This week we received a timely question about dresses for the office. Katie asked the following:

“I keep seeing some really cute summer dresses but many I have come across are strapless. Can I wear these to work?”

Well Katie, our gut reaction is no you shouldn’t bear that much skin in the office. But there are ways to make some strapless dresses appropriate. First let’s take a glimpse at styles that we recommend you avoid.

This long floral maxi dress, should remain at the beach. It’s fun for the weekends, but not for the office. Anything with a smocked or elasticized bodice, both in a dress or top, is not ideal for the workplace. The styling lacks the structure needed for a professional look.

To take strapless dresses to the office look for structure, fabric, and then add layers. For example this printed Sleek Strapless Dress from The Limited has a fitted bodice, is fully lined, and then accessorized with a belt.  The print is trend right in a graphic pattern. Take the look to the office with a Bow Sleeve Jacket.  You can wear the belt over or under the short sleeve blazer.

Another option is Banana Republic Linen chevron dress. This style is also structured with a simple silhouette and flattering darts. We would layer a lightweight cardigan over the soft watercolor print. The Banana Republic Long sleeve silk-back cardigan is a mix of soft and shine with the cotton front and silk back. It will take you from the office to dinner in style.

Remember it’s all in the details. Finish these looks with flattering necklaces and more conservative pumps. The skirt length should also be just above the knee.  By mixing in layers, selecting structured silhouettes, and adding the right details your strapless dresses can be office appropriate.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this summer trend. If you have a question for the Workchic team, send it to info@workchic.com.

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When we first saw the photos from the 2010 Fall collection for the BCBG Max Azria, Jennifer and I both blurted -Where is the color?  But then we quickly realized that the pieces in the collection were very versatile and could easily transition from season to season.  It was all about draping, colorblocking and layering.  It was very realistic and recession friendly given the state of our economy.

Here are some of the looks we were coveting from the collection. All images are courtesy of Style.com.

 Is it separates or a dress? We love how this outfit keeps you guessing.  We also love how these pieces mix and match.  We would probably suggest black opaque tights rather than white.

We love this casual look with asymmetrical layers and black trousers.

 We love how the layers in the outfits above can easily be translated to a dress, skirt, and even denim! 

You don’t have to wait until Fall to find office friendly looks from BCBG Max Azria.  We found some great options for Spring right here on Workchic.com!

Stay tuned to see how we translate the Fall 2010 runway trends to office friendly looks!

Over the last couple of months we have talked about updating your basics and building a solid foundation for your work wardrobe. With the holidays upon us, we are going to give you a break for a couple of weeks. First, we want to look back at the five key pieces we have updated and put together a few more chic outfits with fun accessories.

LBD too Red by Workchic featuring Banana Republic

We showed you the black wrap dress and rounded toe pumps previously. Add some color with a Second Base demi-cami in a vibrant scarlet that’s carried into the earrings. The crystal rings in this bracelet from Heart’s Desire will pull any color in the rainbow. Let it play red today and look brand new tomorrow against something blue. Together these pieces will update your classic LBD and make it seasonally fresh.

Basics Combine by Workchic featuring Banana Republic

Our second look contains a blouse, skirt, cardigan, and ballet flats we’ve shown you before. But did you ever think about putting them together? Don’t worry, we did it for you. Then warmed it up with a colorful scarf from Silk Road Spirit. Together or separate these pieces are classically feminine and chic.

Did you miss any of the fun. You can go back and check out our post on Cardigans, Skirts, Black Shoes, White Blouses, or Classic LBD’s at any time. After the holidays we will return with tailored blazers, black trousers, and more key items to round out your perfect, professional wardrobe. 

We use Polyvore to help us organize these looks to share with you. You can check out more of our Polyvore outfits and start creating some of your own by visiting Polyvore.com today!

We were very excited to learn about this collection of Demi-Camis.They are perfect for layering under a low cut blouse or sweater. Now you can find them on Workchic.com!

These were designed to help keep you covered up and looking professional and come in many colors. Wear them over your bra and under any tops that are more revealing then is appropriate for the office.  

To learn more about these demi-camis, we spoke to Jennie Horn the creator of Second Base. She shared with us what inspired her creation and some chic styling tips.

1) What inspired you to create Second Base Camis?
The idea hit me when working as an interior decorator in Chicago. I wanted to look professional, but still wear the latest dresses. Kimono and v-neck empire dresses were everywhere, and I had no choice but to wear a cami under everything. I was frustrated that the ones I wore always rolled up, or just added bulk and bunching to my waistline.

2) How do you wear them?
I usually wear them under dresses, but sometimes if I have a low cut shirt and don’t want a long cami peeking out the bottom, my demi-camis are perfect. Right now I’m being careful about spending, so for me it’s a great way to add a punch of color to a dress I may be tired of, and make it seem brand new. Scarlet is really hot right now, and violet is also a great choice to update dresses you already have.

