Classic will always be in style as in this Classic Wool-Blend Blazer with a sophisticated style and needed warmth during the cooler weather months.  Every working woman should have a go-to blazer, and this blazer is a steal at the price of only $59.99.  Bonus!  Available in 7 colors (also in petite, tall & women).  You might want to get a couple of colors at this bargain price.  From Chadwicks.

Hi, Do you have any summer ideas for my working wardrobe?  I live in South America, it is so hot here.  Thanks.

As most of us are enjoying newly colored leaves and cooler temperatures here in North America, there are parts of the world living in the midst of heat right now.  Living in a hot climate calls for a certain office attire that is much more ideal for the heat rather than heavy suits that some of us are accustomed to wearing.  Here are a few key basics to keep your look feeling cool and polished at work.  Oh, and do not skip on your sunscreen!

• Airy Blouse – Breezy, sheer tops are perfect to wear on hot days at the office – just be sure to layer underneath.  We favor fluid chiffon or silk blouses.  It’s feels like you are wearing almost nothing.  Get it in several colors and prints to rotate though the summer.

• Peplum Top – Peplum tops have struck the right chord with us here at WorkChic.  The elegant yet flirty shape creates a fabulous work look when worn with pencil skirts or pants.  Even sleeveless styles can be quite sophisticated.

• Wedge Sandals – Keep your feet comfortable and breathable without sacrificing style.  So no excuse for flip flops or thong sandals.  We prefer walkable wedges that lengthen the legs as well.

• Pleated Skirt – Think ventilation!  A pleated skirt in an ultra-forgiving silhouette and bright color will give you the summery feel without resorting to short skirts.

• Lightweight Cardigan – Sweltering outdoor temperatures usually mean of course it will be freezing indoors.  A light cardigan is not only great for layering for warmth but added modesty as well.

• Cropped Pants – The key is in the material.  Look for pants in breathable fabrics such as linen or a cotton blend.

• Sunglasses – This obvious choice as an essential.  Add that sassy finishing touch while out & about during lunch and off work functions.  The bigger the better in our minds.

We also had a reader from Australia wanting to know where she can shop for low-budget apparel especially dresses.  Miller is one of the super affordable shops based out of Australia offering affordable tops, skirts and dresses online to accommodate the local warm weather right now.

Do you have questions or requests regarding workwear?  Simply email us here!

Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting things about the nights drawing in is the knowledge that it’s time to choose your autumn and winter wardrobe for work.  It’s an ideal opportunity to refresh your workwear collection and to update your personal look at the same time.  Don’t worry though, the colder months don’t mean hiding away in long trousers during the working day.  Dresses are major news this season, and there are hundreds of pretty styles available.  So, here are five tips to help you work your way fashionably through the coming months.

Think Skater Dress
There are some very pretty little dresses around which take their inspiration from a variety of dancers ranging from ballet dancers through to ice dancers.  This doesn’t necessarily mean turning up at the office in a tutu (unless you dance for a living) but rather working in a subtle dancer theme.

For example, you could go for a skater dress, complete with flirty skirt and ruched jersey sleeves.  Or, you could go for a more moderate fit and flare dress which gives just a hint of skater skirt.  And if you want to be really subtle, choose a dress with a ditzy ballet dancer motif.

Think Classy
Colors that are easy on the eye work well and offer a streamlined look.  Wearing a powerful black dress alongside subtle accessories gives a formal and professional look.  Dressing classy provides great first impressions particularly when meeting clients.  The fall AW 2012 dresses collection at ASOS can help bring your wardrobe into the new season.

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One of the fashion highlights from Kate Middleton has to be when she stepped out in this Erdem lace dress.  She always seems to pull a regal yet elegant style together to perfection, outfit after outfit.  It’s no surprise why Kate topped Vanity Fair’s best dressed list for the third year in a row.  As usual, the $2000+ dress was sold out in a matter of days after being seen on the princess.

We stumbled upon this dazzling lace dress in a similar contrasting dark blue and white – for only $44.99!   The clean sheath silhouette adds a sophisticated style.

Lace dresses are typically worn as evening wear, but this beautiful dress goes well beyond dinner parties.  With the right accessories, it can easily work for off-site business meetings or even a day at the office.  Give the dress a work-appropriate look with a black blazer, patent nude pumps and a pair of colorful studs.

For you curvy ladies, ASOS has a lace midi dress in a very similar style as seen on Kate Middleton.  How gorgeous!  Accentuate your waist by cinching with a skinny belt.

I made a quick visit to the mall yesterday.  A bright yellow top display instantly drew me into shop at Loft.  Now I know one more way to style a similar yellow top that I have – with a contrasting print skirt!  The biggest advantage of conventional shopping is that you can get the items faster compared to ordering online (where you have to wait for shipping) and of course the ability to try before you buy.  Yet, I still prefer online shopping, browsing through gazillions of shops in the comfort of my home, at ANY TIME, comparing prices and reviews to find the best deals available. Plus, more and more shops make the return process a breeze.

Here are some of my favorite picks from Loft.  A couple of the pieces are not available online, get to your local store to see if they have your size left.  Also take advantage of these promos being offered right now!

Limited Time Only! Shop 50% off Select Full Price Styles; No code needed
Get it Now! $30 off all Full Price Dresses! No code needed
Shop Now! 40% off Already Reduced Styles! No code needed

yellow top (similar) + zebra print skirt + necklace

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