https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:21:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight/page/2#post-1888499 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 17:30:02 +0000 Cee 1888499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great news indeed !</p> <p>I agree with all the above advice and may I add no evil cowlnecks ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888313 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 01:08:07 +0000 Vix 1888313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Alecia --</p> <p>Big congrats on your promotion! </p> <p>I think it's totally normal to feel at sea in any new role, let alone one that has you as the big boss. Whenever I start somewhere new there's such a huge wave of information my brain as to process, analyze, and often distill back to others that my brain is done when it comes to everyday things. I actually organize outfits by the week at those times (putting 8 outfits up so there's some flex).</p> <p>So many great suggestions upthread re brands and role models. How lucky you're still around peers who do put an emphasis on personal style since that's your thing too.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have an American Express card, Shoprunner 2-day free shipping is a benefit (I don't use my AmEx, it's just live so I get SR). Great when you want to check so-called luxury retailers for great markdowns. I just ordered a structured Elie Tahari blue wool dress with interesting-to-me-details for $87...not sure if it will fit but hey, had to try.</p> <p>A little more input on MM LaFleur -- if at all possible, try to get to a pop-up event. I think they may be in CA next? IMSomewhatfrustratingExperience their sizing can be a bit tricky but after trying on 12 or so dresses at once I now know I'm likely to be Size A in styles like blah blah and Size B in yadadada. Also shipping is UPS ground to the west coast...need I say more? Having done a bento and then a pop-up I'd advise someone like you to skip right to ordering 2 sizes of anything that looked good and then work through fit issues with their helpful CS / remote stylists if needed.</p> <p>In one way I'm MMLF's target customer -- I like special details on and color-color for fairly classic pieces. But I don't hate to shop, am not clueless about my style or what colors/fits flatter, etc. Oh, also am not in an conservative environment or sky-high salary bracket. So just use your own well-developed judgement and cherry pick there.</p> <p>Most importantly on the clothing front: hope you'll share some WIW with us!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888288 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 00:29:05 +0000 tulle 1888288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your promotion, Alecia!&nbsp; Have you asked yourself what has made you feel most confident about your style in the past? If whatever worked then is no longer working for you, I would suggest adding some investment pieces--modern, high quality, recognizably GOOD--to your wardrobe.&nbsp; It's amazing what having one beautifully tailored jacket, some perfectly fitted trousers, or a sleek designer dress in your closet can do for your spirits.&nbsp; Ditto a great handbag, beautiful boots, an exquisite silk scarf. Look for quality, and if you find a few designers/manufacturers whose clothes tend to fit you well and make you feel fantastic, you can seek them out on sites like the Outnet, Gilt, or Net a Porter, or even in consignment shops. I would be careful about adding a lot of ultra-conservative pieces if they are not really your thing. After all, if the men in the office feel free to dress on trend, you should, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888075 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:50:59 +0000 Angie 1888075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Alecia</b>, nice to see you on the forum.&nbsp;CONGRATS. You are brilliant.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sounds like you need to do a little soul searching. You will get there -<i> LISTEN to your feelings</i>. If dressing in neutrals feels right for a while - do it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Don't ignore your love for colour and pattern either, though. May I suggest looking at some of our biz casual/formal forum members outfits: <b>Katerina</b>, <b>MsMary</b>, <b>Jane</b>, <b>Bijou, Kari&nbsp;</b>come to mind right away. Some wear neutrals, and some wear lots of pattern and colour. Some mix it up.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meredith's example of Argent is great. I like Viva's statement blazer ideas too.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for bloggers: Mary from Memorandum, and Jean from Extra Petite are great inspiration.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888055 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:20:06 +0000 rachylou 1888055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Had a surf on Pinterest under ‘power dressing women business’ - interesting to see who they threw out there:<br /> Condy Rice, Amal Clooney, UN Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Dynasty Joan Collins, Michelle Obama... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888052 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:06:53 +0000 Nomad 1888052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! I love everyone's advice here... it should definitely be possible to be true to your personality and style while still being appropriate for your new role.</p> <p>I can chime in on MM.LaFleur. I have two of their dresses (Annie in teal and Lydia in a deep forest green), the Graham kimono in black, and the Crawford top in a navy pinstripe.&nbsp; The quality is high; seams are nicely finished and fabrics have held up well over the couple of years I've owned the dresses. The Lydia is my go-to when I want to feel put together and powerful at work, and I always get compliments when I wear it, which is kind of impressive given that it's so simple... but the lines are just perfect (mine is less body con and longer on me than on some of the models on the website).