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Wednesday’s TPS Report: AVERLY Fit-&-Flare Cap-Sleeved Dress

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. AVERLY Fit-&-Flare Cap-Sleeved DressInteresting — Lord & Taylor has a number of office appropriate dresses from a brand called Averly, which is new to us. We like this cap-sleeved dress with zipper details at the neckline and pleats at the waist — it seems like it would be great under a cardigan or a wrap, and the color is perfect for fall. It's on sale, too — was $148, now $103.60 at Lord & Taylor. AVERLY Fit-&-Flare Cap-Sleeved Dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)

Sales of note for 12.13

  • Nordstrom – Beauty deals on skincare including Charlotte Tilbury, Living Proof, Dyson, Shark Pro, and gift sets!
  • Ann Taylor – 50% off everything, including new arrivals (order via standard shipping for 12/23 expected delivery)
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 400+ styles starting at $19
  • J.Crew – Up to 60% off almost everything + free shipping (12/13 only)
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything and free shipping, no minimum
  • Macy's – $30 off every $150 beauty purchase on top brands
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off, plus free shipping on everything (and 20% off your first order)
  • Talbots – 50% off entire purchase, and free shipping on $99+

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

167 Comments

  1. Looks too short to me. Also, I would have to see the fabric in person bc it looks like it might be a little bit cheap looking.

    1. Well, too short on a model is usually just right (or even a smidge long!) on me, so it really depends what you need.

      L, who unbelievably is TALLER than both mother and sister!

    2. I, too, am not sure how this would work out in real life – pleating at the stomach, fabric, length. But it looks awesome in the picture!

    1. Pretty shoes, I like the heels! I fear the combination of the sling back and peep toes is too open for stockings though.

    2. I would think you wouldn’t want to wear them with stockings to avoid the “webbed toe” look – they seem pretty open.

    3. Open-toe is not an automatic no-no on tights & fishnets– it’s case by case. I wouldn’t usually wear ‘sandals’ with the above, the proportion of leather to skin should be heavier on the former; the barer the shoe, the more of a clash the hosiery is. This (pretty!) shoe is getting close to too bare for hosiery, to me. Separately, I would never wear ‘pantyhose’ with peeptoes, FYI. Tights, fishnets, and especially a textured or colored tight (or for the openly outre fashionable, colored or granny socks, a la the runway, crazy-on-purpose) with peeptoes look intentional and chic. Closed-toe, visible pantyhose just looks accidental and nice-church-organist-lady. Nothing to make fun of (just real life people with better things than style to think about) but nothing to emulate.

      1. This. And I think the clear heel won’t work with colored tights – not enough of a solid foundation.

      2. I’m wearing a black dress w/ them, so I was thinking black stockings… (although now I know better – thanks all!)

    4. Shayna this is a joke right? It’s hard to get sarcasm over the internet, but these have not-quite-lucite heels!

      2. No… I actually bought them. I think they’re pretty and interesting, but like everything else, it’s a matter of personal taste.

        So, yes, serious.

        1. So sorry. I really thought you were just baiting because the idea of wearing stockings and sandals with clear heels is kind of the antithesis of the style of most posters here.

          1. No… Frankly, while I find the conversations here interesting and the advice insightful, I lack the fabulous recall that many of the posters here have been blessed with, and so my question was earnest – I was leaning toward “no”, but a friend who was shopping with me when I eyeballed these shoes was insisting that they should be worn w/ dark hose – and since this is outside of my normal what-should-I-wear-today I wanted some extra opinions…

          2. @Shayna – Well I think the shoes are fine for a personal function (that wasn’t clear from your first comment and I obviously lack the fabulous recall too because I didn’t remember you had an event coming up) but I wouldn’t wear them with hose under any circumstances.

    5. I agree with Anonymous on the point regarding the obviousness of the stockings – it should look like you meant for there to be a contrast between the shoe/sandal and the stockings. I’m not sure if I’d consider these shoes work appropriate but for your personal time, go with what makes your comfortable.

      1. Definitely for personal time – I have a cocktail attire “personal” event and got these to go w/ a simple black dress

    6. There are two times it is ok to wear ANY open-toed shoe with stockings:

      1. The stockings are an opaque color (like purple, blue, green, MAYBE black) the clearly contrasts with the shoe and you are going for a “look”.

      2. You are above 65.

      If neither of those situations apply, it is NOT OK to wear stockings with open-toed shoes. EVER.

      1. 3. The office AC is ridiculously cold.

        I agree with you that it’s not an ideal look, but I get sick if I have bare legs/feet, and at the same time not wearing open-toe shoes in the summer is just too sad. I’ll just continue playing the 65-year-old lady I guess.

        1. If it’s too cold for bare legs, it’s too cold for open toes.

          I think it’s more sad to wear tights/hose with open toed shoes than to forego open toed shoes in the summer.

      2. I wear pantyhose every work day, and I wear socks with my recreational shoes. The only time I don’t wear a barrier between my feet and my shoes is when I wear flip-flops to/from my pedicure. And at home, we here in Hawaii are always barefoot. Shoes come off before you enter the house.

        I get blisters. Even with shoes I’ve worn for years. I have literal thin skin, and I can’t wear shoes without nylons. That said, there are lots of ‘barely there’ type of hose. These show skin flaws, unshaved legs, bumps, etc, but they nonetheless provide a barrier between my feet and my shoes.

        And b-t-w, as you age, your legs go with you. Nylons covers a lot of sins.

        I envy all you all who can wear these sexy great shoes without hose. I just ain’t one of them. Also, in court, where I am almost daily, I’m of a generation where it is bad form to be bare-legged.

    7. Shayna, are these for your family bar/bat mitzvah party? I like them.

      Perhaps these would work with the toe-less pantyhose, especially now that it’s fall? The toe-less pantyhose -in my opinion – work when you want a more covered leg but don’t want the “webbed toe” look. Nordy’s has a lot of dressy toe-less pantyhose, which you match to your skin tone.

      1. I’m amazed at how y’all remember details about each other’s (and my!) lives… and yes. I like that the heel is wider (read: more comfortable) than most of the spikes, and that they’re kind of interesting

        1. If you are going with a more formal dress, the colored tights look might be odd. I would go bare-legged, fishnets or, as Another Laura suggests, the toe-less hose if you really need hose.

