Here are some alternatives to the standard suit blouse. Cool fashion tops like these, make a nice break-off for a suit, giving it a different look and personality. While the business suit may be a standard thing in the corporate world, you could take some license with your top, and create a different personality for the suit by spicing it up with a designer top with an interesting cut. Wear one of these tops with a pair of suit pants, or nice slacks. (But not with jeans – that would be too casual for a work outfit.) And remember to keep the suit jacket on when you wear a sleeveless top at the office. Your work clothes don’t have to be super conservative all through the outfit – keep the suit conservative but do something creative with your tops.

I found these tops at a site I have been checking out recently called meinto.com. If you get tired of malls and need a break from department stores, you can go to this site and find things that are carried in smaller boutiques. This on-line store is actually a collection of smaller boutiques, and when supporting smaller stores you may find more unique items.

I would wear the blue top with a pair of classic black slacks, and a necklace in black onyx. The champagne silk top I would wear with pair of white slacks, or another neutral color like bone or cream. Pearls would be the best accessory, and though a full suit with matching suit jacket and pants would be more like formal business attire, one could try mixing it up with a black suit jacket to look a little more relaxed. And last, the gray 3/4 sleeve silk top – one might easily rely on black slacks just because it’s easy, but instead of going the easy route, I would try to find a pair of charcoal gray slacks in a shade of gray that is darker than the blouse. And the jewelry – silver, of course.

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One way to make a woman’s business suit more summery or spring like, is to wear a blouse that is of a rather thin and delicate material. For a spring look, wear a business suit in a lighter shade or gray (not black, navy or dark gray). Then choose a top or a blouse in a thin material that would normally pass for a summer garment, almost a bit on the casual side. But the fact that you are wearing it with a proper suit, makes it look less casual. This is one way to great a work outfit for spring. Buy a new business suit in a light gray shade, and look through your summer wardrobe to see how many blouses you have that could work with that suit.

What to accessorize a white blouse with – create contrast and drama with a black necklace. If you are going for a subtle, classic look, wear pearls. But if you want to give the outfit a little more pop, then a black necklace will add that extra contrast. You can also wear a thick garnet choker,  those dark red large stones against the white collar gives a similar effect.

And notice the thin red belt. It’s all in the accessories. Never look at a blouse just as a blosue. Look at it as a canvas. The same blouse can be given many different moods by just changing the accessories. When you try on clothes at a store, bring a few different sets of belts, necklaces and other accessories with you to the fitting room, to test different moods for the same blouse.

Should you always strive to be in the middle ground? Are there fine lines of what is too casual, and what is too fancy for women’s business attire? Having to stay within such a margin can be really limiting and frustrating. If you are going to err, then always “err” on the side of being too fancy, than too casual. Rarealy will you get complaints regarding your work clothes for “looking too nice”.

Here are two examples. The flanel blouse is too casual of a work outfit even for casual friday. The silk blouse is ok, but could be too fancy in some situations. If you  are dealing with a client who dresses very casual you can make her uncomfortable if you dress to formal.

But the rule of thumb for women’s business attire is that overedressed is usually better than under dressed.

Alright, you’ve got the basic shoe colors covered (black shoes, gray shoes, tan shoes) – now get pink round toe shoes for you suit! Most women have too many black shoes in their closet. It’s true that we need them. But we can’t keep on buying ONLY black shoes. Add some color to your shoe collection. Especially if you wear business suits for work – then it is more important than ever to add some color to your professional attire. Match the color of the shoes up with the blouse, or purse, or other accessories like the necklace if you like (but don’t go TOO matchy-matchy).

These two women’s business outfits both use orange and brown. These outfits use the same ensemble concept of open suit jacket with a top, rahter than a blouse, underneath. Both make good suit separates. But one is very overstated and the other one is kind of understated. Which one you should wear, depends on your complexion and coloring – how much orange can you stand? The work outfit on the right has a very deep orange, and a very deep, rich brown. The left suit ensemble has an orange that would be more appropriately labeled coral, with a very soft brown suit jacket. It’s very light and sort of summery. All these items might also mix and match well to create more than one outfit.

Notice the little bit of red in this black business suit? Formal business attire for women doesn’t necessarily have to completely dark. Your all black business suit doesn’t have to be “all black”. It doesn’t take much to perk it up. When you have a work blouse in a bright color that shows up just a tiny bit between the lapels, you get just a hint of color accent that almost acts like an accessory, even though its a blouse. All you need is a little “triangle of color” to show.