3) That’s a great tip, share a few more of your favorite items to wear them under?
Sometimes I find that a strappy dress can use a little help from the Meredith style, which has wide straps to cover your bra. Some of us must always wear a bra (which I hope we’re all doing at work), and a skinny strap won’t cut it. Best of all, it lets you re-purpose a flirty nighttime piece and wear it during the day. It’s all about making your existing wardrobe more versatile.

4) We’ve all had a shirt we thought was work appropriate, but at some point through the day we look down and realize we are exposing more then we intended. Do you have any tricks to spot the less obvious offenders?
That’s so funny you mention it, because I was JUST saying that to someone about the wrap dress. You put it on, and it’s in the right spot, but throughout the day it “settles.” Next thing you know, your bra is showing where you thought you were covered. With Second Base, you will still look fantastic in your wrap dress, and avoid the wardrobe malfunction!

We consider these a basic, and you should too. Shop for your favorite styling to compliment the items in your wardrobe. Remember to keep an eye out for those styles that settle throughout the day, and wear a demi-cami to prevent any inappropriate skin in the office. Remove extra bulk from your Workchic style and pick up a Second Base Demi-Cami today!

This time of year we need all the layering pieces we can get and cardigans are no exception. They are a key work wardrobe basic that can be worn with just about anything. We even keep one at the office so that we can still look Workchic when we are chilly. Unfortunately the one we keep on our chair does not usually hold up as long. Before we go any further, take a look at yours and make sure it’s still in professional shape! Now you can also inventory your closet when you get home. We recommend seeing what color cardigans you have and how they mix and match into your wardrobe. Then fill in the blanks.  We found some styles to help you get started.

On a budget- We shopped Charlotte Russe, Embroidered Cardigan for $24.99, and Old Navy, Satin-Trim Cardigans – Goodnight Nora for $29.50 available in regular, petite, and tall sizes. We also found Women’s Plus: Women’s Plus Scoop-Neck Cardigans – Black Jack for $32.50.

For classics to last you years- We shopped Banana Republic and found Women: Italian merino cardigan – Autumn burgundyfor $69.50, available in regular, tall, petite sizes, and many colors. From Dillards Lauren by Ralph Lauren Supima Cardigan for $99.50.  Then we went to CJBanks and selected a Plus Size Cable Cardigan for $39.50.

Cashmere Blends- We searched ShopBop.com and found Marc by Marc Jacobs Tabitha Cashmere Cardigan and Rag & Bone Honeycomb Cardigan also 100% Cashmere.  From the Lane Bryant Icon Collection, cashmere cardigan with subtle metallic highlights.

Now that you’re ready to buy a new cardigan, or two, we want to make sure you know how to wear them. We created three outfits on Polyvore to show you how.  Learn to layer with business casual style and Shop and Save today!

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Everywhere you turn, plaid shirts are making a come back. Buffalo style flannels are topping the list, but plaids in all shapes and sizes are resurfacing. How can you translate this look into your fall work wardrobe? We looked for styles with more feminine silhouettes and recommend layering so they are not the focal point of your look.

Some styles like Charlotte Russe Plaid Ruffle Blouse or Banana Republic Women: Long-sleeve plaid ruffle shirt – Carob chip will look great on there own.  You can work these in with your denim on casual days or dress them up with a skirt for business casual.

For a more sophisticated take on plaid try  Women: Cap-sleeve printed top – Sidewalk gray or Jessica Howard Belted Dress. Each of these styles still clearly have a plaid pattern but the overall effect is more subtle.

When it comes to layering you have two choices. Either make a plaid jacket the focal point with something simple underneath or use a cardigan to play down a bold plaid shirt. Portrait-Collar Plaid Jacket will get all the attention over simple black trousers. A Mike & Chris Joplin Plaid Button Down Shirt with Tie will layer nicely under a Women: Italian merino cardigan – Dark blue. Either options will leave you looking Workchic!

You can embrace plaid within your work wardrobe. We hope this encourages you take the plunge.  If you have questions about incorporating a trend into your work wardrobe, email us info@workchic.com.

Having a few White Blouses in your wardrobe is very important. They can easily be layered under blazers or sweaters and also look polished by themselves.  Considered a basic item in your work wardrobe, a crisp white button down, can be a go-to item when you are not sure what to wear for the office.  We went shopping for you and picked out a few favorites at different size ranges.

Available in regular, petite, and tall sizes; Women: White stretch fitted shirt – optic white; is available for $44 at Gap.com.

For a more fitted option, New York & Company Women’s Design House Denim Ruched White Shirt – Optic White, available in sizes XS-XL, is a nice alternative in the same price range for $44.95.