          1. Agreed – no colored tights – but since the front of the dress is plain and the back has lace, fishnets might be interesting…

        2. If it’s for a party, I don’t see why you couldn’t wear fashionable stockings. Just try it out and see if you like the way it looks.

  3. I like the garnet color and shape of the dress, especially the waist. Would need to see it in person to tell if the polyester content affects the look or drape, but $103 on sale, I would think about this with a longer sweater.

  4. I think this shows too much armpit – something about the tiny tiny cap (which isn’t even really a sleeve as it doesn’t cover any of the armpit) draws more attention to the armpit than a sleeveless dress does, for me. I do love the edgy zippers, though – fun without the “please unzip me” vibe!

  5. Thread hijack–

    I want to acquire one of the Chanel inspired tweedy jackets with funky trims that are all over the place this year. I have found my favorite at Stein Mart in the boutique (no image avail. alas.)

    the reason I love it so much is that the houndstooth pattern in the jacket is not aggressive– so I think the jacket stands a better chance of being more of a classic and not as trendy as some of the others I have tried on.

    My problem is that the trim is a combination of braid, fringe (both classic elements) and very small sequins. When you look at the jacket from about 3 feet away, you don’t notice SEQUINS!

    1. oops– hit submit too soon. But up close (closer than most coworkers would be to you unless sitting next to you at a boardroom or restaurant table) you can see that they are, in fact, sequins. A lot of the similar jackets I have tried have had an unsual trim element or fabrication– but I think the black sequins are less flashy and better for work than the heavy chains, strands of faux pearls, or metallic threads incorporated in the fabric that I have seen elsewhere. Ideally I’d find one with narrow subtle chains but so far those have been out of my price range.

      Thoughts?

      1. I think it would be fine. Also, I’m sure any tailor could carefully remove the sequins, but not the rest of the trim, for you.

      2. It sounds fine to me. A few sequins adds a nice feminine touch. A ton of sequins, or sequins plus heavy makeup, or sequins plus hot pink pumps, is not appropriate, but just a few sequins in the jacket detail is fine.

      3. I once bought a shirt and didn’t notice the sequins until I got home, tried it on for my BF, and he burst out laughing.

        But I liked the shirt enough to remove the sequins so I kept it.

        In general, my thoughts about sequins are that on anyone above the age of 5 they are completely tacky.

        1. Oh boy, then I bet you think Indian clothes are tacky, lol. Which, thinking about it, a lot of them are. Regardless, doesn’t keep me away from sequins (in appropriate settings, of course).

          ***disclaimer, no snark, just messing around =)

          1. @Ru: Though you may not have intended to sound snarky, as an Indian, your comment sounds really offensive to me.

            Obviously you’re shopping in the wrong places if you think most Indian clothes are tacky!

          2. @AN. (For some reason there is no reply button attached to your response.)

            Knock it off. Ru’s comment was completely sweet. She said she was just messin’ around. Ru has consistently shown herself to be a pleasant, good person. Just go get some anti-caffeine or something.

          3. Awwwwwww, thank you pjbhawaii!!!!!!! Hugs!

            AN, I know my comment could have been taken the wrong way, which is why I disclaimed it. I’m from the Indian subcontinent as well, and have and wear plenty of desi clothes (even to work). In fact, I’m wearing something beaded to work today, so no harm meant, ok?

    2. I think this could be really fun. It sounds distinctive enough that I wouldn’t wear it every week, but fun, nonetheless!

    3. I agree that it should be fine. If they’re not noticeable then to the eye, there’s probably no difference between the sequins or if there were beads in place of the sequins. Go for it :-)

  6. I really love this, even if I might be the only one.

    I usually don’t like zippery things or embellishments, but I like the zipper detail at the shoulder, even.

  7. I got a chuckle while watching the news this morning in NYC, in light of the hoopla on this forum earlier when someone asked about engagement photos.
    Apparently a couple in NJ was taking their engagement photos on the beach when Bruce Springsteen came by and saw them, and decided to serenade them. So I guess engagement photos are a good thing! haha.

    http://www.app.com/article/20100927/NEWS/100927086/Bruce-Springsteen-joins-in-on-Brick-couple-s-engagement-photo-shoot

  9. Threadjack: As I’m entering the real world of Being An Attorney (just finished a clerkship, now I’m joined up with a former sole proprietor fairly new firm), I’m realizing that I’m very deficient on two things that have nothing to do with my stellar legal education: The first, I’d call “schmoozing,” the second, “BS-ing.” My partner’s pretty good at both of them, but I’m a shy, bookish (read: nerdy), misanthrope who feels lost when those things are called for.

    Can anyone recommend any, I don’t know, books, blogs, guides, etc. that would “teach” these sorts of things? It seems more like the sort of things that you are either good at or not, but I’d like to improve where I can.

    1. I am right there with you. I hate both schmoozing and BS-ing and am still not good at either.

    2. I don’t know if this qualifies as “schmoozing” per se, but I find an easy way to make light conversation with almost anyone is just to start asking questions about what they do. Obviously not in an interrogating way, but just ask a couple of questions, and that often leads to a connection of some sort, or a conversation about something non-work related. Even if not, at least you had a brief but nice chat. I’m not a lawyer, but my work requires me to meet and talk to new people almost every day. It’s really true that people love to talk about themselves, and it usually puts them at ease to do so.

      Aside from that small tip, I’d say just have confidence in yourself. Stand tall and speak confidently, and that will go a long way in helping you schmooze and BS. Some people may have an innate talent for these things, but I think you can also acquire these skills over time, with practice.

    3. I’m not much of a fan of self-help books. You are who you are. But I’d recommend start reading several things on a regular basis that are likely to be read by others in your professional circle — in my case, that would be the Economist, the Atlantic Monthly, the Wall Street Journal Law Blog, the opinion pages of the NYTimes and the Washington Post. Yours may be different. Anyway, reading things of general interest gives you an easy path to small talk — “hey, did you read that thing …?” — even if it doesn’t come naturally to you. Also, schmoozing, such as it is, is about seeming (and in the best case, actually BEING) interested in other people. You need not talk much, or talk about yourself at all. Get people going about their lives, and they will easily fill up the rest of the conversation, and leave happy.