Blouses in black and white make a dramatic look. Wearing blouses with big bold prints make a more fun, playful look than wearing a blouse in a solid color. However, big prints in crazy colors can get a little too crazy sometimes. Wearing black and white prints with women’s professional attire works very well. You can choose a black woman’s business suit and make it just a bit more wild with a printed black and white top like thise. Also a taupe or beige business suit could work, possibly gray, but in that case it’s important to get the right shade. If you wear a blouse like this with just nice slacks and not a matching suit jacket, then this work outfit becomes more like business casual, rather than formal women’s business attire.

Here are some examples of different looks you can create with cardigans. These cardigans are not twin sets but they are in harmony with the blouses they are worn over. They make a complete outfit and don’t contrast so much that they take away from the blouse. When you shop for a cardigan, try to find 2 or 3 blouses that will go with the same cardigan without breaking off too much. In the summer when it is too hot to wear a jacket with your business suit, a cardigan could be an option to throw over your shoulders in the evening if it gets chilly when you go out with friends after work.

Cute and simple work outfit. Easy to throw on in the morning when you are tired and can’t think about what to wear. Put on a crisp basic white blouse, a cardigan in a color you like, and accessorize with a cute necklace in a color that matches the cardigan. An easy and pretty work outfit. Wear it with your favorit basic black or char coal gray slacks, and dart off in a flash.

Stay cool in the summer with women’s business suit in white or off white. Business attire in white gives a very crisp and clean look. A pant suit in white can be made more lively and chic with a blouse in a bright color, like chartreuse. Or if you want to stay within a little more conservative business attire, you can wear a striped black-and-white blouse. However, business attire for women is not as strict as for men, so you have a lot more licence with what colors you choose. Also, a woman’s business suit in white can be complemented with a separate jacket in a bright color, like coral or chartreuse. This way you can create a new look with the same white suit pants.

Get a flared skirt for your casual work outfits this spring. Wear your suit jacket with a casual skirt in a fun color and put some spring in your work wardrobe. This would be a good business casual look, or a good work outfit for casual Friday – a cute blouse with a flared skirt and throw a regular suit jacket over it. Se to go.

Adding cardigans to your professional wardrobe is a good idea. It’s very simple to add a cardigan to a woman’s business suit. Cardigans are usually not so bulky that it looks weird wearing it under a suit jacket. One of the most chic ways to wear a cardigan is to have a basic, white blouse under the cardigan, with the collar sticking up and folded over it. A basic blouse, in traditional white or other color, gives a classy feel to any work outfit. In normal weather, you may have your classic business suit with a white blouse, but in chilly weather you just add a cardigan over the blouse, and it looks quite polished while keeping you warm at the same time. And in order to get maximum warmth, get a wool blend. If the cardigan is going to be thin, so as to not bulk under the suit jacket, it should be as warm as possible and then your best bet is wool. Or cashmere.

  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.

Belts can be a great accessory for a business casual outfit. You can accessories with belt both for skirts and pants. First we have a skirt and white blouse with a thin belt. Next is an example of a work oufit with a wide black belt accessorizing a pair of white slacks with a short sleeved blouse. Last we have a business casual outfit accessorized with a belt in a contrasting color, simply resting over the cardigan. A belt, as an accessory, can say so much.

When you shop for a woman’s business suit, think ahead and plan out what else you can wear it with. Perhaps you have other suit separates at home that your new wardrobe addition can be mix and matched with. If not, you could look around the mall for other business suits, or separate jackets that can be worn with it. Don’t just buy one piece of clothing because you like it, think of how it can be recombined to make as many work outfits as possible.

Here are some examples of women’s business suits and suit separates in red, gray and white that can be mix and matched and recombined into many various work outfits.

How about adding some green to your work wardrobe? Pep things up a bit with a bright green top or jacket. You can mix in a green top with business suits in black and white. Or brighten a brown women’s suit with a green silk top that has a very slight shine to it. What about creating a casual office outfit with a green separate suit jacket to wear with a blouse, and your favorite black or white slacks? Perhaps balance it with a subtle green bracelet.

Working women are buying a lot of business suits in light colors for summer. Work outfits with suits and separate slacks and jackets in white, cream, bone and taupe is the order of the day. Here are some examples of how to accessorize light colored business suits with coral and orange. Short necklaces with big coral stones contrasts nicely with a cream suit jacket. Career blouses and casual tops in organge and coral creates a lovely spring office look. Combining work outfits by alternating long gold necklaces, beige bags, big buckeled belts and a few bright orange or soft coral tops brings your light colored suits to life.

Plus size women can find some really nice styles for business outfits at Harper Greer in San Francisco. The Harper Greer collection ranges from size 12 10 size 26, and they use very pretty, high quality fabrics. Harper Greer is a great source for clothing in bright colors – they have a remarkable collection of materials and textures. This is a great store where plus size women can find some really unique and posh items to add to their professional wardrobe.

