Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
We’re loving this sheath dress from Black Halo — the high neckline, the ruched waist, the peplum, the slightly dolman-like sleeves. We even like the exposed zipper (which is less noticeable on the gray version
or the red version
if you disagree). It’s $349 at RevolveClothing.com. Black Halo Donna Sheath Dress in Black
If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail [email protected] with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you ask otherwise, we’ll refer to you by your first initial.
Cleo
This dress is just like a mullet: business in the front, party in the back!! :)
I think the zipper disqualifies it as business attire.
TX1978
ha! yes.
Anonymous
ha! awesome. totally agree. also don’t think this qualifies as a “high neckline”
Lynette
I so want to love this dress, but yes, the zipper is a bit much.
Dasha
Absolutely beautiful, and in a less conservative office, I think it’s perfectly office appropriate. And I love the zipper (even though if I saw someone wear the dress, I would have to fight the urge to pull the zipper!)
KLo
I like the dress – but I ALWAYS want to pull the exposed zipper!! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one :)
Cleo
This is a great reason for not wearing this dress to the office! The zipper even makes females think about pulling it…the last thing I would want is male co-workers or my boss thinking about de-zippering me. The zipper in my mind is kind of sexual–it’s just more subtle than 4″ red patent heels or what have you.
Sharon
That zipper is a bit much.
Honestly, I think dresses don’t project the kind of authority that jackets or suits do. This looks more go-out-to-dinner than be-at-the-office.
divaliscious11
Why do your clothes have to “project authority”? Not being snarky, but I see this over and over. Obviously we aren’t talking about inappropriate clothing, but there seems to be a line of thought that peeks in here that I really don’t understand. Its almost as if ugly or plain somehow commands authority, and anything fashionable or pretty does not (not making any comment on this particular dress as I haven’t looked at the pictures). I thought we’d moved past trying to imitate men, or using props (like the ugly string tie) and were comfortable being smart powerful women……
v
Well said!
Sharon
I think some things look more like going-out-to-dinner, and this is one of them. Not a bad thing, but just a different occasion.
Sharon
I disagree that ugly or plain connotes authority. I think that pretty and stylish can easily command authority. I just think that this particular dress is pretty-go-out-to-dinner, not pretty-authority.
In fact, I think an overly plain outfit is a really junior way of dressing, and part of what projects authority is an interesting accessory or detail (whether it’s a scarf, pin, interesting detailing or fabric, etc.).
Anne Vohl
I think an occasional dress at the office is great, but this is not it. I am a little concerned about the zipper, but more concerned about the hip drape, which shows up more in the red or gray, but I’m sure it’s there is the black, too. This will sound weird, but I think an office dress has to look expensive, and this dress is expensive but does not really show that. What does it take for a dress to look expensive? Sometimes it’s the fabric, sometimes it’s a generous cut, sometimes it’s utter simplicity or some beautiful but not tricky detail. Piping, velvet collar, tucks, that sort of thing.
Liz
I loved the look of this dress, but after checking it out on the manufacturer’s website, discovered it’s only available in a size 6 or smaller. Nuts!
mkm
Is it me or does the model look like an angry Amy Pohler from SNL?
I love the dress, but as the commenters have said, probably not for the office. Would definitely use it for one of those days when what I wear to work has to do double-duty in the evening, though.
Nicole
I agree. Angry Baby-Mama all the way.
em
Love this one! Out of my price range as a law student though.