YouLookFab » Dress Codes

Career wear: will people take you seriously in a skirt?

Angie — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:18:17 +0000

In some situations, wearing business casual skirts and dresses in the workplace has drawbacks. Several reasons were mentioned by readers in their comments on a recent post about business casual beyond skirts and dresses:

“A skirt says: Hey, I´m a woman!! Sometimes that´s not the message you want to send in a professional environment”.

“For me, my limited wearing of skirts/dresses is about fitting into an environmental norm. I live in an area where many men still feel that woman should not be in position of high authority — and often it feels as though wearing a skirt/dress draws attention to the fact that I am a female, which distracts them from focusing on the point I am making or the work that I am doing”.

“I struggle with looking professional in skirts/dresses. I don’t *try* to look sexy, but my curves just always do”.

I’ve been wearing dresses more frequently lately, but I’ve also been getting unwanted attention from men more frequently as well. Maybe this is one of the reasons women sometimes feel more comfortable in pants? I feel feminine and pretty in a dress, but I do have to put up with more stares, honks, “compliments” from strange men, and so on.

“I do agree with previous posters that skirts and dresses make you stand out more as a woman if you work in a male-dominated field (like I do, in technology.)”

“In a science world women just do not wear skirts and dresses. Ever. Anything feminine totally undermines your credibility”.

“Some girls in the office wear the trendiest skirts and dresses, but I just don’t think it’s professional”.

“Last time you brought this up, I mentioned that I work in tech, and that wearing skirts or a dress is so huge a divergence from the office wear norm that I might as well be wearing a prom gown”.

I found these comments very interesting. And I’m familiar with the territory. I dress clients who work in male dominated fields like technology, science and engineering, and who will wear skirts and dresses to work without giving it a second thought. They are completely comfortable wearing ultra feminine clothing items and standing out as a woman. But I also dress clients who feel that they won’t be taken seriously by their peers and superiors when they wear skirts and dresses. So we build a work wardrobe around dress slacks and trouser jeans instead.

As someone who has only ever worked in the dressy and creative fashion industry, I never had to think about whether I would be taken more seriously in a pair of slacks. As long as I look trendy, professional and modest, I’m free to wear what I like.

Do you think that women can be taken seriously when they wear skirts and dresses in male dominated professions? If the answer is no, to what extent do you rebel against the environmental norm and stand your feminine ground? Or is it best to stick to slacks so that you’re dressed more like your male peers.

How to wear a tunic shirt: semi formal dress code

Angie — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:32:07 +0000

Here’s the last tunic shirt outfit for the week. Today I’m doing the semi formal dress code (here are my casual, smart casual and creative business casual interpretations). I’d wear this type of outfit to a fancy restaurant, a show, a cocktail party, a dressy work event or day wedding.

This is a very plain, white tunic shirt so I really had to dress it up to make it look more formal. I belted the look for this dress code because tailoring puts a dressier spin on things.

True to my own style I piled on the pearls and used an off-white, studded, waist-cinching belt and oversized, floral, pearl cocktail ring. I rolled down the sleeves, buttoned them up, and turned back the cuff once to get the effect of a French cuff.

A sleek pencil skirt works well with a long belted top. The proportions of this outfit would have been more flattering with a slightly shorter skirt, but just over the knee skirts are trending so I’m back to giving that look a whirl. The addition of three inch heels helps to balance out the proportions though, so I’m happy with the result. Clutch and fun textured hose finish off the look.

Substitution of my items to work with your own style is the name of the game. Black cigarette pants with a dressy black belt and monochromatic accessories translates just as well, for example. But It’s important to go heavy and statement on the accessories in order to differentiate this look from a business casual outfit. By the same token, I could have substituted the skirt and hose for a pair of dark wash jeans for a great smart casual outfit. Fashion is so much fun.

So which was your favourite of the four tunic shirt outfits this week?

What to wear to a funeral

Angie — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:45:48 +0000

This is a sensitive subject, but one that many people have questions about. The definition of appropriate funeral attire varies a lot across different cultures and religions. This is particularly true for colour. For example, in western culture black is the colour of bereavement, but in other cultures it is white.

But I think it is safe to say that a funeral is not about us and our outfit. It is about paying one’s last respects to the deceased and supporting their family. That’s why I suggest the safe “M-D-M” dressing rule. Wear a “muted”, “dressy” and “modest” outfit and you’ll look and feel appropriate.