      1. I totally agree that shmoozing is often just about being interested in other people – I used to think I was bad at shmoozing, and then I realized that I can just use my natural curiousity about people’s careers to keep conversations going. The harder part now is knowing when to wander away from a conversation so you don’t monopolize the person…

        My conversation arsenal is a few simple questions, such as “Tell me about your client base,” and “How did you get into this line of work?” Those two questions alone will often get people talking. Make sure you’re ready with answers to those two questions as well, since that will keep the conversation flow moving.

        1. Good suggestions. Does anyone experience a feeling of depression/sadness/hopelessness when or after talking to people about what you do? I always end up getting depressed bc I don’t really have a client base yet (I need clients!!) and when talking to my friend who is good at marketing, I get pretty upset/depressed about it, and just want to quit my job and move to the country. Any ideas about how to combat things?

          1. I fear your best strategy is to gain peace with your job. I’m sorry you are having to go through this. I don’t know your situation, but generally speaking, people do tend to assume that others are happier/more successful/more confident than they actually are. I bet your friend has insecurities too.

          2. It’s really tough not to compare yourself and your situation- work and personal- with other people’s, especially in many competitive fields. But for my own piece of mind, I just have to do that. I used to do that all the time, and, like you, all it did was bum me out, to the point that I also didn’t want to talk about what I did. I can’t turn myself into someone else who is a Rhodes Scholar, philanthropy president, etc., but at this point, I don’t want to. That Rhodes Scholar might not have the sense of humor that I do (well, at least people laugh at my attempted witticisms).

          3. Sorry, another thought: If you remember the SATC episode where Big was marrying Ms. Perfect, Carrie was all bummed, until she saw wedding correspondence from Ms. Perfect. The correspondence had something basic misspelled-apparently the bride’s command of English was lacking- and Carrie had a good laugh over that. I always think about that when I find myself comparing.

    4. I have a communications book called “How to Say It For Women” that I have found pretty helpful in preparing me for all sorts of business communications. I got it on Amazon.

    5. I considered myself terrible at this, but years of watching my peers and people senior to me have helped tremendously. Observe closely: from the obvious things like conversation topics and what questions they ask, to subtler choices like body language, tone, when/how to make jokes, etc. Find people you think are smooth, but without being too far off from anything you can realistically see yourself doing, and then ask yourself “what might _______ say in this situation?” (And indeed, “when would _______ make a graceful exit?”)

    6. Thanks for this. I’ve just started a new job which is quite a bit more high-profile than I really understood when I accepted it, and my extremely introverted, socially awkward self is finding it a bit uncomfortable.

      1. Well, you must have rocked the interview. Your employer(s) never would have hired someone for this high-profile position who they thought was socially awkward. Give yourself some credit, in other words: you’re nowhere near as bumbling as you apparently think. (How many times a day do I try to tell myself this? :) )

        1. Amen to that. and remember — being an introvert does not necessarily mean being socially awkward. It just means needing alone-time to recharge. I am a classic “I” on Myers-Briggs but have surprised myself at how successful I’ve been at things like client relations. After the client dinner, you will probably just want to go home and collapse in a mound from social exhaustion, but it doesn’t mean you won’t have absolutely rocked it.

          1. Thanks for the votes of confidence, ladies. :-)

            Apparently I do fake it well, but I have pretty severe social anxiety issues on the inside, so as long as I can keep them on the inside I can keep working on them without torpedoing my job!

          2. To K and anyone in a similar situation: I found this book really enlightening–“The Introvert Advantage.”

            http://books.google.com/books?id=o9yEqgTWR_AC&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+introvert+advantage&source=bl&ots=4Ica24nr2y&sig=k050LPpxnvmX5KvbcX-Vi3DVjuI&hl=en&ei=-XOjTKfQKZTksQP6sf35Bg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDwQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

            It helped me make sense of a lot of things–and the fact that being introverted is just fine, is only the beginning! We have a lot of discouraging experiences, but in fact there are real strengths in this kind of temperment. One reason why you may be able to pull off interpersonal reactions well, for example, is that you spend a lot of time alone reflecting on how you relate to people. Or you listen especially well because you don’t plan to talk much.

            Sure, you’re totally exhausted at the end of the interview/client dinner/happy hour networking session, and need several hours to recover. But, again, you rocked it. Learn why, learn how to do it again, learn how to trust that this is a real skill you have.

          3. @sbl, thanks for the recommendation. Looks interesting. I’m a big “I” as well.

    7. It’s on my reading list, but I was recommended a book by a teacher called, “How to Work a Room” It looks quite interesting, and goes into the details of “schmoozing.”

      While I’ve always thought of myself as being ok at this, in my corporate culture, it’s the ONLY way I can get things done and I find it tiring to do all day, every day, to just get my normal day to day stuff worked on. UGH. That’s corporate life I suppose. Anyway, the book was recommended to me after I explained our coporate culture.

    8. These are some great ideas! I’d suggest practicing when you can — if that sounds depressing, do it in short situations, like with clerks in stores, etc. You’ll feel a lot more confident if you practice and start seeing some success. You and your partner might have fun making a game of the BS-ing part, by taking part of what each of you do each day and describing in in “resume-ish” terms so you get used to it.

    9. I say: Forget the books. Forget the blogs. Most of this (lawyering) is, at the end of the day, on the job training. That goes for business development, too (i.e. BSing and schmoozing). Learn from the people around you. It sounds like you’ve got a good mentor in your colleague. Watch and learn.

  10. Help . . . another threadjack (BTW I love the dress, but would need to try it on to see if it is too short, and think SaDaLee should definitely go for the sequined jacket)

    I am new to the corporate/in-house world after spending a dozen years litigating at a firm. At my new job, we have “360” reviews, where your co-workers review your performance and an HR professional synthesizes the results.

    My first 360 review was mostly positive, so for that I am grateful, but on the negative side, there was a theme throughout the comments that I need to be “more approachable.” The HR professional (an outside consultant) told me that in particular, I actually look unapproachable.

    I dress like I did when I was a litigator. Most of my wardrobe is J. Crew pantsuits, which I try to wear with interesting blouses. I wear the same classic jewelry most days. I have longish hair, wear reasonable makeup every day . . . I am baffled by the suggestion that I need to look more approachable. Do I wear an interesting scarf for the purpose of inviting questions? Wear my hair down instead of up? Buy up all of Eileen Fisher, wear Birckenstocks and put a couch in my office?

    The HR consultant who said this to me is a man, so I am not sure if he can help me with concrete suggestions, and there are really no women senior to me I can ask for advice. Can the Corporettes please help?

