I have received some fantastic questions in the last few months from people wanting to know more about me and the site. Here is a Q&A that provides some insight on how I look at fashion and some thoughts on how to dress for work.
What made you decide to get involved with Workchic? How long have you been interested in fashion?
I started several fashion blogs a few years ago and my latest venture is Workchic.com. My goal with Workchic is to help women look good, feel good, and boost their overall confidence in the workplace by providing them with sound advice and access to the best work attire all on one website.
I’ve been interested in fashion since my early teenage years. I spent every dime of my allowance each month on clothes and fashion magazines as my interest continued to grow. So in 2007 I decided to follow my passion and began writing and blogging about fashion full-time.
In what industry do you currently work? What is the office attire like?
I currently work for myself running WorkChic and several other fashion blogs from my home office. I did however work in an office setting for several years. Even though I primarily perform my day-to-day activities from home I refuse to work in my robe or sweats. I avoid looking sloppy at all costs in order to put myself in the right mindset to start off my day.
What do you think is the most important thing people should know about dressing for work?
How you dress speaks volumes especially at work. You are not only dressing for yourself but what you represent at work and your career as a whole. I believe if you are passionate about your job you should be passionate about your appearance as well. Surveys have shown there is a direct correlation between promotions and dress style of employee’s, meaning more earning potential for those that place emphasis on looking sharp and dressing professionally.
Why do you think people usually sacrifice style in the working world? How and why should they be convinced to do otherwise?
Two of the main reasons I believe are time constraints and the “comfort factor” as I like to call it. You can still look pulled together and professional without sacrificing comfort. All you need is a little extra planning time to make a world of difference. Workchic is a great resource for ideas and the best place to have your work fashion questions answered.
Your job might be repetitive and mundane but your style doesn’t have to be.
Get out of your comfort zone and experiment! Women often underestimate their full potential in terms of their style – something as simple as a new haircut or slight makeup change can boost your self-esteem and motivation. Have fun with accessories, it’s an easy way to spruce up neutral basics by adding a colorful handbag or embellished shoes.
What do you think are the most necessary parts of a working person’s wardrobe? Where are your favorite places to purchase work wear?
I love polyester dress pants that are super versatile and ultra comfortable. They provide a polished look for work yet are so easy to wear. Stock them in different colors to wear with blouses or button shirts. Also, one should invest in a quality handbag that is timeless and practical.
For suits, Jones of New York, Nordstrom, and Macy’s all have nice inventories and offer frequent sales. I also love to shop at Asos and Yoox for their variety of chic collections including skirts, tops, and dresses. For vintage fans, ModCloth is the place to shop. I have found some lovely designer accessories at amazing prices from ideeli as well.
What makes an ideal interview outfit?
Your goal should be to make a lasting first impression. What you wear and how you wear it really make a difference. Not all job settings require business attire but one should still dress up and look polished for the interview unless told otherwise. An ideal interview outfit for an office setting would be a structured dress with a smooth line for a look that’s sharp yet feminine. Put on a tailored blazer and complete the outfit with a briefcase and solid color pumps.
Skip the perfume or cologne and do not over-accessorize.
Let your personality shine instead of your jewelry. Last but not least, watch your posture. Stand tall with absolute confidence!