Here’s the checklist in more detail as applied to a western funeral:

Keep it muted: Dark colours like black, charcoal grey, navy and brown are no-brainers. Deep burgundy reds, greens and purples, or muted pastels and beige are also fine as long as you don’t wear anything too bright, flashy or bold. Generally, no lively pops of colour for this outfit and that includes make-up.
Keep it dressy: No jeans please. A funeral is a not a casual occasion so at the very least think dressy business casual, but business formal is best. Skirts and dresses are the traditional choice but dress slacks are just as acceptable. Closed toe shoes are not a must but covering up neon toe nail polish is a good idea.
Keep it modest: Tailored clothing is fab but anything too alluring is inappropriate. If an item of clothing is too short, too tight or too low-cut to wear to work, you probably shouldn’t be wearing it to a funeral. Hose is not essential especially if it’s hot, but it does add a polished touch to your skirt or dress ensemble.

Sometimes funeral attire is specified to honour the personality of the deceased. For example, you might be requested to wear their favourite colour, or wear T-shirts that were printed for the funeral occasion. In this case respect the request and go with the flow.

I’ve been to four funerals and in each case I wore a black suit with hose, pearls and black pumps. For my Mum’s funeral I added a crisp white shirt and red handbag to a black pinstripe suit ensemble, just because she would have preferred it that way.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on funeral attire. I’m particularly interested in the appropriate dress for non-Western funerals. Does my checklist still apply? The more we hear about different cultural traditions the better.

16 ways to make business casual pop

Angie — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:52:40 +0000

We’re going to spend lots of time discussing business casual dressing, but here’s a quick fix for those of you who want to spice things up right now. Most of these ideas can be interpreted appropriately for any quadrant of the Business Casual Context Model:

Think beyond black bootcut dress pants. Please! You have countless options if you’re open to them. Pinstripes, checks and false plains are a welcome change, not to mention colours like charcoal, shades of brown, ink blue, teal, eggplant, cream and white. Cigarette pants can look professional and so can a tailored pair of knee length walk shorts.
Wear dresses and skirts. After all, it’s these items that were created especially for women. Take advantage of it.
Add hose. You’ll be surprised at how much fun hosiery can be. A delicate polka dot, a daring diamond or a subtle floral design adds great dimension to an outfit.
Build in some colour. No need to stick to neutrals.
Choose blouses over knit tops and basic button down shirts. A soft blouse makes a clean, crisp and feminine change. Don’t think they’re frumpy. They’re fab.
Add boots and booties to the mix. Wear dressy knee-high boots with skirts and dresses and patent booties with pants. Wear booties with skirts and dresses if you dare.
Consider wearing tunics. They look sensational belted over straight leg pants or pencil skirts. And woven tunics get my vote over knit versions any day of the week.
Add belts. Transform a basic button-down shirt, cardigan or blazer with a skinny or wide waist- cinching belt.
Wear dressy flats if you can’t walk in heels. There’s nothing unprofessional about wearing dressy flat shoes, low wedges or heels an inch high.
Add a pin. Choose one that’s appropriate for your work environment and add interest to a jacket lapel or item of knitwear.
Wear (the right kind of) sleeveless items. Think impeccable sheath dresses, silk shell tops or blouses with built up shoulders, modest necklines and ample underarm coverage.
Add a scarf. They’ll bring instant life to an outfit tied using either a frivolous or an authoritarian knot.
Create interesting layers. Wear sleeveless blouses or knit tops over button-down shirts. Create colour and textural contrasts with camisoles. Add leggings to dressy skirt ensembles if you’re in a creative work environment.
Scrunch or roll up your jacket and shirt sleeves. It adds a relaxed element to a strict suiting blazer, and a textural element to a button down shirt.
Add cuff-links. Think of the fun you’ll derive from sporting vintage cuff links, and you could borrow hubby’s too.
Sport fabulous eyewear and a great watch. They are the most important accessories on your body, so if you’re not happy with them, get an update fast.

Hopefully we’ll see some of these in action on our forum. Can’t wait to see you post your outfits.

Defining the context for business casual

Angie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:46:17 +0000

“Business Casual” for women is tricky to define because it can be interpreted in so many different ways. The dress code is dressier than Smart Casual, but not quite as dressy as Business Formal. So no denim, but no suits either. This leaves a multitude of possibilities!

Your personal preferences will obviously play a big role in defining the right business casual for you, but in this post I’m going to focus on the all important context: The nature of your work and the culture of your work environment. I see two main dimensions:

Conservative versus Creative: Work environments like an accounting office demand a modern classic and traditional style of business casual dress, and therefore lean towards the conservative side of this continuum. In a design studio, on the other hand, trendy, and even eclectic or edgy dress is encouraged and completely business appropriate as long as the outfits are modest, polished and professional.
Casual versus Dressy: Some industries are dressy, while others are more casual. For example, the IT industry will interpret business casual closer to the casual side of this continuum, whereas financial services will interpret it more formally. The same is true in the more creative environments — some will be more dressy than others.