    1. This might have more to do with facial expressions. A lot of people I know have “stern” (a better word escapes me at the moment) expressions when walking down the hall, etc, just because they are busy or thinking about something else, but those around them sometimes take it personally, or as a sign of unfriendliness…. Maybe ask someone you are close with whether that might be the case?

      1. Exactly I think it would be face and body language, not clothes. One of the sweetest girls I ever met had “b*tch face, when she wasnt thinking about anything, she looked like she wanted to kill and that your mere presence was offensive. Its not the worst thing in the world, if people get to know you it won’t be as noticeable

        1. This. I have this “problem” too, and I try to make a conscious effort to smile and make eye contact with people in the halls, on the street, etc., because I know that if I’m off in my own world — even if I’m thinking about puppies and dolphins and rainbows — I LOOK like an aloof b*tch.

    2. You “look unapproachable”? That’s such a strange assessment. I’d probably shrug it off, myself. If anything, I suspect it has more to do with body language and facial expression, or maybe you look really busy when people walk by your office and they don’t want to interrupt you. I can’t imagine it’s your clothes.

      1. Yeah, I wonder if this is a situation where a candy jar and a few inviting touches in your office might help counter the impression of “unapproachability” a bit. Kind of the flip side of the Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office argument – it might be just welcoming enough.

        On the clothes, though, I do think if nobody else in the office wears suits on a daily basis that might be part of the issue. I think people do feel a bit uneasy when someone is on a higher formality level than the norm in a particular office culture.

        1. Agree with this. AND it will be something you can point to in your next self-evaluation (if you do those as part of your 360 like we do) as a very specific action you’ve taken to address feedback from the last round.

        2. Agree – and I think NGDGTCO even suggested it for people who are intimidating or just not naturally touchy-feely. Or maybe that is just what I took from it, but either way – I put candy out on my desk after reading it for exactly this reason.

    3. A question. How do people dress in your company? Are you dressing like a lawyer while everyone else is in jeans or business casual? Just dressing like a lawyer can put people off. I gradually migrated from suits to dress pants or skirts with sweaters, knit tops, twin sets or dresses. I only wore a suit if I was visiting outside counsel, visiting other corporate locations, or going to court.

      A few other suggestions. Get out of your office. If you need to talk to someone, go to their office. Take the long way to the Ladies Room or to get coffee. Along the way pop into someone’s office to see how their project is going. (I worked with engineers who loved to talk about what they were doing.) Linger a bit in the Kitchenette (when getting coffee) if there are other people there and talk (i.e., Did you see the game last night? Can you believe it’s raining again?) Smile a lot. Say “Hi. How’s your day going?” when you see someone you know. Go to lunch with people.

      1. This.

        Think about what the corporate culture is like – is friendly, family-oriented, caring, etc? If so, take a (genuine) interest in your co-workers’ lives. Greet them even in passing. Smile. Make eye contact. The billable hour may have ruled at your old firm but I’m guessing most of the people you work with now have never documented their life in six minute increments. If you’re always , always, always work-oriented, think about whether that’s really what your company wants. Taking time from work to get to know your co-workers might be part of what’s expected of you. You suggested (joked?) that maybe you should put a couch in your office. If there’s no where for a visitor to sit, maybe you should. Keep your door open when your work allows, engage passer-bys in brief exchanges every now and then… if it turns into a real conversation, maybe they’ll come in and take a seat.

        As others have suggested, also pay attention to your facial expressions and body language. (A friend of mine had an unconscious habit of rolling her eyes to re-wet her contacts – and found out after her assistant transferred that this eye-rolling was totally misunderstood.)

        Finally, take wardrobe cues from your co-workers, if possible. For me, this required some “translation” since I’m in-house at a company comprised almost entirely of older males. However, I interpreted their polos as business casual and quickly adjusted my attire. Lucky for me that I did because months after starting I discovered the CEO has an unwritten rule against suits! (He thinks they project a “stiff image” at odds with the company’s “caring culture.”)

    4. This non-specific statement, is so non-constructive. Would a man ever be told he was non-approachable? No, he’d be industrially busy. Competent. He’d be so busy he’d be given an assistant.

      1. My thoughts exactly. With the possible exception of a sales environment, I can’t imagine many men are getting this same criticism. I also wonder who exactly this is coming from, since this was a “360” review that was done by co-workers. I think there is an odd dynamic that happens sometimes with women and their female subordinates, because the subordinates expect you to be a friend to them, and then when you’re not, there are sometimes hurt feelings on the part of the subordinate (whereas with a man, there never would have been the expectation of being friends in the first place). It is unclear whether subordinates reviewed the OP in this case, but if so, it is something to consider. It is definitely a fine line to walk, but I would make sure you are friendly (but not friends) with the female staff.

      2. A man wouldn’t be called “non-approachable” for how he dressed, because he’d look around, see what other men in his organization, and at his level, were wearing and follow suit. If he looked around and saw that the other men didn’t wear suits, sure as heck he wouldn’t come in wearing a suit.

        The OP said she’s dressing like she did at her old job. She has to look around her new job and see what other women are wearing. If there aren’t a lot of female lawyers or execs, then she has to look at what the men are wearing. Where I used to work, Dockers and polos were the norm during the summer and dockers and button-downs were the norm during the winter among the male lawyers and execs. If I came in wearing a suit every day, it only said I didn’t understand the corporate culture and I’d probably be seen as unapproachable.

        1. No, an ambitious man would look around and dress nicer than his peers and give the impression that he is the boss, the newly-hired EVP, until his next review when he would actually be promoted to the position.

          Excuse me while I go beat my head against the wall now.

          1. That’s funny. It worked the exact opposite in my last company. The one who tried to dress nicer was seen as being arrogant and “better than every body else”. He did not get the promotion. The one who was truly ambitious (the most ambitious person I’ve ever met actually) dressed like the average employee. It helps to be perceived as one of the gang sometimes.

          2. You can beat your head against the wall, or you can accept that this is the way it is. No one can afford to be ignorant of their corporate culture, and women definitely get the brunt of it if they choose not to adapt. Fitting in is very important and if the OP looks like she’s not even making an attempt to fit in, it could very well be seen as “she thinks she’s better than us” and create some bad blood that will follow her for a long time.

