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Thank you very much for this blog. You do not understand how helpful it is to someone with NO fashion sense a.k.a. me.
I have one question…
My boyfriend and I are in an argument over what is best to care on your arm for the financial industry. purse vs. briefcase vs. gear bag.
Please keep in mind that I carry both a book and calculator in my purse.
I saw your article on what is a good summer purse and I love it, but is a purse the best choice or should I go more for a briefcase?
Thanks you so much!
Recently I made the decision to move from a high-paying position to lower-paying but more personally satisfying career, which still requires professional, tasteful clothes. I’ll still be making a decent salary, but will not necessarily have $300 to drop on a pair of shoes or $400 on a suit. Problem is, the transition is coming just when my suit wardrobe could use a serious refresher– any ideas on less expensive suit basics, preferably well under $100 a piece?
By the way, one issue I have is that I wear a small size (usually a 2) so sometimes department stores are not the easiest places to shop, especially in the lesser-expensive areas of the store.
I am attending the annual banquet for Law Review and will be sitting with one of the firms I am clerking for this summer. The invitation says cocktail attire and I have a good feel for what that is. However, my question is whether or not that changes since this is a somewhat work related function. Should I avoid strapless? Should I avoid dresses that are too flouncy or feminine? I have several basic black dress options, but need to know which one to choose.
Contrasting examples:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18470&Ne=10&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_180&N=1200396+4294967286&Nty=1&categoryId=180&colorFamily=Black&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16810&Ne=10&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_180&N=1200396+4294967286&Nty=1&categoryId=180&colorFamily=Black&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
I am in my second year at a firm in NYC and I have some orthopedic issues that prevent me from wearing high heels (or even the shortest of heel). Due to the same issue, I prefer shoes that offer as much ankle “support” as possible are ideal (if it were up to me, I’d wear sneakers all the time). I have a simple, comfortable pair of inexpensive black flats that I have worn every day at work for the past year, and I really need to fix this situation! I know there are a lot of people out there who don’t like heels, so it would be great if you could offer a few examples of comfortable flats that are appropriate for work (bonus points for budget options!). Thank you!
Hello! Love the blog! Might want to let your readers know about an AMAZING sale going on at Banana Republic outlets. I walked into the BR outlet near me on Saturday and the sale was buy 3 or more items get 50% off everything. Plus if you spend more than $100 and sign up for their credit card you get an additional 25% off.
I spent $250.00 and saved almost $400!
Your blog is a life saver and I enjoy reading it.
I am in the process of losing weight–60 pounds total, lost 20 so far. I find that my old clothes, while not horrible, are baggy and unflattering. I could really use suggestions for “transition-wear,” basic items that can tide me over until I get to the goal weight (and the task of finding a new look and new clothes for a new body). I also welcome suggestions for how to adapt old clothes–other than the Beverly Hillbillies cinching of pants with piece of rope.
Thanks!
I really enjoy your blog and am happy to have found it!
Question: I bought a suit online at jcrew 18 months ago. Since then, I have gained 10 pounds and I need to buy a larger size. I tried to have my pants taken out, but was told there wasn’t enough fabric. Is there any place I can go, other than ebay, to find matching bottoms to suits from past seasons?
Thanks!
Hi guys. Back again. The last time I asked you a question your answer brought me so many good ideas I just have to try again. Now my issue is hair. My problem is that my hair is starting to verge on old lady hair. But I remember when I was younger really struggling with how to have hair I liked for weekends and still worked in the office. Any chance you guys would be willing to profile some good executive woman hair? For women in their 20′s, 30′s, 40′s and, gasp, 50′s? And some product/technique reviews?
http://amidlifeofprivilege.blogspot.com/2009/04/old-lady-hair.html
As a final year law student about to start a graduate position, I love your blog and have found many of the posts extremely useful. I was wondering whether you could an article on office-appropriate perfume, with names of ones you would suggest?
Thanks!
Could you do a post on make up for the office? I’m just about to graduate, and really don’t wear any make up at all unless I’m going to a reasonably fancy event. Will I stick out as weird at a firm without any? If I need some, what are the basics and the best way to wear them?
I’m currently finishing my 1L year and have a question regarding interview outfits for 2L associate interviewing (my first interview day is August 7th!). I have a black pant suit, but am wondering what is appropriate for DC/NYC in August? Could I wear a shift & a cardigan? Always a suit? Is there any way to avoid wearing something beige?
I love your blog! I used many of your posts last summer as a law clerk. I’ve been a for student so long that I’m clueless about work attire. Navigating female law firm attire was more difficult and stressful than my first year exams! Your blog helped me feel confident and focus on my work, instead of worrying about what I was wearing. Thanks!
