which black dress looks the most 'professional'?

cyan45

i just bought this dress, but am wondering if it looks too sensual for
the workplace? i would like to start projecting a little more authority,
but still retain femininity.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....hoppingbag

annd...i just realized that i always go for the same kind of dress: jersey, knee-length, some kind of sleeve, high neckline (i have a small bust), wrinkle resistant, low-maintenance and shows curves...

don't get me wrong, i lLOVE the look/feel of drapey fabric, but i am wondering if i ought to consider expanding my range. what do you think of this? do the dresses below convey a little more authority? does it matter?

http://www.overstock.com/Cloth.....oduct.html

16 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from garmenta

Ele

(website)

Active Member

Hmm, I don't think the first dress is too sensual at all. I think with the right accessories, hair, makeup etc. it could look very professional. You said that you have a small bust, so I can't imagine that it would be too sexy or anything like that, but of course it depends on your office setting. I like it because it seems versatile, you could make it more conservative for work, or more dressy for wearing out for dinner, etc.

Having said that, I LOVE the Calvin Klein dress from Overstock. Wow- it's so sharp and feminine, and very authoritative, if that's what you're going for. It's actually the kind of thing I had in mind when I read Angie's blog post yesterday, about favourite fashion eras. The waist tucks and straight skirt are very retro and feminine. I bet you could have a lot of fun accessorizing it, too.

I'm not sure I've helped here! I like the first dress and don't think it's inappropriate for the workplace. If you're looking to convey authority, though, collecting a few pieces such as the ones below wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

16 years ago

rute

Veteran

Oh my God! I love the three dresses!
They are all suitable for work and black is great to play with accessories! On your type of body dress 2 and 3 should look great!

16 years ago

carissa

(website)

Active Member

You are smart to consider what our clothes convey, and authority can be got from our wardrobe.

For example, a collar always symbolizes authority.

The first dress, with its drapey fabric, will not connotate authority, as pretty as it may be. Structured & tailored is more professional, like the second two dresses, if thats what you need.

I sound so opinionated.

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I think dress #2 is the best option for work and most versatile. However, I LOVE dress #3, and I think it's very suitable for work. The first dress is pretty, but I am not a huge fan of jersey dresses in general, and I think to project authority you need something more structured.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The second dress is hard to wear. It won’t work if you’re pear-shaped, busty or a little curvy on the arms. Beware of this style. I’ve had this silhouette on several people and like s coconut, very disappointing.

The first dress is definitely the most sensual and the third is the most fun. Over to you.

16 years ago

cyan45

Active Member

angie, i didn't know dress #2 was so much trouble! i can imagine though...thanks for the warning!

marianne, i like #3 as well there's something about the piped & belted waist that gives it some fun shape!

carissa, i value strong opinions! i have my own

verdict so far: i think i'll keep the sensual max & cleo for other functions, and
focus on getting a good skirt suit in a 4-season fabric (does that even exist?) that way i can maximize versatility, yet still look sharp if needed.

how have you ladies liked j.crew and/or banana republic suits? my budget is tight, but i'd prefer something modern-classic and youthful...

16 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

If you need a classic, high-quality tailored suit, I vote for J Crew. Every J Crew piece I've owned has been good fabric that wears like iron and fits well. I like Banana Republic for looks--cute tops and sweaters!--but it doesn't have the staying power of as J Crew. My BR pieces wear out after a few seasons. The J Crews just keep going and going.

J Crew isn't as much fun to wear as, say, Nanette Lepore, but if you want a vibe of classic tailored elegance, it's your label. (Just see what the First Lady does with a J Crew skirt and cardigan!)

J Crew isn't cheap when it's new at retail, so if that's a sticking point, watch for sales, or look for it at resale. Consignment is the best bargain--it shows up there at 15-25% of its original retail price. J Crew, like a lot of retailers, thoughtfully includes a date tag in the seam or behind the label of each garment, so if it's second-hand, you know exactly when it first hit the store.

16 years ago

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