            OP – buy some cardigans and some skirts. Break up your business suits into more casual outfits. Wear more sweaters and scarves. I agree with the office candy dish suggestion. Maybe bring in a lamp and a soft scarf to throw over a chair so your office looks “warmer.” Make sure you’re chatting up people in the hallways and in the break room. Remember the saying, “the truth will set you free, but first it will really piss you off.” You’ve been given the feedback, it’s up to you to work with it. If you don’t, you’re going to look like you’re resistant to feedback and helpful suggestions, not like you’re making a stand on behalf of all women. You can do this – it’s just a matter of changing your own outlook on who you are supposed to be at work. Good luck.

          3. The frustration arises not only from the sexist implications of the statement, but by the lack of constructiveness surrounding it. In the end, it doesn’t matter if us corporetters think, it matters how she is perceived by her co-workers. If the OP had a weakness in, say, basic accounting skills, any decent business would send her to a class to brush up on those skills. Along the same lines, had she asked the reviewer what it would take in order for her to be perceived as more approachable, the reviewer had an obligation to answer. It sounds as if the 360 comments were merely compiled, rather than analyzed. Ten to one the reviewer and/or manager, if asked, would haven’t been able to come up with a response. And that reflects poorly on the HR process. Passing along the complaint–as anyone in customer relations will tell you–is not way properly address the situation.

          4. EM – that simply isn’t true in the in-house setting. The job requirements go beyond core competencies except in the most junior position, and as you go higher in the organization, the “politics” become more and more important. Without those skills, it become very difficult to socialize guidance to your client, especially when it isn’t what the want, or want to hear. Worse, if they start to avoid you, and not seek your guidance …… So their perception really does matter….

          5. Oh, yes, I concur, it does matter what your co-workers think (I tried to say that.) It’s just that I think a good review should take that sentiment one step further and be able to provide a concrete example or suggestions as to a remedy. Because, really, maybe the OP does dress too severely. On the other hand, maybe people wish she smiled more. Or maybe people just wished she left her office door open. That’s what I’m trying to say–the reviewer, IMHO, did a half-assed job. Being told one is unapproachable is an insufficient “criticism.”

      3. This is probably true, but I kind of think men should be getting this criticism more (rather than women never getting it). It just plain sucks to have co-workers, or worse, superiors, who you can’t – or feel you can’t – approach about issues you’re having with your work. I’ve had more problems with this with my male colleagues and bosses than my female ones, and I feel like we’d all benefit if business culture shifted so men were held to the same expectations as women on this one.

    5. If you approach others, I think it tends to make them see you as approachable too.

      Smile more. I think smiling and saying hi to people would make you seem more approachable. On Monday’s, make a point to chit chat at the bathroom sinks or coffee pot and ask others about their weekends. Pop into others offices occasionally to ask for a file or phone number or whatever you might need from them. Basically, be friendly and approach others first.

      And although it says not to do these things in NGDGTCO, you could bring bagels one Friday as a “Happy Friday” treat for the office. Everyone loves free food, and even though the book says not to do these things, I find the higher up men at my company bring food all the time – from trips, vendors, wife’s home baking, leftover party food, you name it.

      I wouldn’t change your clothing unless you are really are the only one wearing sutis.

      1. Definitely agree with the smiling. I don’t walk around with a huge grin on my face but I smile slightly, just so the corners of my lips are turned up a little to give a more postive-than-neutral expression on my face. I had to teach myself to do this. I am definitely one of those people who look murderous when my face is blank, which is definitely not helped by the fact that I wear hijab. Something about my manner is working, since my performance reviews consistently note how approachable I am.

      2. this is so true. The assistants at my job collectively thought I was a snob (according to HR), which I attribute to always being in a rush to get work done, not stopping to chit chat, and my shyness. I didn’t want to get invovled in the chit-chatting/gossip, so I just brought in homemade cookies–three different kinds to be exact. I suddenly had 20 new best friends. I know it sounds bad but it worked for me.

    6. Let me ask you a question that you didn’t answer in your question: ARE you unapproachable? When people have questions for you, how do you respond to them? The person I’ve worked with in my career who “looked” the most unapproachable WAS the most unapproachable – she was dismissive and demeaning to people who asked things. She also had facial expressions and body language that screamed “I think you’re an idiot who is going to waste my time, so don’t talk to me unless you have to.”

      If this is a theme through the comments from all of your co-workers, then I would take it seriously, and do some self-examination about how you treat people with questions. Your “looks,” whether they be facial expressions or dress, will likely follow your actions.

      1. I have a really good friend who has “that look.” When she’s not actively smiling, she just looks as though she is mad / frowning. Even if she is thinking about puppies, kittens and fairies. I think coworkers just have to get used to it. It’s just the way her face is shaped, if that makes sense.

        I do agree though that if you’re “dressing like you did in your old job,” you might want to look around. Honestly, wearing formal pant suits in the business casual corporate world of today DOES look stiff, formal and offputting — at least to my eye which has been used to business casual for so long now.

    7. Because I’ve worked closely with HR groups, I’d guess that the consultant focused on how you LOOK unapproachable because that’s easier to address than BEING unapproachable. They try to give people doable chunks of self-improvement, and you might hear more next review about actions rather than appearance. The other corporettes gave excellent advice on attitude and habit adjustment to ensure you are actually approachable. Two more thoughts: if the HR consultant can’t help you himself with wardrobe suggestions (and he may be able to — it’s part of his job), ask if he can give you the number of a female colleague with whom you could chat. (Make them earn their fee!) Second, you might take your 360 and yourself in whatever new “costume” you come up with to a good executive coach and seek input. Good luck!

    8. When my good friend and I were first year associates, she was told the same thing in her review. The particulars were that when she walked down the hall she looked “too purposeful”, so people were hesitant to say anything to her – and she didn’t smile enough.
      I bet your clothes are just fine; it is your demeanor that perhaps makes you seem to serious or to busy to be approached.

    9. Agree with others about the dressing thing – if you are far more overdressed then peers (i.e., the men don’t wear suits if there are no female peers) – start dressing down a bit, unless you have to go to court a lot or something.

      Also, if you were in litigation at a firm, its often a very aggressive atmosphere (or at least it appears to be for those of us from the outside looking in). What was the “norm” at your old place might come accross as a bit overwhelming and in-your-face and translate into “unapproachable.” The litigators I’ve worked with tend to be hyper-fast about things, jumping in and trying to get to the point quickly, etc. While those might be great skills, they do tend to put people off if they are trying to come discuss a problem with you in a non-adversarial context.