This blouse from Lane Bryant has a subtle shadow striping. Pick up Textured sateen finish shirt for $39.50.

Once you have incorporated a good basic style, try picking up a second blouse that has an extra detail you just love. Antonio Melani “Betta” Blousehas both tuxedo details and french cuffs. We found this style at Dillard’s currently on sale for $65.40.

Not sure how to put together Workchic looks with your new white blouse? We created outfits on Polyvore.com to show you how. Check out our business casual looks and learn how to adjust them to more business or casual offices as well.

Stay tuned as we continue to help you update your basics every other Monday throughout the fall complete with inspiring outfits created on Polyvore.

What a great question, layering is important when the weather turns. We also love the effect it has on your professional image. Lachelle wrote and asked; I’m looking for cardigans and jacket ideas to wear with black tops. The weather is getting cooler and I’m not sure what to pair with my black tops if I’m wearing khakis or trouser jeans.

We all probably have more black in our wardrobes then we know what to do with. Layering on colorful jackets adds a little feminine flare to an otherwise safe look.  New York & Company Women’s City Style Fringe Trim Tweed Jacket – Walnut, Cooling Cranberry is a nice mix of color grounded in taupe shades. Red is also classic with black and this Anne Klein New York Military Jacket is a nice way to update your summer looks.

Lachelle was smart to ask about cardigans as well. We will be covering some great basic cardigans in our series on updating your basics in a few weeks. Today we wanted to highlight some more unique styles.  Feminine Flounce Cardigan in Cranberry can be found at Modcloth.com.. A Tie Sweater from Charlotte Russe is very flattering and will tame looser tops.  Shades of plum and teal will look great with both denim and khaki’s.

Don’t forget to play with patterns while updating your look for fall. When you need to look more professional go with a tweed style like the Antonio Melani “Sarah” Jacket. For a more tonal but bold look, try Gianni Bini “Emilia” Knit Cardigan.

 

We hope these styles help you transition your black tops seamlessly into fall. If you have questions about your work wardrobe email them to info@workchic.com.

Fall is just around the corner and one of our favorite ways to beat the chill is jackets and scarves.  Pick out blazer silhouettes that will add to your professional image. Plus scarves do double duty and give your outfit a little personal style.

This Shrunken Blazer in gray is ultra feminine with pleated pockets and pink stitch details. We have paired it with a pink paisley scarf from The Vintage Scarf. Finish the the look with matching grey trousers or a black A-line skirt.

We are in love with the soft structure of the Gretajacket from Fossil.  Soft fleece is warm and comforting while military styling gives it an updated feel. Pair it with denim and a Reptile Chain Scarf from Sabina Les.

Our third look is a Women: Cotton motorcycle jacket – Slick rock from Banana Republic.  Accessorizing with a Batik Beaded Fringe Scarf from Silk Road Spirit will add extra interest to this style. For business casual pair it with black trousers. On more casual days at the office this style will also look chic with denim.

We know it’s still warm out now- but these scarves are super light weight and perfect accessories! Wear them now to update basic blouses and tshirts. Then as the weather starts to shift, have stylish jackets ready so you don’t miss out on any Workchic style!

We added scarves to Workchic.com from The Sabina Les Collection.  She has unique prints available in square and oblong silk scarves perfect for accessorizing your work wardrobe. To make sure you know how to wear them, she shared her top styling tips with us.

Sabina’s scarves can be worn in elegant, sporty, classic, and casual looks. It’s all about how you style them. These next few tips will have you looking professional, feminine, and chic!

This asymmetrical style looks professional with slacks and a simple top.

Step 1. Fold the 36” large square scarf in half.
Step 2. Drape the newly made triangle over shoulders hanging more on one side and loosely twist the opposite side.
Step 3. Take the end and loosely loop one over the other, make a large knot and let the remaining scarf part hang as a tie in the front.
Step 4. Adjust the scarf so one side is draped over a shoulder and the arm and the opposite twisted side has a narrower about 2” wide strap look.

Draping a scarf works for any occassion.

Step 1. Place 21” medium size square scarf right (printed) side down to make a triangle shape.
Step 2. Drape the scarf in the front and tie the ends back at the neck.

This unique twisted style adds an elegant and unexpected interest to your outfits.

Step 1. Fold 10”x60” long oblong scarf in half.
Step 2. Twist the scarf and fold it half making a loop on one side.
Step 3. Wrap it around the neck and have one end pass through the loop.
Step 4. Make a knot and loop the knot through the scarf in the front until it’s all the way up and adjust the ends as necessary.

These three style tips are a great start to help you accessorize your work wardrobe with scarves. You can shop more Sabina Les Workchic Scarves or visit her site for additional styling tips.  Have fun shopping!