We can never have enough layering tops to wear to work.  We love the draped top for its dressy appeal and the sleeveless design makes it easy to layer underneath. Spectacular worn alone or fabulous under a cardigan or blazer.  For an office-smart look, pair it with a pencil skirt and pointy-toe pumps.

Diane von Furstenberg Rina Sleeveless Blouse
Halogen Sleeveless Drape Neck Top (in 7 colors!)
Splendid Draped cotton-blend jersey T-shirt
JNY Floral Sleeveless Drape Shell (50% off sale!)
Marni Printed cotton top (70% off sale!)

What is the shortest skirt length that is appropriate for a 48 year old designer to wear to see clients in?

First, always consider the dress code at your work place.  You should project a professional image that is relevant to your career field.

Whether you are in your 20′s or 50′s, one can wear short skirts to the office (or out meeting clients) but it really all depends on how to pull it off without looking as if you are heading to a club or on a date.  But how short is too short?  A few inches above the knee with no more than 3 – 4 inches.

Think simple & elegant when wearing shorter lengths.  Go with a more conservative top and accessories to bring out the corporate appeal.  Pencil skirts or sheath dresses are fail-proof.  Especially when worn with tights as they automatically give you more coverage.  Below are good examples of wearing shorter skirts or a short dress to work.

stylejoos, botte, marieclaire

Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid anything too short or too tight in the corporate world.  However, I’d rather wear a short mini skirt and stilettos any day than show up in sloppy t-shirt and flip flops (those unsightly toes) to work.  You can manage to have your LBD as office-ready but the latter, has no hope.

More Theory…

A classic shirtdress is a perfect addition to your workwear lineup and really is an absolute must for a professional wardrobe.  One doesn’t have to fuss about putting a complete outfit together when you slip on a shirtdress.  It can easily go from casual to dressy for work and beyond depending on the accessories.  Wear alone in spring/summer and it’s just as fabulous layered under a blazer or coat in fall/winter.  There are plenty of wonderful shirtdresses available from shops like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Asos that will fit your style needs and personal taste.

We were swooned by this Navy Button-Through Shirtdress by Jason Wu.  The slightly flared skirt contrasts the tailored top beautifully, in an irresistible navy hue.  This flattering silhouette will look chic on just about anyone by emphasizing the waist and hiding problem areas.  Cinch with a belt for a dressier look.

Although the dress was love at first sight, the price is not so.  Regardless of the designer brand, shelling out $835 for a dress is a bit surreal (not a wedding dress, a shirtdress!).  We had to find a budget-friendly yet similar version since most of us can’t afford Jason Wu.

Rest assured, there is the Roma Shirtdress by T-Tahari.  Again, the flared skirt is forgiving while the sleek top gives the dress an elegant look.  We couldn’t help but notice how clean the dress is, perhaps because there are no buttons or a collar.  All you need is a pair of pumps to rock this dress!  Available for $128 at Norstrom or Macy’s.

More Options

More J.Crew…

Can you believe it’s already June?  The scorching heat has arrived for many states even before summer officially began.  As temperatures are boiling in the 90′s, just thinking of putting on a suit and leather pumps will make you cringe.  In fact, ditching the workwear entirely would be ideal by showing up to work in tanks, cutoffs, and flip-flops.  Well, that wouldn’t be so professional right?  Downright sloppy!  Regardless of the season or weather, it is important to dress in the proper work attire to represent your professionalism (unless you have no dress code).  Here are some chic, lovely options to keep you looking and feeling cool at the work and other summer occasions/outings as well.  For those that work in sub zero offices, always have a couple of lightweight layering pieces just in case.

Sophisticated dresses are a workwear essential.  We like the flattering silhouette and light feel of these three dresses.

left, center, right

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Pretty in pastels.  Today’s feature is the perfect office look for spring weather.  The best way to wear pastels is to incorporate one or two pieces at a time instead of full on head-to-toe or you’ll look like Easter eggs.  It’s time to nix the dark, heavy makeup but rather give your face a refreshing pastel treatment.  Subtle pastel makeup gives you a light yet sophisticated look.

DVF Acanthi-Print Blouse
Drew Sateen Flare Pant
Isola Odema Pumps
Blu Bijoux Faux-Pearl Drop Bracelet
MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton East/West Satchel
Bobbi Brown Blush
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF 15
Pur Minerals Eye Shadow Cream Quad

We are crazy about Jason Wu’s White Silk-Bow Top below.  The dotted black/white bow adds a chic accent to a clean white top.  Although, the price tag of $525 is more than hard to digest.

All you need is a white button-up top and polka dot scarf to create .  A scarf is a smart & easy accessory that will spruce up your look.  They are incredibly versatile and will bring to life even the most bland outfit.  We encourage you to own several scarves in different patterns and colors for a ton of different style options.   Bow tie a scarf around the neck for an elegant look that is office-perfect. (continue reading this article…)

A few days ago I was watching the news and one of the anchors was wearing a gorgeous blue button shirt.  The way she styled her look with a blue shirt and khaki suit, it was so clean and refreshing. So, I thought why not feature blue button shirts as part of the Frugal Wednesday feature?  Here is a nice selection all for $50 or less, click images to purchase.

More Victoria’s Secret…

How is everyone this Monday morning?  For those of us on the east coast it’s been a very cold and snowy holiday.  We have enjoyed it a great deal although for us there was no travel during the last few days so we were able to really soak it all in.  We wanted to let everyone know about a slew of new post-holiday sales going on right now.  From jewelry to outerwear, business suits to beautiful party dresses, there is something out there for just about everyone and you better believe it is on sale!

