05.7.2008 Spring office clothing for high visibility at work

Long gone are the days of the women’s classic work clothes consisting of the “power suit” and the floppy tie that women had to wear to the office.  As women have made their mark on the workplace, fashion has made its mark as well.  While dressing for work is different than getting ready to express your personal style at a party or dinner with friends,  there are still some great must have clothing for the office this spring that can bring you high visibility at work.

Add some color: A tailored pants suit is still a great way to strut your stuff and be taken seriously at the same time. As always, a well made piece will last a life time and is a great fashion investment.  Make sure both the jacket and pants fit well and are tailored to accentuate your body type.   While the classic navy, black and gray suits won’t ever go out, a brightly colored suit can punch up your look without discrediting your office moves.

Office structure with the men’s style vest: This season, the structure of suits are flowing more of a traditional men’s look, which helps in a piece’s longevity.  The classic tailoring of a men’s type cut pairs nicely with more feminine accesories and creates a nice juxtaposition to a sharp toed pump or a peep toed mule.  If it’s not the time to make investment in a new suit, then pick up a man’s style vest or two.   Vests are back with a vengeance and can perfectly accent last year’s blouse for fashion staying power. Think a modern Annie Hall; search your closet and look for new separates to pair up.

Staying Grounded in Neutral colors:

The neutral tones have continued staying power as well.   Safari cut jackets in tones of khaki are one of this seasons must have. A safari type jacket is the perfect way to top an office dress and goes very nicely with some of the more tribal prints that are hot this year.  Deeper toned tailored slacks pair up well with this seasons bights, as well, and provide a very necessary foundation for the hues of spring.

Layer up with a great new cardigan sweater: As the weather gets warmer outside, the temperature gets colder inside.  Office air conditioning often makes spring and summer street wear feel like a holiday in Alaska.  Layering office clothing is a perfect way to mitigate the sever fluxation in temperatures. This year the classic cardigan is all over, providing some very nice warmth to early sleeveless looks.  The added benefit of a versatile sweater? Clothing that screams summer can now be worn through the spring and into the fall without making you break into a sweat.

Accessories are bigger and brighter than ever; Jewelry is on the rise and the sizes are still growing.  Though the mantra now is “the bigger and chunkier the better”, it should not be overdone.  One armful of complimentary chunky bracelets or a fabulous necklace, not both, is the key. Pair a statement making piece with a more subdued blouse or dress background to avoid visual confusion.

Belts, shoes, bags, and scarves cannot be forgotten either.   Belts can still be nice thick; perfect for accenting a slim waste, or a tighter, slimmer bit of brighter color snaking through the tops of slacks. For spring look for bags reminiscent of cute 1960’s camera bags with long straps in bright colors.  Shoes continue to be all about the sculptured heels and almost anything goes.   From spike heels with odd designs, to oddly shaped wedges, the more unique the shoe, the better.   A spring scarf is all about fabric, color and weight.  Obviously warmth is not the main purpose when this spring’s hottest scarves are made of whisper thin chiffon.  A scarf if a great way to mix in a floral, soften a tailored jacket and add a bit of color next to your face.

Keeping a varied mix between the classic office look and your own personal style promotes a winning combination that is bound for favorable reviews.