According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Statistics in 2012, married women living with children under the age of 6, and fall into the “working full time” employment status spend, on average, 8 hours a weekday doing work and work related activities. In other words, a 1/3 of working moms (mom working outside of the home) spend their weekday at work. That’s a lot...
As soon as I started writing this post on stylish work wear, I quickly noticed that things were not adding up… Some of the occupations that moms have require strict dress codes, or mandate a certain “professional” look. Sometimes these dress codes clash with mom’s personal style. Taking it a step further- personal style is something that represents who you are, and if you’re spending a 1/3 of your day wearing something that doesn't represent you, that really doesn't seem like a great way to be spending your day….
No matter if you’re a doctor, teacher, lawyer, WAHM, etc and your personal style is traditional, modern, trendy etc, rest assured, you can maintain a professional look while letting your personal style shine. While professional dress codes and personal styles vary, here are just a few overall ways to achieve the winning professional / personal style combination.
The Blouse Switch- A business suit is a business suit, it could be a bit boring. One way to let a little of your personality be seen, is to wear a blouse that represents you. Pick a blouse in your favorite color or pattern or print and pair it with a traditional suit for a professional / personal style balanced look.
Add a feminine floral printed blouse to a navy pant suit for a whole new professional look.
Add a ruffle blouse to the staple black suit for a fashionable work look.
Ditch the Blazer- If your dress code allows it, leave the blazer at home and instead, pair your button down shirt with a colorful cardigan, wrap sweater or crew neck sweater.
Pair a grey skirt and white button down with a cobalt blue (or any color of your choice) cardigan.
Forget the button down and blazer all together. Wear a turtleneck with dress pants for an updated professional look.
Accessorize- Accessories are key to any outfit. Whether you’re trying to figure what to wear to work, or to a summer barbecue, it's always a good idea to add an accessory. You don’t have to go over the top with accessories, something as easy as adding a watch (see my post on accessorizing with a watch here) or simple earrings can allow you to bring out your personal style.
Add a belt, watch and refined bangles to a classic black dress and you have a transformed look. Don’t forget to add the classic, yet powerful, trench coat for a look that will command attention.
Update the Basics- Depending on your personal style and workplace rules, one way to update the basics would be to switch out the traditional cut pant suit for one with a slimmer silhouette. Another way is to update your blazer- go from a traditional lapel to a narrower one, or a different collar all together. Also, have a little fun and really bring out your personal style by mixing and matching your basic suits. A camel blazer paired with navy pants a fun twist on a traditional look.
The black and white trend continues this year. Let your trendy side come out at work with black pants and a boucle black and white blazer.
Update your black skirt suit with a flare skirt and shawl collar blazer.
Are there any other things you do to transform your work wear to bring out your personal style? I'd love to know!