Here’s my question: I am supposed to submit a picture for the firm to put up on its website. I’m mortified. I hate having my photo taken. And it doesn’t help that there are blogs out there that devote serious time to making fun of lawyer photos. I’m thinking about having my portrait taken by a professional. Any advice? I’m thinking a black suit, light colored top, with pears.
I mentioned you on the WSJ Juggle Blog today. http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/05/06/too-sexy-for-work-getting-your-children-to-dress-appropriately/
Its a post directly relevant to this blog.
Could you do a post on suggested clothing to wear under a graduation gown? Obviously want something nice, professional, and also cool since the weather will be warm.
I am wondering about wearing wool blend suits in the summer. I have some great suits and a fairly nice wardrobe for fall, winter and spring. As the days get warmer I don’t particularly feel like wearing the same things I wore in the winter.
Today it is 80 outside and I am wearing a black wool gabardine blazer from Land’s End. http://www.landsend.com/pp/2buttonWoolBlendGabardineBlazer~176389_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BLA&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000562&origin=index I think these are meant to be “all season” wool jackets but I’m not sure.
I work as the CFO of a community hospital where 90% of the staff wear scrubs. While I do wear a jacket everyday it is a bit more casual environment than when I worked in a large audit firm.
Hi Corporette!
I started reading your blog a few months ago and I love it!
I was hoping you could give me some advice. I just finished my first year of law school and though I am working for a public interest organization this summer where the dress code is “casual”, I will be interviewing with firms in August for my 2L summer. I have VERY long, unruly (hits well below my hips) that I don’t want to cut, but I have no idea how to wear it so that it looks professional. My go-to hairstyle for when I need to keep my mane restrained and off my face is tight, french-braided pigtails. Can I get away with pigtails in a professional setting, or are they too young? Generally, how would you recommend professional women wear long hair? What styles are ok?
Hi, AMK:
I used to have long hair, too, and I really hated cutting it. However, I have to say it looks much better now. I still wear it below my shoulders, but it’s cut in a soft “V” shape so it’s longer in the back. I straighten it with a round brush and hairdryer, then set it in hot rollers for a polished look. Needless to say, I don’t have time to wash it every day, but they say it’s not good to wash it every day, anyway. Good luck!
Hi Corporette,
I just recently found your blog and have been really enjoying reading all the advice-filled posts!
I’ve spent the past three years in graduate school and my wardrobe is casual but stylish. At times I’ve had to dress more formally but those occasions have been admittedly pretty rare. I’m in the process of applying for jobs in the government sector and have just bought my first suit!
My question is about what kind of bag I should bring along to an interview. I have a closet full of purses – some designer, some not. Mainly in bright colors and patterns and of all shapes and sizes. The closest I have to a “briefcase” is my large black longchamp le pliage that I use almost daily for transporting school supplies and books. But I’m not sure that’s the look I want for an interview. I also have a small kate spade shoulder bag in black but I’m not sure if I need to be carrying a briefcase or leather tote. I’d rather not break the bank before getting a job but I’d like to look polished (and at least a little stylish) for first impressions.
So please – any advice you or your readers can provide wrt interview bag etiquette is much appreciated!!
thanks to the semi-annual sale, i’ve had a pair of http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3013402/0~2376778~2372808~2372940~2372941?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2372941&P=2 put on hold to try on. they are still ridiculously expensive, but they always have caught my eye when in the store so i figured it would try them. anyway, the real question is can/may i wear these to the (west coast, big firm) office? how?? or am i dreaming? thoughts?
oops, i left out the key detail re: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3013402/0~2376778~2372808~2372940~2372941?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2372941&P=2.
i like the red pair. *gulp*
you just got a shout out by the 7th circuit on the wsj law blog!
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/05/21/illinois-judges-to-attorneys-lets-spiff-it-up-a-bit-shall-we/
Power dressing comes from the right choice of colors, styling and fit. (not necessarily the most expensive).Your image represents who you are and where you want to go.Your appearance speaks to the world even before you say a word. Accessories bring every outfit together and can up date any look. A conservative suit can be made a little bit more edgy and modern with the right choice of shoes, belt, bag and eyeglasses. An outdated pair of eyeglasses serves as a constant reminder that you are not up to date in style and lack focus on details. (which can be interpreted by an employer as an indication of your performance in the workplace)Your glasses should be current in styling, free of scratches, clean and straight. It is the most noticable accessory you will buy and the one to most drastically change your whole appearance!