Stella & Dot – Get stylish faves at up to 60% off original prices at Stella & Dot’s post holiday sale!

Rachel Roy – Rachel Roy: Enjoy 30% Off All Sale Merchandise! Shop now through January 31, 2011 11:59 pm ET. Discount reflected at checkout.

Jones New York – Jones New York: Save up to 80% with an additional 30% off sale items. Shop now through January 9th!

Anne Klein – Anne Klein Semi-Annual Sale: Savings Up to 75%! Shop now through January 9, 2011 11:59 pm ET! Discount reflected at checkout.

Vera Bradley – Winter Sale: Save 40% on Select Colors only at verabradley.com!

Arden B. – 50% Off Party Dresses from Arden B + $6 2nd Day Shipping

Lord & Taylor – 60% Off Fall Coats for Her- 2-Day After Christmas Special

Lord & Taylor – Extra 50% Off Already-Reduced Sportswear for Her

Torrid – 50% Off Clearance Items at Torrid.com! 12/25/10 – 1/1/11

Express – 40% off Women’s Outerwear

Shoes.com – Receive additional 25% off Sale at Shoes.com with 25SALE.

Lane Bryant – End of Season Sale – Save Up to 60% Off

Saks – saks.com Post Christmas Sale: We’ve taken up to 60% off designer selections. Shop now and get free shipping on all orders over $200

APART – 25% OFF Jackets at APART

OneStopPlus – Receive $20 off $50+, $25 off $75+, $30 off $100+ with code OSPCOUPON2

Cj by Cookie Johnson – Shop The Cj By Cookie Johnson Sale Section & Save Up To 50% + Free Shipping!

Metrostyle – Get 40% off your first order when you sign-up to receive emails from metrostyle

Our favorite shopping day of the year has finally arrived.  That’s right, it’s Cyber Monday!  There are so many deals out there that we simply had to share them with you.  This is the best time to buy outerwear, trousers, blazers, suits, dresses, shoes…you name it really.  So here you have it. We’ve also included deals on cosmetics, bath & body products and jewelry too. Have fun today!

Apart Style< – $75 off any order of $150 or more at APART! Shop Now. Use Code: 75CYBER150

The Limited – Cyber Monday – 40% off site-wide plus free shipping on all orders!

Saks – The perfect solution to a holiday hangover: Cyber Monday Designer Sale. Up to 40% off the latest styles. Shop now at saks.com!

New York & Co. – Everything 50% off + Free Ship to your purchase! Enter 2757 at the checkout valid on 11/29

Shoes.com – CYBER MONDAY ONLY: Enter CYBER and Save 20% off Sitewide + Free Shipping.

Piperlime – Cyber Monday Sale! Get 20% off all Piperlime merchandise! Enter coupon code LUCKY20.

Rachel Roy – Rachel Roy: TODAY ONLY! $50 Off $150 or More + Free Shipping on Everything!

Lord & Taylor – Cyber Monday -25% Off Site Wide with promo code CYBER [VALID 11/29 ONLY]

OneStopPlus – CyberMonday_ Today Only – 30% off + Free Shipping with $75 purchase with code OSPCYBER

Hobo bags – Cyber Monday Only: 20% Off Holiday Handbags!

Cj by Cookie Johnson – CyberMonday_Take 30% Off All Full Price Items_Use Code CJCYBER30

Yoox – Up to 40% off + Free Shipping on all orders on yoox.com today only!

The Body Shop – Cyber Monday Offer: 3 for $30 Sitewide Plus Free Shipping at TheBodyShop.com! Offer valid 6pm ET 11.28.10 – 11.29.10.

Stella & Dot – Cyber Monday Special! Get a complimentary ring from Stella & Dot.

Sephora - Free Shipping on all orders over $25 at Sephora.com (Valid 11/27 – 11/29). Use code SHIPNOW at checkout.

philosophy – cyber monday & tuesday: free gift valued at $100 with $85 purchase! use code ‘sparkleandjoy’ today!

My Jewelry Box – Cyber Monday Sale! Save 25% + Free Shipping on Jewelry at MyJewelryBox.com! Coupon Code: CYBER25

Torrid – Cyber Monday: Get 25% off Everything! Online Only

ULTA – CYBER MONDAY ONLY – Pick 1 of 3 travel bags and get 12 free samples with $35 purchase

Ellington Handbags – 20% Off All Handbags and Travel Accessories with Promo Code: MERRY10

Fashion Bug – Entire site 30% off + Free shipping – 11/29 only!

Catherines – CYBER MONDAY ONE DAY SALE: 40% off the entire site!

Lane Bryant – 11/29: First Day of Christmas – BOGO Free Sitewide + Free Shipping on all orders

Roamans – CyberMonday_FREE Shipping on orders $25 or more with promo code RDFree25

Naturalizer – Cyber Monday Sale: 20% off + Free Shipping. *Discount reflected at checkout.

Newport News – Save 30% off orders $100 or more! Use code 524

Spiegel – Save 30% off orders $100 or more! Use code 390

Scarpasa – One Day Only! 11/29/10 – 65% Off Sitewide Sale From Scarpasa.com! Use Promotional Code: Monday2010.

Palm Beach Jewelry – Get 25% OFF + Free Shipping On ALL Orders From PalmBeachJewelry.com! Offer valid 11/26/10 – 11/30/10

GoJane – Cyber Monday Only! 32% OFF Entire Site. Use Coupon Code: janecyber32.

Macy’s – Cyber Monday Specials + Free Every Day Shipping Sitewide with $75 Purchase at macys.com! Use promo Code CYBER at checkout. Valid 11-28-2010 through 11-29-2010

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!