      1. Hah. This is me. I am a litigator with too much on my plate. I just want to get to the point, and I’m always reminding myself that few people think in the linear fashion I do. My weakest point is remembering that people need to vent, that they don’t always want a solution when they talk to me, and that talking to me is often part of their solution. I have a science/math background and for me the process is: define the problem. solve. I’m learning that I’m not too user-friendly.

        We are all works in progress, some of us (me!) more than others. And, after reading this, I’m really grateful we don’t have peer review in my office.

    10. Well, are you unapproachable? I ask because having been in-house a few years, I’ve noticed that it takes lawyers transitioning from private practice to in-house a period of time to adjust. I’ve said this time and again, being a good lawyer is only part of the job when you are in-house. Its also about engaging and relationship building with the client. The client who can and may pop by your office at any given moment. My guess is that if you “look unapproachable” then you don’t really look approachable but are perceived as unapproachable, and this is the nice version of saying you need to manage your client relationships a little better because THEY perceive you as unapproachable.

    11. I think the Corporettes are right on the money. I would make an effort to walk around and say hello to people, try to smile when you’re walking down the hall even if your outside counsel was just totally rude to you on the phone, go to lunch with some coworkers (or eat with them in the cafeteria if that’s what they do), and put some candy on your desk. Also, coming from a law firm you might be used to putting your head down and getting work done while ignoring everything going on around you. You might just have to try not to be so intensely focused on work if you frown while you’re doing it and don’t look up when someone walks by your desk.

    12. I wouldn’t take it as a comment on dress, but more the “vibe” that is being set. When I’m on a project, I’m usually 100 percent focused and I also can’t stand when people don’t cut to the chase on things. I’ve had to force myself to adjust a bit with coworkers so it isn’t perceived as standoffish. Forgive me if this sounds a bit basic, but a few habits have really helped me:

      * Take the extra second to say good morning, hello, etc. when you pass everyone in the hall. Everyone.
      * Ask people how their weekend was, how their baby is doing, what they did for their birthday, etc. Even if you have a gazillion other things to do, you would be surprised how it really cements relationships (and pays off this way long term).
      * Try not to interrupt. Force yourself to listen to others (or at least look like you’re listening), instead of cutting them off with a “solution.”
      * Try to talk more slowly. Slower pacing helps set a relaxed, welcoming tone.
      * If you know you will be in the thick of things and can’t take a second to spare away from them, try to get the word out in advance. People naturally assume they have done something wrong if you’re quick with them. It helps if they can see it’s not “them” it’s “you.”

  11. The color, the shape, the embellishment, the length, the price….perfect! When poly is so pretty, well, it’s worth it to me.

  12. Threadjack:

    I need opinions on whether a long denim skirt is “matronly.” I bought one yesterday and that’s the word my husband used when I tried it on for him. He rarely has any opinions about my clothing, and I usually disagree with his aesthetic sense, so I’m looking for a female point of view.

    I’ve been looking to replace a casual denim skirt that has gotten too tight around the waist, and found one yesterday that is really soft and comfortable, and fits perfectly. It hits me mid-calf. I know that length isn’t particularly in style right now, but it is a very good length to wear when I ride my scooter because it doesn’t fly up. My current skirt is my go-to in warmer weather when I want something loose and comfy that doesn’t expose a lot of leg. The current skirt hits just below the knee and is a darker wash.

    The new skirt is a classic slightly faded denim with the gold/yellow stitching, and buttons all the way up the front with non-shiny pewter buttons. Like the one on the left in this photo, but more full.
    http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2007/08/monsoon_flashba.html Not as long as that photo, either.

    I think of this style as “classic,” not “matronly,” but now I’m paranoid. For reference, I am in my late 40s. I don’t need to look 25, but I don’t want to look 60, either.

    Also as a point of reference, when I tried it on for him, I was wearing my sturdy walking shoes with socks as I had just walked home from the mall in my denim PANTS. That particular “styling” would make a leather mini skirt look “matronly,” IMHO. :-) But maybe there is no way to style this skirt?

    Help, please!

    1. Sorry, but I have to agree with your husband on this one :( A similar skirt that’s not denim might work better….

    2. I agree. I recommend taking it back and trying linen capris or a maxi dress if you want something warm-weather comfy.

    4. I agree with the other commenters, the skirts pictured are pretty matronly. Even the comments on the blog post suggest that no amount of styling will bring them up to date.

      Is the skirt you purchased a more modern take on the skirts that are featured? The only things that I can think of to wear with it would be some tall boots and maybe a leather vest.

    5. No, no, no. Maybe you should aim for pants while cycling instead? Sorry, but this style is very far out of style and does indeed look matronly.

    6. I agree that the denim in combination with the length does make it look a bit matronly. I understand your concerns about wanting a longer heavier skirt – so what about a beige/brown courdoroy in a similar length? If you wore that with boots and tights and it may look a little more updated than a denim skirt.

      1. Reminds me of what a school teacher would wear on weekends. Sorry. I’d return. I think its really hard to find long skirts that are not frumpy. I agree, maybe go with capris. If you can handle a knee length skirt, there are some very cute, soft cordoroy pencil skirts out there. Maybe in navy, instead of a denim skirt.

    8. Those skirts are really matronly. If you are looking for a similar look, but not matronly, take a look at some of the skirts from Athleta, especially the Whatever and Whenever versions.

      1. Athleta’s Whatever Skort is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn for riding a bike. Modest enough because of the built-in shorts, nice and breezy as you ride. I think they are quite cute, too.

    9. Okay, I see a definite consensus here :-)

      What’s really funny to me is that the other styles being suggested seem even MORE matronly to me! No offense to those who suggested them, but maxi dresses, capris and corduroy are so far from what I would ever wear that I’m just cracking up. They describe quite accurately my 70 year old mother’s entire wardrobe.

      Thank you to everyone who offered an opinion; I truly appreciate it!

      1. But I’m sure your 70 year old mother would wear different capris, maxi dresses, and corduroys than you would. Since the skirts you are thinking of are shorter, I think they might work. However, I agree that the faded denim-buttons-super yellow stitching is old-fashioned. Your old skirt sounds much better than your new skirt, IMO. :-)

        1. Actually, I dislike all three of those fashion memes on me. That’s part of why the responses were so funny. It’s the trifecta of “totally NOT Louise.” Probably because I wore them the first time they were in style, back in the 70s. The memories of junior high are just too strong!