If you have a few women’s business suits in black or gray, you can find some nice career blouses and dressy tops here to make your suit reflect your personality. If you usually wear jeans to work with business casual outfits, you can find the popular jeans brand ”Not Your Daughters Jeans” here.  I recommend selecting a couple of tops in a slightly shiny material – it still feels comfortable, but looks  a little more dressy. Bring your favorit business suit to the Harper Greer boutique and spend the afternoon trying it on with a bunch of tops in different colors, and varied accessories. They are located at 522 Sutter Street, San Francisco CA. You can also order directly from them on-line here: HarperGreer.com

What should you wear to create a work outfit with brown pants? With pants in a warm brown tone, like in the first photo, you can wear a rich golden orange suit jacket. This suit jacket has a slight silky sheen to it, which gives this outfit a formal look.

With pants in a cool brown tone, as in the second photo, why not wear a purple blouse and a long off-white jacket. This makes a nice casual work outfit.

In the last two photos, we have the same pair of brown pants: once with ruffle blouse in a white and brown hound’s tooth design, accentuated with a bold brown belt. And again with a brown top and a casual off-white suit jacket. These last two are comfortable office outfits that can be mix and matched. A pair of brown pants that fit you well is a good basic, that creates a solid foundation for your professional wardrobe.

By Danielle Gonzalez

In the ever present quest for appropriate work attire, it is an eventuality that some days will not include the omnipresent black power suit.   However dear shopper, this need give you no extra burden of stress; women’s business suits are leaving the popular arena in favor of something more individualistic, giving  each woman the opportunity to express herself in a more unique way.  And though this new development does mean you have the opportunity to spread your wardrobes wings and really get creative with your day to day outfits, there are a few guidelines along the way to keep your look polished and effortlessly chic.

Should you be more conservative in your buisness attire, now is a wonderful opportunity to mix and match suit separates for a vibrant and fresh take – don’t be afraid to pair that white blazer that only comes out in summer with your favorite fall wear navy slacks.  Multiple colors and textures appear creative, just be sure to keep it under  2 bright patterns to avoiding looking like a kaleidoscope.  Also, layers are essential to keeping the look sophisticated: camisoles, cardigans, sweaters, belts, and even t-shirts can all be implemented to add depth to an otherwise boring look.

Always remember; casual work clothes can mean items bought on the cheap, but it doesn’t mean it suddenly doesn’t need to fit. No matter how good the sale! And as a general rule, you want to be casual enough to be comfortable, but pulled together enough to still be appropriate should your boss’ boss call together an impromptu meeting.

By Danielle Gonzalez

Updating an office outfit can be as simple as adding a little white to give your business attire some pop.  White on black especially adds a modern and polished tone to any ensemble. To spice up the classic black suit, a crisp white blouse underneath always does the trick, but to give the woman’s business suit some flair, go for an off white silk, it’s unexpected glamour adds a soft femininity.  A dress with a bold white on black pattern is mature and fresh, paired with a black cardigan and black pumps makes its an understated power outfit.  And don’t forget about the white or creme jacket.  A long coat is more appropriate for dressier occasions and seen during the evening, but a cropped white jacket can be paired with any classic or trendy look in your professional wardrobe.  Even white accessories such as a purse, jewelry, or scarf gives a striking impression that is impossible to ignore in its intensity.

Look at right from The Limited

How about a green suit jacket to alternate with your black suit pants? What color are you in the mood for today? Here are some examples of various ways to wear a green suit jacket, to mix-match career clothes and woman’s business suits. The first one has a long coat-like cut, and when worn indoors looks best if kept unbuttoned so that you see the blouse. The second is a short conservative jacket cut with standard lapels, which looks very cute with a basic white blouse under it. The third is also short, but has a more unique cut in that it is rounded at the bottom, has hidden buttons, and collar style lapels. (With this type of collar you would not wear a blouse showing over the jacket.) When building a professional wardrobe, take into account what type of suit jacket cut best fits your own personality. Which jacket cut do you think is more like your style?

Here a 4 ideas on how you can use blouses and tops to create several looks for the same business suit. I have taken a classic black suit from Ann Tayor and put it with a few different blouses and a lace top to give you some ideas. For your professional wardrobe for 2009, why don’t you keep the same suits, and revamp your image by simply getting a few new blouses and tops.

Black suit with a basic red blouse. Red and black make a dramatic impression.

Black suit with a blouse with a fun print. Spunk things up with a lively design.

Black suit with a classic white blouse. This classic look is very professional.

Black suit with a lace top. Add pizazz by having a lace camisole show between the jacket lapels. (But keep the suit jacket on the whole day when you wear sleeveless.)