Hi, I recently discovered your blog and find it wonderfully useful. Thanks! Or, that is, I suppose it would be more useful for me if I still lived in the US. I’m currently a Europe-based academic and need to build up my professional wardrobe for job talks and conferences. Do you know of any comparable blogs or good sites for fashion deals in the UK or continental Europe? Thanks.
Dear Corporette,
I am about to start my first job working in DC. I know from previous internships that DC gets blazing hot in the summer, especially for those of us who use public transportation to commute, so I purchased a Theory brown linen suit to add to my work wardrobe. Do you have any advice about wearing linen? Is it OK that it can look rumpled? Thanks!
I’ve been looking for a magazine that focuses on women’s work fashion — or even INCLUDES women’s work fashion — for some time. I think your blog fits the bill for me, and it gives me a daily fix! Thank you so much. (And thanks, Judge Lefkov!)
Hi Corporette!
I’ve really enjoyed reading some great tips here. Thank you for the useful information! Although I know that this site is more fashion-oriented (clothing, accessories, etc.), I do have a question in the general beauty department. If I (a rising senior in college) will be interning this summer at a place where jeans are allowed, is it appropriate to wear nail polish that is bright (fuchsia, hot pink etc.), or should I stick with more neutral colors (pale cappuccino, beige)? I would really love some advice. Thank you!
After reading your post about button-down shirts, I realized that you referred to any tailored shirt as a “button-down”, when the term “button-down” actually refers to a particular type of casual collar where buttons literally hold the collar points down. This style was started by polo players earlier last century to keep their collars from flying up while they played.
Button-down shirts are considered casual, and not usually appropriate for a conservative office environment. I’m a tailor and dressmaker who is designing a women’s line of custom shirts for The Custom Shop Clothiers. I’ll let you know when we launch!
I just found your site and absolutely love it.
I searched high and low (spent hours) for a cute, yet professional work/laptop bag. (I hate the boring black ones everyone carries.) I finally found great ones at Theresa Kathryn — http://www.theresakathryn.com
You may want to share these with your readers. They are fabulous and gorgeous, and are great for carrying folders, papers, phones, ipods — and a laptop!
I would like to echo the earlier request for advice on wearing brightly colored nail polish in the office and whether it is appropriate on finger nails and/or toe nails
Corporette:
I love reading your site, but I have to respectfully disagree with today’s TPS recommendation. Have you looked at the Drippy jacket on Free People’s website? It is a glorified sweatshirt, and certainly not appropriate attire at my office (which isn’t even that conservative).
Also, I ordered your recently-recommended Albert Nipon pique dress and jacket. Have you seen this recommendation in person? It is bulky (like a quilt) and the already off-black cotton fabric is sure to look faded and washed out after one or two launderings. Sure, it looks fantastic on the NM model, but even in a size 8, I felt like a padded lump.
I understand you have limited resources in making your recommendations, but I don’t think I will be acting on any of them for a while (but I will continue to read & enjoy your otherwise spot-on site).
I just do not look good in pastels, except for white and light blue. What do I wear in the summer, so I am not wearing the same color shirt all the time? Can I go with the brighter, jewel tones that look really good on me? Shopping is out of course this time of year, all the stores only have their summer stock which is all pastel.
Hi!
I heard that white blazers are very versatile for work, so I purchased one from Banana Republic:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=40924&vid=1&pid=646188
But I was having trouble matching it up with other clothes (shirts, pants, skirts), because it’s such a stark white, and I can’t really wear white shirts underneath it. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Hey C,
I’m a rising 3L currently working in a government office. I’ve got a question for you that occurred to me this morning as I was getting dressed. It’s come up a few times sporadically in other threads, but I think it might be worth its own discussion. Tucked or un-tucked? I’m a little uncertain what types of shirts/outfits require a shirt being tucked in. Any help from your fabulous readers is appreciated!
Hello hello!
Help! I am constantly searching for two things: a navy suit and a chocolate brown suit (all pieces). I see black and gray suits everywhere, but no navy or chocolate. Where in the world are they? I have separates that would look sooo much better (light pink with the brown, for example) with these, plus I feel so boring walking around in the same ol’ thing.
Oh I should also mention: I’m on the younger side so I’d prefer not to drop a lot of dough…. any ideas?
I’m wondering if there is any “rule” about the length of a skirt, specifically how short is too short. I have a printed summer dress that I’d like to top with a black blazer and wear to work (not on days I go to court), but it hits above my knee by a couple inches. Is this appropriate? As one of two women attorneys (out of 9 attorneys), I want to be especially careful to be professional, but I also want to have a little fun! (I’m only 30.)
I have also been wondering about another lawyer in town who almost always wears knee-high black heeled boots with her suits in all seasons. This has always struck me as a bit too, too…if you know what I mean. What do you think?
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