Here’s in interesting task – how do we take advantage of a subtle hue in a plaid fabric? In the first photo we have a argyle print stockings with a very thin mustard yellow stripe. The skirt is is in the same shade of yellow as in the stockings, and it’s worn with a traditional black suit jacket and black shoes. The second photo is gray plaid skirt with a very slight line of mustard yellow. That subtle hue is matched up with a suit jacket in the same color. This could be worn with black stockings and black pumps, or perhaps tall black boots. If you have the colors carefully planned out, you can create some good work outfits by mix-and-matching suit separates. Any other suggestions on picking up hues from the readers ?

So you are wearing a black power suit, but what color is your bag? Your bag is not just for hauling papers around, it’s part of your business outfit. Maybe your business suit is in a dark, traditional, conservative color, but your bag can be a in a strong bright color. It doesn’t necessarily have to match your shoes – it can speak on it’s own. Let your bag do some “talking”. It’s one accessory that can accessorize all by itself.

So what color will you use to accessorize your winter coat with this year? The standard is white, red or black (see below), but there are many other colors (see above) you can use to accessorize your winter coat. Many of you have probably chosen a black or gray long coat for work to look good with your business attire, but you shouldn’t wear a scarf the same color as your coat. For gloves,  a classic pair of black leather gloves is a good investment, but if you use a set of scarf and hat in a different color every year, it’s less noticable that you are wearing the same coat as last year. If your budget is tight, then stick with last year’s winter coat, but change out all the accessires to a different color.

You will find good quality at Bloomingdale’s (above).

But an inexpensive brand like H & M (above) may also do, as long as it is a matching set.

No tights with business attire, please. Puh-leeaas! I don’t care how popular they are right now, you can NOT wear tights to work. On the mannequin in this photo somebody made an effort to make these tights look more formal and dressy by putting them with a blazer. No way. That just does not work. Maybe for a party, but not for a work outfit. It doesn’t matter if you try to turn a pair of tights into a business casual outfit by wearing them with a suit jacket. It looks terrible. (I seldom use blogs to simply rant, but today I couldn’t hold it back.)

New Jewelry Choices for the Working Woman

In the quickly changing world of fashion, business jewelry design trends are relatively conservative. Business styles reflect a more elegant and conventional approach to wardrobe, which leads women to struggle with what to wear in the office. Many of the accessories worn outside the office don’t project the necessary image of power and success that help one to succeed in business. While they can keep some of the tried and true pieces in their jewelry box, women are learning to borrow some fashion ideas from from men for some surprising new choices.

 The Conventional Approach

Pearls are a must for any busy working woman. They help provide an aura of wealth and success that elude other types of jewelry. Pearls can be worn with a business suit, or a casual business dress. They tend to stand out without being too showy. Gold and silver jewelry is next, offering a little gleam to the attire. Understated jewelry works best for the business office, to provide fewer distractions. Most working women will avoid noisy bracelets or loops that can catch on office surroundings, and create an image of playfulness instead of serious business. They invest, instead, on a great pair of stud earrings, a statement necklace, and an office brooch as their standard accessories.

 The New Daring

Now, some women are starting to add cuff links to their business attire. Long held as a male accessory, women are finding they work well for their office suits too, particularly if it is a pants suit. Watches are a unisex jewelry accessory that always looks good in the office and replaces the dangling bracelets that are far too casual for women to wear at work. Men are wearing more rings while women are choosing fewer rings. As the sexes learn to share the workplace equitably, a new style acceptable to both will eventually level the field and give both genders the right look for success.

  The standard white, gray and black business attire can be brightened up with some color – for example pink! In the first photo we have a basic white blouse with a subtle pink stripe under a cute gray cardigan, with a basic black suit skirt. Second we have a classic gray buisness suit (skirt suit) with a basic white blouse, however it is layered with a pink unbuttoned cardigan – this is a great way to mix in some color into your professional wardrobe. In the last example we have work outfit consisting of a gray suit jacket with a taupe pencil skirt, brightened up by a classic blouse in mauve. This style of basic blouse in different colors is the staple of most women’s business attire and can be worn both with suit separates, as in this photo, or with classic business suits.