The long button down shirt wafts in and out of fashion. We saw it make a huge statement in the 80’s and then it disappeared. It came back in the 90’s sans shoulder pads, but disappeared again. It’s been an on and off trend during the noughties too, especially since the resurgence of tunic length tops. I don’t know if the tunic shirt will ever be as popular as it was back in the 80’s but it’s making a strong comeback for 2010.

I fully understand the challenges with classic, hip-length button down shirts because they are hard to fit. As soon as they work on the bust, they’re ill-fitting everywhere else. Or they’re too short, too long, too constricting, too boxy, too matronly, or just too blah. But hear me out because the new roomier button down tunic (or tunic shirt) might change your mind.

This style is not as voluminous as the painters shirt, but not all that tailored either, meaning you’ll get away with a boxier silhouette. In fact that’s how the style is supposed to look. Leave it free flowing over skinnies or cigarette pants, adding heels and a statement necklace. Pop the collar and scrunch up the sleeves for instant textural sass. Or add a belt for extra waist definition. If you’re allergic to belts, layer over a fitted item like a jacket or cardigan for more structure. Empire cut tunic shirts are also an option if you prefer torso definition and volume on the tummy and hip area.

A well made tunic shirt can be worn casually, smart casually, incorporated into a biz casual ensemble and take you to a semi-formal event. I’m going to show you how this week so stay tuned.

I’ve been a button down gal forever. I think of the item as a vehicle that enables other items to shine and not just as a wow-top that stands alone. So needless to say, I adore the tunic shirt because it looks crisp and has endless versatile layering possibilities. Remember that you don’t need to choose white either. Some colours look more crisp than others, but most colours in this silhouette are fab.

I don’t love camo print, but I don’t loathe it either. I can appreciate items in camouflage print when they’re very feminine and worn in a dressy way because it’s an unexpected interpretation. And in the name of creative fashion, that’s fab. Items like drapey silk blouses, soft breezy dresses, slinky scarves, the odd handbag and high heeled shoes spring to mind.

But as soon as camouflage looks casual, I’m turned off because it reminds me a little too much of authentic combat wear. For example, baggy shorts and cargo pocket pants in stiff cotton fabrications, distressed twill jackets, rugged T-shirts and sneakers leave me cold. Looks cute on kids, teens and adult blokes for that matter, but somehow, I can’t get my head around it for ladieswear.

Oh-so-90’s camouflage print is trending. If the items look pretty and dressy like the ones above, I vote yay, otherwise I vote nay. How about you? Do you like camouflage print ?

Panties (or knickers and undies as I like to call them) are an incredibly personal thing. What works for one person might not work for another. I’ve found that there is absolutely no panty preference consistency with my clients. Everyone is into something different and is usually looking for an improved version of what they currently have. For comfort reasons, style and fabric are of extreme importance, not to mention price, durability and  aesthetics. Some prefer cotton-rich bikini cuts or synthetic high-cuts, while others prefer lacy thongs. Some prefer neutrals whereas others prefer colours. With such an abundance of panty variety, it seems insane that we still struggle to find that perfect pair.

My preference is boyshorts. I love the coverage that this style provides and enjoy their retro flavour. For a while I wore Jockey’s modern modal brief. Then I switched to Soma’s boyshorts which were great until the dryer started stretching them out. I have since discovered Nordstrom underwear brand “Shimera” and I’m hooked. I can’t get enough of their boyshorts.  They are seamless, lightweight and stay put. So far, they launder well too, so I’m stocking up for my happy buns.

What do you look for in panties? Care to share your fab panty finds?

The price isn’t bad either (you’ll save $2 per pair if you purchase three at a time).

One way to increase the variety in your business casual wardrobe is to add more skirts and dresses into the mix, especially if dress slacks are your staple. Skirts and dresses REALLY change up your look because the silhouette variety for these items is greater than it is for slacks. Also, wearing skirts and dresses in the colder months allows you to have additional fun with hosiery and boots. Slacks, on the other hand, tend to hide hose, knee-high boots and bootie detailing. What a shame!

For most of my clients, my friends, and YLF forum members, dress slacks or pants are regarded as the easy, practical and comfortable business casual option. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard statements like…

“I don’t look good in skirts and dresses”

“I can’t wear hose because it is uncomfortable”

“My legs don’t look good enough to expose them”

“I can’t wear skirts and dresses because I don’t like high heels”

These are seldom true.

All women look fabulous in the right skirts and dresses. You’ll get used to wearing and liking nice hose. And dressy flats or one inch wedged heels are perfectly acceptable peds for business casual. As far as comfort goes, I’m personally more comfortable in a skirt or dress than dress slacks. In fact, I seldom wear pants for biz casual. If I’m not wearing a suit or cigarette pants, I’m in a skirt or frock.

Help me understand why so many women get into the dress pants rut. Is it about fitting into an environmental norm? Will your peers and superiors take you more seriously when you wear pants? Do you find skirt and dress outfits hard to combine?