Cynthia Cheng Mintz
So with UBS recently publishing what they consider an appropriate work wardrobe being one of the most trending topics last week (and apparently, people are *STILL* talking about it), I’ve decided to post one of my own as well. To prevent readers from getting bored, I will try to keep it very brief, not 40-something pages like the Swiss-based bank (really? My high school handbook was able to say all they needed to say about appropriate dress within a page or so – on 8.5 x 5.5 paper).
As DelectablyChic! is an online media publication, the most ideal dress code leans towards the casual side. This means that standards are all the more important – different people have different views of what “on the casual side” means -especially in the fashion and style industry. For some, “casual” means relaxed – yoga pants, flip flops, sweat shirts and so forth. This is fine if you are working at a home office, of course, but not if you work in a “real” office. In fact, flip flops are NEVER fine, unless you’re doing a spa day or meeting at the pool or beach.
Below are a few ideal outfits for different situations:
A regular day at a casual office (with denim):
If you work in a very casual office which allows denim, be sure that the wash is darker. Whether you pick a flowy top or cardigan and shell, make sure the jeans are professional looking and not sloppy weekend wear.
A regular day (denim-free):
Keep your regular office look simple. Skirts or trousers are fine as are dress pants. The camisole and cardigan can be replaced with a pull-over sweater or blouse.
Working from home:
Honestly, anything goes here. For ultimate comfort, go with yoga pants, hoodies or sweaters and flip-flops. It’s best that you actually change, rather than stay in your PJs! People who stay in their PJs all day are less likely to want to work. Hey, maybe those yoga pants would even entice you to work out!
Meeting with clients/At an Interview:
I personally like wearing skirts or suit-style dresses when meeting with clients or doing in-person interviews as they feel dressier than the regular office outfit. However, wear what you’re comfortable with. The interview/client meeting outfit shouldn’t be too different from what you might wear to the office – just take it up ever-so-slightly.
At Fashion Week:
Look a little hip or casual, but don’t look like you’re trying too hard – there’s no need to be head-to-toe in what designers are showing that given day. You don’t want to end up on someone’s blog as a Fashion Victim of the Day or on their Worst Dress list. The stachel is big enough to fit one’s Fashion Week Kit – a tablet or netbook, wallet, camera, make-up and of course, the phone.
Covering an (evening) event:
As you are working, you don’t need to be as dressy as the guests. However, don’t think you can go looking extremely casual. The Little Black Dress is aways good – you won’t look too out of place that way! Throw in a scarf to make your outfit pop!
There you have it. Ideal dress for different work-related situations at under 600 words. Take that, UBS!
Next week: The Ideal DelectablyChic! Work Wardrobe for guys.
(Note: feature image v© Andriy Bandurenk/iStockphoto (seen on front page and slider). All others courtesy of shopstyle.com)