Here is a visual representation of this model:

Needless to say, these are generalizations. I’m sure there are law firms where the attorneys dress in creative ways. Or computer software companies where people dress more formally. Also, based on your preferences you can push things along a continuum. For example, you might prefer to err on the dressy side of business casual just because you enjoy dressing that way. And it needn’t be static over time. You might be able to move along each continuum depending on the agenda of the work day.

The important points are that each of these dimensions is a continuum, and any particular work environment is going to fall somewhere in the four quadrants.

Over the next few months I’m going to dedicate some time on YLF to business casual. I plan to tackle the diversity of different work environments by using this simple four quadrant model. What do you think of the model? Where do you think your work environment would fit best? What about other companies and industries?

Denim and the dress code debate

Angie — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:14:31 +0000

The business casual dress code does not allow denim jeans because they’re thought to be too casual for corporate settings. While I agree that a pair of light wash jeans generally looks really casual, I wholeheartedly believe that a pair of dark wash jeans or trouser cut style can look business appropriate if the rest of the ensemble is dressy and uber-polished.

I often see women in ill-fitting khaki or corduroy pants with a T-shirt, cardigan and loafers walking around in business casual settings. To me, this particular ensemble choice is not only dated, but actually MORE casual than a lass spiffed out in a fab pair of jeans, button down shirt or knitted top, structured jacket, dressy shoes and statement handbag. It makes no sense. The smart casual dress code can look a whole lot more professional and stylish than a sloppy and passé business casual one.

The reason most corporate companies don’t allow jeans into their dress code (other than on casual Fridays) is that there’s room to abuse the privilege. The assumption is that before you know it you’ll have employees pitching up in worn out denim, sweatshirts and shoddy shoes. But a pair of unstylish casual pants worn in an unpolished way is just as bad.

So what’s the solution? Should denim be banned all together, or is there a way of convincing the powers-that-be that dressing up the right denim can be business appropriate, particularly in a less conservative corporate environment.

Office appropriate attire

Angie — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:47:40 +0000

Some jobs have a strict dress code (e.g. formal wear in the legal profession), require a uniform (e.g. the military), or involve special clothing (e.g. the crocs and scrubs worn by hospital staff). These work environments definitely simplify the daily dressing routine. Dress codes in other professions are often more lenient. This is especially true in creative industries like advertizing, fashion and interior design.

I’ve spent my career in these more flexible office environments, and I’m still often taken aback by some of the outfit choices that I see. While I can appreciate daring looks in the evening and on weekends, my belief is that modesty is the best policy in most work environments. Here are my guidelines on what is inappropriate at work:

Strappy and strapless tops: But sleeveless tops with built-up shoulders are fine. If you’re going to wear something strappy or strapless to work, keep it covered with a jacket or cardigan so that it acts as a layering piece instead of the focal point.
Mini-skirts and short-shorts: Anything shorter than two to three inches above the kneecap is too short. Remember that skirts ride up when you sit down so do the “sit down test” before you commit to a shorter hemline. In some situations, you’ll get away with a shorter skirt if you pair it with leggings or opaque tights, especially if you’re petite.
Super low necklines: Camisoles usually solve the cleavage issue, but not always. Bustier gals can’t help but sport a bit of cleavage with camisoles and that’s perfectly fine. Well endowed ladies look best in lower necklines which makes a spot of cleavage unavoidable.
Overly tight clothing: Tailoring is superb but excessive clinging is not.
See-through items: Wearing something sheer to work requires a bra and camisole. If you can’t make a see-through item opaque for work purposes, don’t wear it.

Unless your dress code enforces “the hose and closed-toe shoe rule”, I’m all for bare legs and pretty open-toed sandals in professional settings. In my mind there’s nothing immodest about revealing the lower leg and part of the foot. There’s a lot of subjectivity here though, and norms vary by industry, culture and geography. What are your views on modesty in the workplace and office appropriate attire?

Dress code: business casual for men

Angie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:22:37 +0000

“Business casual” for men can be interpreted in different ways and it’s therefore a little controversial. In my previous experience, business casual consisted of professional separates that were worn without tie or jacket. This is often not the case in America. What I’d refer to as unprofessional clothing is regarded as business casual appropriate because many companies accept khakis and knitted polo shirts as business casual attire.

The resulting business casual dress code has three acceptable looks with increasing levels of smartness:

Level 1 – Khakis + polo-shirt + chunky leather shoes + belt
Level 2 – Khakis + button-down shirt + chunky or refined shoes + belt
Level 3 – Dress pants + button-down shirt + refined leather shoes + belt

The caveat here is that khakis come in all sorts. They can be ultra-casual, or smart. A casual pair of khakis worn with an un-tucked knitted polo shirt is not a professional look. It’s casual and there is nothing business-like about it. Pop a bloke into sleek dark denims, a sharp button-down shirt and fabulous shoes and that’s much more professional. Unfortunately, smart denim is not part of the business casual dress code. Denim still carries a stigma. And the wrong style of jeans can look very sloppy, which is what companies try to prevent.

