2018 Update: We still stand by this advice on whether you can wear cold shoulder tops to the office (and do NOT miss the comments from readers) — you may also want to check out our suggestions for wardrobe essentials for work, or take our free work outfit challenge with four weeks’ of work outfit … Read More about Cold Shoulder Tops… and the Office
Style vs. Trend vs. Frump (Or, How to Cultivate Style)
There were a few intriguing comments in Friday’s open thread about brooches and whether they were in style, with some readers even suggesting it might be a matter of age. To me, though, this kind of comes down to style versus trend — and I thought it might make an interesting discussion here. After all, don’t … Read More about Style vs. Trend vs. Frump (Or, How to Cultivate Style)
2016 Trends: What WON’T You Wear to Work?
I’ve noticed a few trends that seem to be EVERYWHERE of late, and I thought we’d discuss, if only because so many of them seem inappropriate for officewear — I’d love to hear your thoughts. What trends WON’T you wear to work? Every office is different, of course — know yours! — but it’s always … Read More about 2016 Trends: What WON’T You Wear to Work?
Wearing Fun Glasses at Work
Do you wear “fun glasses” to the office, either as a hipster statement or geek chic? Would you consider a bright and wacky pair of glasses for work, or do you try to stick to brown, gray, or metal frames? Do you judge colleagues if they’re obviously wearing Warby Parkers or “cool kid” glasses? Some readers used … Read More about Wearing Fun Glasses at Work
Hated Workwear Design Details: Exposed Zippers, Shiny Fabric, Sharkbites, and More!
2019 Update: This is still a fun discussion on hated workwear design details of 2015 — but if you want to see our current thoughts on design mistakes for workwear, click here! We haven’t talked about design no-nos for workwear in far too long — so I thought today it might be a fun open thread. … Read More about Hated Workwear Design Details: Exposed Zippers, Shiny Fabric, Sharkbites, and More!
The Next Step: Upgrading Weekend Clothes
2018 Update: We still stand by these thoughts on upgrading weekend clothes — you may also want to check out our new series on weekend wear, including the most-loved denim. Welcome to what is probably our final “next step” feature, where we explore how to take the next step up in work clothes, office heels, stylish work … Read More about The Next Step: Upgrading Weekend Clothes
Where Did You Get That? How to Track Down a Mystery Piece of Clothing Without Asking
Have you ever seen a random stranger wearing something — shoes, a coat, a blouse — that you really, really love but have no idea where to buy? Sure, you could try to ask her where she got it, but what if you don’t want to yell across the subway platform, or you don’t have time — or you just … Read More about Where Did You Get That? How to Track Down a Mystery Piece of Clothing Without Asking
When Is It Time to Stop Wearing Tights and Boots?
2017 Update: We still stand by this advice on when is it time to stop wearing tights to work — links have also been updated below. You may also want to check out our most recent roundup of Sleek Strappy Pumps for the Office if you are searching for the perfect shoes to wear with … Read More about When Is It Time to Stop Wearing Tights and Boots?
Trends and the Conservative Office
2016 Update: We still stand by the general advice in this article — but you may also want to check out our latest discussion on trends to NOT wear to work. What trends can a younger woman safely wear to work? You don’t want to dress too “old” — but you also doesn’t want to appear too trendy and/or in … Read More about Trends and the Conservative Office
Are Crossbody Bags Professional?
Are crossbody bags professional? Could you wear one to a business lunch, or a networking event? Reader C wonders… Is a crossbody bag considered professional? I’m tired of carrying a ton of bags to work (briefcase, pump, lunch bag, and purse) and am trying to downsize my handbag. I’m considering purchasing the Lo & Sons … Read More about Are Crossbody Bags Professional?
Weekend Open Thread
Something on your mind? Chat about it here. The cut-out bootie has been a trend for a while, and I finally am ready to take the plunge — they seem like a chic, but comfortable way, to run errands on the weekend in ankle-length pants (and even floaty dresses and, when the time comes, shorts)(!). Personally I’ve … Read More about Weekend Open Thread
Are Midi Rings Appropriate for the Office?
Midi rings at the office: yea or nay? In terms of the bigger picture, how do you know whether to try out a fashion trend at the office? What makes certain jewelry or accessories too trendy or unprofessional for work? Reader J wonders: I normally don’t wear any rings other than my wedding bands but I recently bought some … Read More about Are Midi Rings Appropriate for the Office?
