Elisabeth Morad, the stylist for the new hit TV show, Sophie, offers up a course in office fashion 101.
Dressing for work is work-at least, it is for Elisabeth Morad! She spends her days dressing rising star Natalie Brown for the hit TV show, Sophie, recently picked up by ABC Family. Dressing for the office isn't always an easy task, so Elisabeth showed us three different looks that would be perfect for any workplace. So your next office wear shopping adventure might be a little less stressful.
The classic look
Sophie might have the opportunity to dress a little more casual sometimes, but she still loves to look classy and professional. Women who work in conservative and corporate casual offices will definitely make good use out of an outfit like this one. "I think it's fun to have an office-cut blazer," Elisabeth tells us. But what's really great about the fitted pencil skirt and blazer combo is it doesn't lack style. Conservative dressing doesn't need to be boring. You can cover up and follow the rules of your office without losing your style and fashion sense completely.
Dos
- Do wear a skirt that hits the knee or just a smidgen above
- Do get a few tapered blazers to wear with skirts
- Do wear modest heels with skirts
Don'ts
- Don't show off your arms and chest when wearing a skirt (too much skin!)
- Don't ever show too much cleavage
- Don't wear camisoles unless you put a blazer on top
Looking for a more casual office look instead?
The casual look
Like the rest of us, Sophie feels like dressing down sometimes, but that doesn't mean she has to sacrifice professionalism. While still conservative, the casual look is a little more relaxed and comfortable and not so rigid. If you work in a casual office, you can easily opt for an outfit like this one and if you don't, you can still mimic this look. "Silk is always classic for work. If you can't wear jeans to work, just replace them with cotton pants," Elisabeth suggests. And of course, compliment the look with modest accessories.
Dos
- Do find out if jeans are appropriate for your office before wearing them
- Do wear fancier flats with this type of outfit
- Do add modest accessories to compliment your look
Don'ts
- Don't overdo the hair and makeup with a relaxed outfit
- Don't wear casual flats that will make you look too relaxed for the office
- Don't blind your co-workers with bling
Looking for a trendier office look?
The trendy look
The decorative bow is everywhere this year, so why not on Sophie? Her playful character perfectly suits the bow look and it keeps her looking fresh and fashionable. You can look trendy for your workplace, too, but you may have to vary certain things up. Elisabeth suggests considering your environment before opting for trendy fashions because not everything is suitable for every woman and every workplace.
For example, in a conservative office setting, you may not want to opt for such a huge bow. A more modest one would be fine. The more casual your office, the more experimenting you can do with the trends. But remember, with a look like this, you must be careful when accessorizing. "Always wear classic jewellery to work," Elisabeth says.
Dos
- Do adopt trends differently for different environments
- Do wear modest accessories with trendy gear
- Do select conservative tones for trendier pieces
Don'ts
- Don't assume all trends suit you just because they suit someone else
- Don't wear large accessories with trendy outfits
- Don't wear every trend of the season at the same time