</p> <p>I've done two Bento boxes, which is a fun way to be introduced to the brand; much like Stitchfix, you fill out a profile, note any special requests or style preferences, and a stylist sends you a curated box to keep what you like and send the rest back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888041 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 14:19:18 +0000 unfrumped 1888041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might also look at Bridget Raes’ blog. Not super edgy, but on average she features more “ not AS casual business casual “ office attire than I tend to see on YLF, and not so conservative as Corporette. For example, good use of interesting color combinations. Your situation might call for further tweaks into more cutting- edge style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1888039 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 14:01:05 +0000 Alecia 1888039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I knew you all would come through! Thank you so much. I appreciate the congratulatory wishes and all the wonderful advice. (As a side note, yesterday for a casual look I wore red pants, a cream blouse with metal &nbsp;studs on the collar, and a velvet blazer. Checked off a couple of the boxes for my favorite style and made me happy.)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Kari! </b>So great to have you chime in. That trip to Seattle was a very special one. I have fond memories of it. I hope you're well. I've been thinking about the strategy you proposed. It's a good one.</p> <p>And&nbsp;<b>Bella</b>, so wonderful to see you, too. I agree about trying to find impeccable suits and that the Good Wife is a great example of what that can look like. Yet impeccable just feels so unattainable for me. There's a level of sophistication that I've never pulled off. I think I'm RATE (or maybe just quirky) at heart so it's hard to keep that tamped down.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Unfrumped,&nbsp;</b>I have started reading Corporette. It kind of makes me sad. It feels very sterile. Thank you for introducing me to the Directrice. That lifted my spirits seeing her embrace her personality. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Karen and Lynne</b>, I must not be searching right. I can't find posts from Katerina that include suits. Could you include a link of one example?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Greyscale</b>, I do look at magazines and the internet, but fashion rarely focus on business looks. Thanks for validating that it's not crazy to feel this way.</p> <p><b>Viva</b>, the jackets you found are SOOOO gorgeous! Thank for doing that. I especially love the metallic one. (There goes that magpie gene!) Similar to the leopard print blazer you posted, I got the T<a rel="nofollow" href="http://https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/trouve-leopard-print-peplum-jacket/4552872?cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-10-_-1&amp;siteId=fV7QgDWUWe0-BXc.SkjjFYNhXVy47O71dQ">rouve Leopard Print </a>jacket that was one of Angie's NAS picks. This was before my promotion but I have found it to be something that I still enjoy wearing in my new role. So you're definitely onto something.</p> <p><b>KKards</b>, BR has a pink suit right now. I'm going to check it out this weekend. Sneakers are a no go for the office, but I love that look.&nbsp;</p> <p><b></b><b>Rachylou</b>, I'm in California. Our buttoned up is still less buttoned up than the East Coast, I'd say. But I've been looking at Brooks Brothers a lot. I could see it becoming a place to go for essentials, like suit dresses.</p> <p><b>La Belle D</b>, <u>thank you&nbsp;</u>for the blog recommendations! I think I have some new ones, in addition to ylf, to add to my daily reading. I do like the Scandal style, but it has that impossible impeccable factor that I mentioned in my comment to Bella above.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Meredith</b>, I do like Argent's stuff. Or at least what it looks like online. I may need to get my hands on some.</p> <p><b>Jane</b>, paired with a jacket, that skirt would be great.</p> <p><b>Jussie</b>, that's an idea!</p> <p><b>Nomadicliz,</b> I have also been eyeing mmlafluer. Have you seen any pieces IRL?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Tanstaafl,&nbsp;</b>I don't have pictures of outfits these days. Most days I'm running around like a crazy person trying to get my self to work and my kiddo to school. No time for pictures. That's the other thing I need, stuff that's easy to pull together when we have 5 minutes to get out the door. (This may explain the impossible impeccable factor. See my comment for Bela for reference.) Also, setting the bar feels like a big responsibility.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Donna</b>, yes. I vote no spanx.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Ummlila,&nbsp;</b>agree.</p> <p><b>Sandy</b>, I had not seen Esther Quek. Thank you for introducing me. Her style is DIVINE!!!! I love it.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Binkle,</b>&nbsp;the men and their style I described are either equal or just directly above me. Those are great brands you recommended. I swoon over Lafayette 148.</p> <p><b>Debbie</b>, thank you! I hope you're well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887964 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 04:10:04 +0000 Debbie 1887964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Take a look at Kerry Washingtons Scandal style. I think there is some great inspiration there.<br /> Congratulations on your new position! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887938 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 02:46:13 +0000 binkle 1887938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The guys are wearing color so why can't you? Actually I am being serious.<br /> Are these sharp dressers subordinate, equal or superior to your new position? Even though there are no female role models, how do your superiors dress (same use of color and modern cut, or are they more traditional). Are there women of equivalent position in similar orgs that you can find some pix of (or scout at conferences)?