So here is my opinion: Despite what the dress code allows, knitted polo shirts are strictly casual and khakis are debatable. Stick to dress pants, button-down shirts and refined leather shoes. This will ensure a polished, professional, business casual ensemble.

Business casual dress code Levels 1, 2 and 3. I’m not partial to the first, lukewarm about the second and advocate the third even though this particular Banana Republic ensemble is a bit conservative.

Dress code: casual

Angie — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:40:26 +0000

Achieving a casual, yet stylish appearance is hard to accomplish. It’s easier to look fab in dressier pieces with a “wow factor”. But looking good in casual settings is achievable if you’re mindful about the pieces that you select and how you put them together. Retaining a level of polish in casual attire goes a long way and getting that part right is just as important.

Like all dress codes, “casual” style is about following a formula. Here are the components:

Pants, skirts and walk shorts: Casual bottoms are great in denim, corduroy, cotton twill, cotton blends, micro- checks or linen. Stick to dark blue denim if you’re over the age of 35 and stay away from the dreaded capri look.
Tops: It’s essential that you wear the right casual top to ensure a high style quotient. Choose knitted tops, knitted tunics, knitwear and woven tops over T-shirts because they’re versatile and a lot more interesting. T-shirts don’t pop, whereas other casual top options do.
Jackets: Adding a denim friendly, lined or unlined jacket to a casual ensemble increases your style quotient. This can’t be done in hot weather but is a must when it’s chilly. Jackets in denim, corduroy, cotton twill, cotton blends, rayon blends, acetate, polyester bends and linen are good choices.
Cardigans: They’re the perfect light weight cover-up for dresses or sleeveless tops. Chunky knits are always casual but finer gauges will also work.
Coat: Tailored puffer jackets, parkas or casual trenches worn to the thigh or knee are super.
Dresses: Short jersey or cotton rich A-line day dresses are ideal.
Shoes: Flats are generally more casual than heels so non-athletic fashion sneakers, ballet flats, espadrilles, casual sandals, thong sandals, casual short or knee-high boots and low wedges are great. Low heels can be informal if the styling is casual.
Handbag: Sling bags are perfect, but totes, hobos, wicker or canvas bags are equally good options.

The casual dress code is often abused in the name of “comfort”. Items like sweat pants, hooded sweat tops, yoga-type pants, yoga tops, polar fleece tops, sporty windbreakers, basic T-shirts, lycra tank tops, athletic sneakers and any other type of clothing or shoe that is meant for sport or exercise does not make it into the casual wear category. This look is beyond casual wear. It’s what I call “gear” which is what you wear when you’re working out, engaging in a sport, or lounging at home. Do not wear these items in public as a form of casual wear. It’s poor style.

Casual outfit ideas from Boden.

What to wear to a black tie holiday party

Angie — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:41:18 +0000

Black Tie holiday events call for formal attire. Men wear black suits or tuxes; while women have a choice between short cocktail frocks, long dresses or dressy skirt separates (fancy slack ensembles won’t do). Finishing off the look with heels, one piece of statement jewelry (either earrings or a necklace) and a small evening bag is a safe way to go.

If the new party look isn’t for you, then sticking to a modern classic ensemble is just as fab. Here are some ways to pack a little more punch and drama into a classic Black Tie occasion outfit:

Add metallic, red or colorful shoes and handbag to a little black dress.
Opt for a dress in a colour or metal instead of black.
Wear a long chunky necklace instead of a short pendant or strand of pearls.
Sport sheer shiny hose with peep toed shoes. Subtle sparkly styles will also work.
Wear a translucent stiff wrap that fastens or “pulls through” in front instead of the pashmina kind that hangs loosely around the shoulders. This gives your outfit more structure and definition.
Add a faux fur shrug and opera length gloves.

Browse the dress category if you’re unsure about the best dress style for your body type. A fit-and-flare style (fitted on top and A-line in silhouette) is universally flattering and comfortable and therefore an ideal option. You’re after an outfit with a bit of sheen, so bypass matte jersey dresses because they’re not sufficiently luxurious for a swanky event.

A midnight blue, empire-cut cocktail dress, a front-fastening wrap, and a men’s black and ink blue silk tie with a white shirt.

A long fit-and-flare black gown, shiny yellow clutch and delicious red satin peep- toe pumps that are probably impossible on the dancefloor.