          (Capris, I just hate and fear. On anyone. I know it’s totally irrational, but there it is. Years of therapy have not cured this, so I’ve just learned to embrace my phobia.)

      2. Picture yourself as Michelle Duggar. That’s the image that comes to mind with those long denim skirts!

      1. I love the scooterswag website!

        Ironically, it would be very difficult to ride in that skirt because it isn’t full enough. I don’t think she could put her legs far enough apart to straddle the floorboards and put her feet on the ground at a stop light.

    11. I have to go w/ your husband on this one as well… I stay away from skirts that go past just-above my knees b/c I find that they look matronly, and also make my legs look thicker since they are cut off at the wides part of your calves.

    12. Hmmm…I have to agree with your husband. I think it’s a combo of the length and the wash. It would look more modern in a darker denim. And the length just strikes me as a little dated. I think knee-length is generally more flattering, and probably will make you look your age or younger, rather than older.

    13. Sorry, but I agree with what your husband said. Matronly. Especially at a midcalf length. That is death on anyone. I think, actually, pretty much all those “what to wear” shows use an example of a midcalf-length denim skirt as what looks good on absolutely no one. I hope you kept the receipt.

    14. I have tried to post this twice already (but with a link) and for some reason it’s not showing up (I’ve allowed several hours for the link to be approved). So, I apologize if this is a double or triple post.

      Anyway, Boden has a cute skirt that might work for you. It’s just below the knee and slightly a-line. I believe it’s called the Contrast Trim Skirt. It comes in a really dark denim and a medium colored denim. It might be something to try!

    15. I don’t think it makes women look old as much as it makes me think of Nikki on Big Love or Michelle Duggar. Maxis definitely are in now, but you probably need a different style to make it work – something with a bit more flair.

  13. I’m sorry, Louise, but I have to agree with your husband that this look is matronly (and I know longer skirts are being shown on the runways now). I don’t think styling can save the look.

  14. Although the dresses that Kat posts are very nice, including the one today, I just wish that we could see more skirt options (rather than just pencil skirts that go with suit jackets).

    1. Thanks for the review (and everyone else who reports back on purchases). I’ve only been to Target once in my life but after all of the positive reviews, I’m thinking I should definitely make a trip out to one.

      1. Thanks for the review. I just bought them online! FWIW, I have much more success Target shopping online. My local target is an absolute mess and I can’ t be bothered to dig through the piles and weed through the racks. I also find the product reviews super helpful.

      2. You’re welcome Ru – I ordered them online and tried them on at home so I could try them with different tops. Though going to a store is much easier if you’re not sure about sizing (I buy a lot of my clothes at Target and know my size in Merona so I feel pretty confident ordering online).

        Another plus is that apparel orders for more than $50 qualify for free shipping so you could order one item in two sizes, return the one that doesn’t work to a Target store, and get free shipping.

  17. Thanks to all who commented and offered suggestions to correct my perceived unapproachability. I especially appreciate those who suggested that I consider whether I am, in fact, unapproachable. You have all given me a lot to consider. I must admit that I initially thought the unapproachability thing was a little sexist, like some of you do, but I can either get mad about it or I can face reality, and take steps to correct the perception.

    I absolutely love this site and the smart, insightful comments that so many of you post.

    1. This is an incredibly approachable attitude to take! :) This is hard stuff to hear and to change, and thinking about it this way is half the job. (FWIW on the sexism front, my ex-husband was a fairly high-up exec and he received the same feedback about the need to be more approachable.)

    2. housecounsel – Let us know how it works out. I’d be curious to know if any of the small changes you make will have an impact on your “approachability perception.” Best of luck!

    3. I know some think the feedback is sexist, but it really isn’t. My hubby is VP of Sales and got similar feedback when he switched companies. He went from a very formal, high pressure sales environment (suits every day) to a very laid back, family-owned small business where people wore shorts to work in the summer. I’ve gone to his office a few times and the President of the company is often in jeans and a sweatshirt. My hubby can also be very blunt and direct. His boss came into his office and told him to tone it down because the implementation team found him too intense and unapproachable. (They were actually scared to tell my hubby bad news.) His boss told him ‘you’re good at what you do, but we do business a different way.’ He now only wears suits on sales calls, and he’s toned down the attitude. He actually wore shorts a few very hot days this summer.

    4. I did once give feedback on a male superior saying he was unapproachable (he was and is – 90% of the time, if you go over to him with something including work products he’s requested, he’ll tell you in a very nasty tone that he’s busy).

  18. Looooove this dress. Same as other commenters… hope it’s not a few inches too short.

    I have a really similar style dress in black from Old Navy that I bought a couple of years ago, but it’s an inch or two too short for the office.

    Does anyone here ever get the hems let out in their dresses or skirts?

    1. I get hems let out on almost everything and it looks fine. My tailor (also known as my dry cleaner) sometimes has to attach a bit of ribbon on the inside if there is not enough of a hem but it always looks great.

  19. PSA: Target has some adorable dresses for work right now! I bought two yesterday — both were fully lined and surprisingly good quality for $39.99. This one (http://tinyurl.com/24fh6ky) is a really interesting black and deep blue nubby fabric and styled quite similarly to Classiques Entier dresses I’ve been drooling over. And this one (http://tinyurl.com/285wf8r) is a nice heavy weight that helps conceal lumps and bulges nicely. While at Target, I tried on the wedges that have been discussed many times earlier. They are indeed as amazing as described: they look high-quality, have nice padding in the footbed, and are really, really stable when you walk. I found them true to size, unlike many of the earlier posters. Yay, Target!

    1. Love the second dress. I saw it in a fashion magazine styled with a turtle neck under it and it looked great. I hope I can find it this weekened. Target clothes often don’t fit me (too big in the chest, too tight in the hips) so I have to try them on.

      1. I think the line for the square on the chest would cut in a weird spot on the large chested – like the line should be under the breast and on me it would be mid nipple.

    2. Can someone post the link to the Target wedges again? I looked online and could not find them and want to order online. THANKS!

