Today’s business casual interpretation is my favourite tunic shirt outfit of the week (here are my casual and smart casual interpretations).

The business casual dress code is all about context. As a fashion stylist, I err on the dressy and creative side of business casual which makes this outfit appropriate for my line of work. So, true to my style I layered a black silk chiffon polka dot blouse over a fully buttoned-up tunic shirt. Turned back the cuffs and added a fun beaded pearl necklace. I paired the look with black cigarette pants, patent biker booties and a very special red handbag. For warmth, I pull on a wool coat or trench coat. For a more professional indoor business look, I add a black boyfriend blazer or regular charcoal pinstriped blazer.

In a more conservative work environment, you can leave off the layered blouse and add a broad waist-cinching belt, bootcut slacks and regular pumps. A scarf tied the authoritarian way adds a nice touch too. You can also layer a soft boyfriend or cascading cardigan over the belted tunic shirt.

Again, no waist definition on this outfit because that’s how I personally prefer the look (though I am not allergic to belts). A strong shoulder line paired with sleek bottoms offers enough structure. Tomorrow, you might see a bit more waist definition when I tackle a semi formal setting.

I never would have believed it before I was a fashion stylist, but belt phobia is very real fashion condition. I know many clients, friends and YLF forum members who refuse to wear belts of any description. The reasons?

“They don’t look right on me”

“They make me feel self conscious about my midriff”

“They’re uncomfortable”

It’s such a shame! Wearing waist cinching belts over tops and dresses can solve fit dilemmas and resolve ensemble challenges. It can also camouflage torso lumps and bumps. I can’t tell you how many items of clothing I have salvaged (both for myself and for my clients) by adding a belt in the right place. Instant waist definition works it’s magic time and time again, even for those who think they don’t have a waistline.

But it has to be the right belt, in the right position, on the right outfit. This takes practice. If you’re well endowed and short-waisted it’s a little harder to get this right, but it can absolutely work. Everyone can look good in a belt once the variables are correct.

It is true that some belts are awfully uncomfortable. So, like shoes, you have to find styles that are comfortable on your body, AND get used to wearing them. Full or half-elasticized belts stretch with the bod as it moves and I find those more comfortable. I also prefer soft and flexible leathers, pleathers and fabrics to anything hard that chaffs or digs into my rib cage. I much prefer the waist-cinching belts of the noughties over the bulky hip slung belts we wore looped into low rise jeans in the 90’s. Those belts rubbed against my hip bones, especially on the side where I wore my cross body bag. I don’t think I’ll be sporting that look again.

Do you wear belts, or do you have belt phobia? Perhaps you had belt phobia but overcame your fears. If so, what’s your secret?

Here’s the second tunic shirt outfit in action. This time it’s smart casual (if you haven’t seen it already, take a look at the casual interpretation I did yesterday). Once again, the outfit is true to my style, so it might not be to your taste. Substitution is the name of the game so have fun with the look and make it YOURS.

For the most part I prefer this shirt sans the belt because I get a kick out of surrendering my waistline. It makes me feel a little naughty and rebellious but in a lady-like way. A little weird perhaps, but at the end of the day it’s all about how the outfit makes us feel, right?

I added structure to the shirt by adding the layer of a fitted cardigan. I buttoned the top few buttons to accentuate an A-line silhouette, thereby leaving me with a strong shoulder line but a voluminous midriff and hip area. My cardigan has crazy 80’s ruched sleeves but you could have layered any type of cardigan and belted it at the waist for added definition. Instead of a cardigan, add a jacket, waistcoat or moto vest for even more structure.

I chose skinnies and dressy flats because that’s how I’m most comfortable when charging around town, but you can wear bootcut jeans and heels to create a longer and leaner line. I also chose a necklace, but earrings and a scarf are just as fab. Finished off the look with pearls and a great bag and Bob’s your uncle.

Tomorrow I’ll cover how to wear the tunic shirt in a creative business casual setting.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.