</p> <p>The Directrice is very creative - she is a partner in a DC law firm, I think, and mostly shows her everyday business casual outfits - sometimes a power suit.<br /> Corporette is OK but seems more targeted to super conservative offices - plain sheaths, plain pumps.</p> <p>Not knowing your profession or budget or size....you can look at brands like JCrew, Tahari, Lafayette 148, Akris, Brooks Bros for some traditional and modern inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887916 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 01:27:01 +0000 SandyG 1887916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you want a kick-start to boldness and style, look at&nbsp;Esther Quek's color and verve with suits. It will spark so many ideas for suits! Not exactly corporate, but fab style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887903 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 00:16:10 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1887903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the pink Ganni suit <b>KKards</b> mentioned should be yours. and that <b>Viva</b> should be your personal shopper for life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887901 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 00:10:19 +0000 DonnaF 1887901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be the third person here to mention The Good Wife’s Diane Lockhart. Classy and unique plus I don’t think she wears Spanx 100% of the time — my impression of Claire Underwood in House of Cards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887894 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 23:52:27 +0000 tanstaafl 1887894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have any pictures you could post of the types of outfits you were wearing before or now so we can see what point you are starting from? From your description of what the men wear I don’t think you have to stick to just traditional silhouettes or neutrals. Since you are the only female at your level or above, I think you sort of get to set the bar. I don’t have any specific suggestions for you other than to dress in a way that makes you feel both authoritative and confident. Then you will project that authority through your attitude, which can be much more impactful than your clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887872 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 22:28:14 +0000 nomadicliz 1887872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats! I work in a business casual (emphasis on casual) medical field and wear oversized scrubs (cause they're comfier) half the time- so I don't have first hand advice, but when I think of a kick ass boss lady with a very interesting power wardrobe, Diane Lockhart springs to mind (from the good wife/good fight) here's an overview of her style&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vulture.com/2016/05/good-wife-diane-lockhart-style.html">http://www.vulture.com/2016/05.....style.html</a></p> <p>I also think the clothes at <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mmlafleur.com/">https://mmlafleur.com/</a> are beautiful, if not super adventurous in terms of color/pattern and texture- but they&nbsp; all kind of go together and might be a good capsule while you're feeling out how best to add in statement pieces.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887851 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 21:15:20 +0000 Lynn 1887851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations. I have no clue about business dress as I worked in a casual business environment. But I wanted to second checking out Katrina's recent threads. Her outfits are just beautiful and I think show a lot of creativity in use of her use color and accessories to add interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887850 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 21:10:42 +0000 jussie 1887850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!<br /> Sounds like a tricky dilemma clothing wise. What could be a safe option is just walking into a high-ish end store (I’m thinking Hugo Boss or Karen Millen actually) that does quite high quality, structured, tailored-type clothing and simply getting 2-3 complete outfits from there.<br /> That way there is little room for error iykwim, and everything will be cohesive.<br /> Best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887848 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 21:00:22 +0000 Jane 1887848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! I sympathise but feel sure you can crack it! I'm not quite sure how trendy corporate translates to women, but may be something like this skirt could be a good base. This one is from Whistles, and it is very good IRL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887830 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 19:25:59 +0000 Meredith 1887830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! I don’t have great advice because I work in casual environment, but I think the brand Argent really accomplishes a nice balance of streamlined and classic with function and fun. I wish I had an excuse to wear their things at work.</p> <p><a href="https://argentwork.com" rel="nofollow">https://argentwork.com</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887829 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 19:20:34 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1887829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!&nbsp; &nbsp;I think there are some great suggestions here - particularly looking at television series.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think if you find a series/character whose style you like, you can take that to Pinterest and find a lot of inspiration.</p> <p>Have you looked at Kerry Washington in 'Scandal'?&nbsp; &nbsp;There's a whole cult following for her wardrobe on the show.&nbsp; &nbsp;And Robin Wright in 'House of Cards'.&nbsp; &nbsp; If you're after conservative, that might be worth looking at!</p> <p><b></b>@Unfrumped<b></b>:&nbsp; Mary Norton's site used to be The Classy Cubicle, but she has changed the name to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.memorandum.com/">Memorandum</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;She has some really beautiful outfits!