee, black opaque tights, and for a kicker ballet flats in a black and white pattern.  The look was professional without coming across to serious.

I on the other hand work as a freelance designer and was going for a graphic design gig.  In our industry this means denim friendly.  I wore dark wash jeans and paired them with a black tee and cardigan.  This set a basic palette to build on.  For graphic impact I went with a red beaded necklace and red stilettos.  The intermixing of patent leather and suede, showcased my keen eye before I ever set my portfolio on the table.  While these bold pieces are important I completed the look with a black belt, watch, and simple barrette. 

A lot of time and conversation is given to traditional suits when interviewing.  We wanted to show you ways to look younger and more comfortable in a suit.  But also, that a suit is not right for every position.  There are even instances where denim is the way to go.

Let’s break down the business, business casual, and casual interview look for marketing yourself to a less conservative employer.  These may be positions in marketing, advertising, design, entertainment, or fashion.  Make sure you understand your potential employers aesthetic before deciding on your wardrobe.

“Business Attire Required”


Women: Cotton mandarin-collar jacket – Sisal, on sale for $89.99
Alex Marie “Danielle” Dress, $129

Women’s shoes: Bandolino Bariah – croissant-gold, $70
*Splurge* Women’s handbags: Linea Pelle Dylan Zip Tote – Leaf
Barse Rectangular Earrings, $50



The jacket is the center of this business outfit, wear it closed for optimal affect. Wearing a dress underneath will be less bulky and leave you feeling more comfortable during the interview. Keep the shoes neutral, wear nylons, then pop the look with green accessories.

Business Casual Office Environment

Women: Hip slung linen flare leg pants – navy combo, $54.50
round neck cardigan, $69.50
Fossil Graphic Tee – Staring at the Sun – Color: Silver – WC7694040 $24
Diego di Lucca Women’s Ladonna Flat, $111.90
Floral Bangle, $4
B. MAKOWSKY Grab Bags Draw X Body, $94.90
The cardigan is key to making this look work for business casual.  Partially button it so the graphic tee is peeking out, not the main focus of the outfit.  These dress pants are a dark navy, but you could also pull it together with trousers already in your work wardrobe.

Casual Spring & Summer Interview

Henna Sweet N Low Jeans, $115

Women: Women’s Sheer Cotton Shirts – Lavender Gingham, $19.50
Women: Women’s Lace Jersey-Knit Camis – Bright White, $10
Women: Wide oval-buckle belt – Chalk, $49
Moda Spana Women’s Illiac Slingback, $87.95
Barse Lime Turquoise Necklace, $79
This look is for an extremely casual interview.  Would be great for a boutique sales job or summer internship.  Use the belt at your true waist to cinch the blouse and get this look right.

Remember these outfits are not appropriate for interviews in more conservative offices such as finance or legal aid.  We’ll bring you those looks in another post.  Today we wanted you to see that you can look pulled together and still have a fresh and trendy image.  Depending on the company and interviewer, this image can be as important as your resume and portfolio.  Good Luck in all your interviews!