My friend Cece out in Illinois has a rush request – and a fabulous new opportunity. Here is the abbreviated version of her email and answers to my follow-up questions:
Here’s my question (wrapped into some news):
I’m getting promoted effective, like, NOW. I need to up the professionalism in my wardrobe effective, like, NOW. Any suggestions for pulling it together as the new boss lady without breaking the budget until my new salary takes effect?
So… what the hell to do with my sorry business casual self in the next few days? I need a manicure like you wouldn’t believe (can we say hot chipped mess?!), and cute outfit that isn’t so “Hey, why she’s so dressed up today compared to her normal boring self?” in the next 24 hours.
Dress code: somewhere between business casual and suits for this position. My (female) boss used to wear a lot of pant suits; the (female) dean wears a lot of pant suits/skirts with jacket. The other directors (at my level) are an interesting mix of business casual frumpy (khakis, old polo) to business casual chic (Talbots/Ann Taylor Loft-ish). I am BY FAR the youngest director here — like by 15 years probably. I want to be stylish but not old.
First of all: CONGRATULATIONS on the promotion, Lady! You are going to rock the shit out of that joint! But you knew that.
Based on your needs and requests (add some color, find new items where you already shop, preferably wash-and-wear, and, of course, family-of-four-budget friendly) here are some suggestions. Now that I know you are on the hunt I can keep an eye out and send you some other ideas over the next couple of weeks as you build a new work wardrobe, but this should help you get started.
I’ve been going back-and-forth about whether you should buy a suit, and I’m thinking…not yet. Part of me feels like you should just hit up Old Navy (or oldnavy.com) for an inexpensive suit, but it sounds like making the leap from very business casual to corporate might be a shock to your system (I feel you on the desire to be taken seriously but not look frumpy). So, my alternative to the suit? Individual pieces that give you the same pulled-together look – and you might even have some of the items in your closet right now!
Already have some black pants? Start there! Add a bright blouse or lightweight shell – preferably with some feminine details to keep the look soft and inject some color and fun into your wardrobe. Old Navy has some cute, affordable options that can also work with jeans for the weekend (and who doesn’t love double-duty clothes?)! Add a neutral jacket to top it off and you have an outfit without dropping a ton of cash. Check out the jacket I linked to in person – this picture is kind of funky and the bell sleeves look huge, but I’ve tried it on and it’s darling. All of the pieces don’t need to be matchy-matchy: black pants, a green top and gray jacket, for example, looks fine and you can mix-and-match. Gray and navy are oft-overlooked neutrals that are a little less harsh and surprisingly easy to match with brighter colors and patterns. White is also a great option for summer (easy to match with pretty much any other color and lighter than black) but I know that life with a toddler and juice boxes may render that impossible for now.
Shoes and accessories: here is where you can step it up, experiment and have some fun without blowing your budget. Have I talked to you about how awesome Target is when it comes to this area? No? Allow me to do that right now. If you’re wearing a cute outfit and carrying around a beat-up backpack and wearing Tevas, all of your work is shot to hell, right? Target has some adorable flats in a freaking rainbow! Yes, basic black is a must but sometimes a girl needs cobalt blue shoes, ya know? I am a huge fan of colored shoes to add a little extra somethin’ to an outfit. Not sure if you have a briefcase or need one, but this satchel can function as one while also holding your wallet and such. Or check out these professional looking totes that come in various colors. I am loving the forest green and deep red; both can add a little color to your outfit without competing with other colors in your outfit.
Alrighty, I know you aren’t big on dresses and skirts, but can I plead my case for a moment? They. Are. So. Easy. ONE thing to throw on with some shoes and you’re DONE. And, it’s kind of fun to mix it up a little. Wrap dresses are awesome – not frilly or fussy, and when the weather cools down just add some tights and boots and you have a transition piece. Shirt dresses are also a nice option for your work environment: classic but not stuffy. And because it doesn’t scream “WORK” you could throw it on with some flip-flops or flat sandals for running errands. An a-line skirt is an excellent basic – throw on a blouse and call it good. I also heart pencil skirts, which are way more flattering than you’d think. Pair either one of these with a blouse or sweater and add heels for maximum sass.
You had also asked for some ideas of new places to shop and although it is two hours away from you, I cannot recommend H&M enough. Affordable, stylish and you can get a head-to-toe outfit in one stop (we’re talking jewelry, bags, shoes, the works), which I’m guessing is a plus given your schedule. I hear Forever 21 is starting a line of business-y goods and rocking some JCrew-inspired items. Score! Another overlooked option: consignment shops. Basically a thrift store, kicked up a notch, more organized and less overwhelming. I have scored some fantastic cashmere (!) tops and pretty blouses for a fraction of the normal cost. Do a search for ones in your area and see what they stock. Some specialize in formal wear, and others run the whole spectrum. And if you’re feeling tapped out and uninspired and spot someone who appears friendly and stylish? Ask her where she shops, or where she got a specific item – everyone likes a compliment and you might find a new go-to place.
Whatever you do, I cannot stress the importance of proper fit and proper care of your clothes. Ever seen someone who was wearing something that’s actually pretty cute, but he or she still looks a little off? Usually it’s because the pants are too tight oor short, or the bra strap is hanging out (or, shudder, completely visible through her top) or something funky. If this means you have to buy things and take them home to try them on, do it (just check the return policy) and you will end up with items you like, which will boost your confidence and reduce those “I have a cloest full of shit I don’t like HALP ME!” moments. I have bought things that were “good enough” and wore them zero times because ultimately I was uncomfortable, which makes no sense. Same goes for shoes: if they pinch or are too big, don’t buy them. I know from experience, dude.
OK, Cece, get yourself a manicure, take a deep breath and go advise someone pronto!
Is This Thing On? 