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://theworkedit.com/">The Work Edit </a>(formerly Capitol Hill Style) may have some useful ideas as well!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887824 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 18:40:06 +0000 rachylou 1887824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats! Pink gingham, huh? That’s pretty flash, lol. Where are you? What’s your industry? </p> <p>I’d probably start with dress suits - That is, a dress with matching jacket. Yeah, I’d probably have a look at Brooks Brothers... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887819 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 18:15:23 +0000 kkards 1887819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CONGRATULATIONS! how fabulous for you </p> <p>so, I don't know how adventures you want to be, or can be...but to greyscales point, i've seen some really fun suits recently (almost but not quite making me miss business or maybe&nbsp;business casual)&nbsp;</p> <p>these are just some inspirational pictures </p> <p>love a pink suit....can you wear sneakers? love the sneakers with a suit...bomber instead of a blazer...cropped pants with a suit....plaid, especially with a bright top....tee shirt under a suit...or dress up skirts like the ones shown with a silk blouse...or a lurex sweater</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887786 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 16:35:46 +0000 viva 1887786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Greyscale's comment got me all excited and I went shopping for you. :)</p> <p>What if you invested in a couple of really great quality "slightly unusual blazers" to feed your magpie soul? You could probably create all sorts of outfits with fairly basic other pieces (pants or skirt and top, dress -- just a column of color underneath). There are a TON of fun blazers out there. I don't know your industry, but if the quality is there, I would think this could work (given the creativity being shown by your male counterparts).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887776 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 16:16:21 +0000 Greyscale 1887776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the promotion. And I think you'll manage to turn it into an opportunity to boost your wardrobe to the next level, too. One lucky thing is that suits are trending right now so there are some interesting cuts (albeit maybe without the staying power of a classic). I'd start by collecting a lot of inspiration photos from Pinterest or magazines. </p> <p>I spent last month in business clothes for important interviews. It was a real change for me and I also struggled to keep my edgy style without standing out too much. Luckily I'd found a slightly unusual blazer a few months ago and it was the key to putting together interesting looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887775 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 16:04:42 +0000 karen13 1887775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi and congratulations! Look at Katerina’s recent posts here on YLF. Her outfits make me want to have a reason to wear “corporate” suit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887774 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 16:04:09 +0000 viva 1887774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887771 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:53:18 +0000 unfrumped 1887771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds exciting though stressful to start. Watching with interest. “ Trendy corporate “ !?<br /> Corporette is very conservative but still fun. The Directrice uses very original and unique combinations- she hunts down items on Yoox. Mary ___? changed the name of her blog but used to do very polished, trendy professional ( did it used to be Office cubicle?)<br /> Sounds like some approach combining some classic items or cuts with an avant-garde garden piece, of found bolder colors in a classic piece, and interesting footwear. Maybe something where you can mix in some juxtaposed items until you find the right” recipe” for you and your setting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887766 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:45:10 +0000 bella 1887766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Alecia! Very good to see you and congrats on the promotion!<br /> I think a wardrobe refresh is in order. Me thinks some kick ass impeccable suits with funky but expensive tops. You might also want to check out some outfits from tv shows for inspiratio. The good wife always had some great outfits for exactly this kind of environment me thinks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887764 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:42:49 +0000 Kari 1887764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also waving hello to the very first YLF-member I met in person many years back when you were in town! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/losing-my-style-identity-overnight#post-1887763 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:41:21 +0000 Kari 1887763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your promotion! </p> <p>I’ll bet several of Angie’s clients have dealt with this. Mary Lou would be a good role model too. Corporette has a wealth of resources that are more traditional/business attire but fashionable. </p> <p>So what I’ve seen with the female execs I admire is kind of a combination. Structure and tailored pieces, but not always conservative cuts. Bold colors or patterns but maybe just in a few pieces-a signature jacket and scarf, a statement necklace, a blouse or shirt. Pairing a modern cut with a classic/conservative cut (internally, maybe that means a more modern pant silhouette paired with a great blazer; or swapping a leather jacket instead of a blazer; if appropriate for the dress code, a perfectly cut pair of jeans or pants in a less-formal fabric with a tailored shirt; Choosing one or two pieces that are more trendy or fashion forward in a way that speaks to you.) </p>