        1. I missed this in the previous discussions of these wedges, but there are actually two different heights for them: the 2-inch linked above (Myka style) and the 1-inch Marlis:
          http://www.target.com/Merona-Marlis-Suede-Sliver-Wedge/dp/B003AQO60G/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton

          I got the 1-inch style yesterday in store and so far they seem great, very comfortable wearing them around the house. Haven’t tried the office yet, but am planning to. So just be aware that you can choose how high you want them to be.

    3. I just bought the first one and am very pleased with it. The zipper is a bitch to get up (and not because of the size)– it’s like the purple v-neck sheath that other Corporetters have been complaining about. I will definitely need to get dressed before my husband leaves in the morning when I wear the blue dress!

  20. Can I ask how many of you actually wear dresses to work often? I’m a lawyer at a law firm, and while it’s perfectly appropriate to wear dresses, I typically only tend to do so if I have a function after work. Otherwise, it just seems more of a hassle and less comfortable than a pair of black pants and flats (especially since dresses are less forgiving when I gain/lose weight).

    1. I wear dresses most days. I actually find them easier to fit. I’m very petite and most things are cut for someone taller than me. Many dresses don’t require having the hips or waist hit in the exact right place, so it works better for me. I think I’m unusual though. Most everyone around me wears suits or separates on a daily basis. FWIW, I think dresses are easier b/c there are fewer parts to match. But honestly, I started wearing them when I realized I needed a grown up wardrobe that was better tailored, and finding pants, skirts, and shaped blouses that hit me in the right places was a chore (seriously, I spent two years looking for black pants before I just finally broke down and bought a pair that was too large and had every single seam tailored to fit).

    2. I prefer to wear dresses & skirts most of the workweek. I probably wear pants one or two days a week, at most. This is mainly because I cannot seem to find a pair of work pants that fit appropriately (my waist, hips, and thighs all seem to be different sizes, which makes finding well-fitting pants a nightmare).

    3. Most days, but I am in-house. I find them more comfortable, except in the winter, as well as feminine, yet appropriate.

    4. I wear dresses or skirts probably about 4 days a week in the summer (bare legs) or winter (tights) and 2-3 days a week in the fall or spring when it’s a little bit more comfortable, weather-wise, to wear pants.

    5. I’m a lawyer at a law firm and I wear dresses almost exclusively all summer – they are cooler and so much easier to throw on in the morning that coordinating multiple pieces. I also think they are far more comfortable. I’m wearing a pants suit today and although the pants fit perfectly well, I realized I am out of the habit of sitting all day with something around my waist. Oh, I wear dresses a lot in the winter too. Paired with good thick tights and boots, I never have to worry about dragging cuffs through puddles and slush.

    6. I wear dresses 2-3 days a week and skirts 2-3 days a week. I very, very rarely wear pants to work.

      Like some others, I actually find dresses much more forgiving if I gain or lose 5 pounds.

    7. I just started my first job out of law school and I always wear pants because (1) I hate stockings (and have a bulgy vein that I don’t like to expose; I’ve received uncomfortable comments in recent months from various family members) and (2) my office is freezing. Plus I never have to wear heels with pants, I don’t have to worry about the subway vents causing my skirt to fly up, I don’t have to wear a slip, and I don’t have to worry about crossing my legs. I feel cuter in dresses and skirts, but a lot less comfortable.

  21. Threadjack:

    I am looking for good quality, can wear to work tights and I have zero time to shop in person. Can anyone recommend an online place where I can buy some? I am looking in particular for a nice toffee brown color to wear with a mauve sweater dress and boots (yes, I am in Portland OR so this would “fly” at the office here). Thanks!!

    1. I have had good luck with Hue tights. They come in all sorts of textures, colors, etc., so you can take your pick.
      They have a website if you google.
      I also like DKNY & Betsy Johnson tights but not sure who sells them online, I usually buy in store.

    3. Hue are great; hue.com or barenecessities.com. Welovecolors.com is also great if you want kind of funky tights; welovecolors.com.

    4. Ruelala.com has a Spanx boutique going right now – though it started yesterday, may be sold out by now. I got their brown tights (the color is “bittersweet”, a pretty dark brown) the last time they were featured on that site, and am happy with them – except that they run a little large.

    5. I have gotten many different pairs of tights (and hosiery) from shapings.com. I don’t have any relationship wtih them other than being a long time, happy customer. Their selection is wide and mostly international, which gives more sizing options.

  23. I work in a business casual environment and am interested in trying the dress over skinny jeans/skinny pants look (most probably with boots). Is there any style besides tunic dresses that is amenable to this look? Can anyone recommend any dresses that might work for this look? I always wear pants to work for comfort/temperature/various reasons and I’m hoping to add some variety (unless y’all think it would be a huge fashion faux pas).

    1. I don’t think you want a dress, I think what you want is a long shirt. I like the look of fitted oversized dress shirts that are longer with a vest or belt over to give them some shape. When I think dress I just think of something that is much to long to wear with jeans, I think you want a shirt that comes just past butt level.

    2. A dress/long shirt over skinny pants is not business casual, it is casual casual. It may be fine at some workplaces, but if you are new/junior/in any way not sure that casual attire is OK, I wouldn’t do it.

      I don’t have any actual suggestions on dresses, sorry.

      1. I’m not sure how you can make a blanket statement like that. It would depend on the industry/workplace and then again on the exact combination of top and bottom. A long silk top with slim black pants and heels could be very appropriate for a more artsy/creative or super laidback workplace.

    3. I wear a cowl neck sweater dress over straight leg pin striped pants and pointed toe heels.

    4. I wear a cowl neck sweater dress (that would be too short on me as a dress) over straight leg pin striped pants and pointed toe heels.

    5. I wear dresses over pants at work almost every single day (this came up before, I cover my arms and legs for religious reasons) and I also work in a business casual environment. My favorite dress to wear over pants (skinny, wide-legged, or boot-cut) are sheathes, especially sleeveless sheaths. I wear a long sleeved t-shirt under the sheath or a cardigan over the sheath and pair it with slim jeans and pants.

      When you’re covering up that much, you have to take proportion into account – if the dress or pant is loose/flowy, then the other has to be fitted (so fitted sheath with wide leg pants, skirted-frock dress with slim pants) although fitted sheath with slim pants works also. Since you want to wear dresses + pants with boots, I’d go towards shorter dresses, unless you have low boots. No matter what, you really just have to try everything on and see how it looks. Hope this helps and let us know how it works out for you.

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