Stylish Attire Adds To Your substance At Work | Fall Trend Suggests Simple, Yet Classic
Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobsAs the temperatures start to dip this fall, the workplace fashion forecast calls for trading in summer casual for a classic, professional look.
This more conservative approach is likely to translate into simple silhouettes, natural fabrics, textured prints and a neutral color palette, according to Pamela Klein, an associate professor at Parsons The New School for Design who has taught courses on fashion history, fashion drawing, and color theory.
"It's an acknowledgment that work is different than play, or life outside of work," Klein explains. "Everything in fashion is cyclical -- the definitions between inside and outside work are becoming clearer again."
Watch for Modern Classics
Along these lines, retailer Banana Republic is featuring bold graphic prints, slouchy cuffed pants and cropped jackets for women, and a more tailored message for suiting blazers and pants for men.
“The look for fall is modern and clean, styled with a bit of urban elegance,” says Deborah Lloyd, executive vice president for design and product development for Banana Republic. "The country comes to the city in our stylish prints, unexpected bright colors, and 60’s inspired silhouettes that take you from day to night in comfort. This is extremely important with the amount of time people spend at the office or in professional settings.”
Also on deck are new twists on retro accessories. In Banana Republic's case, this means Oxford, lace-up booties and satchel bags for women and narrower ties and plaid topcoats for men.
"It's the new coming out of the old, and a kind of acknowledgment of the wisdom of the old," Klein says.
Different Culture, Different Style
Dressing more conservatively at the workplace is in keeping with the philosophy of coach, consultant and trainer Julie Jansen, who believes work requires a different wardrobe from other aspects of your life.
What's more, anecdotal evidence from some of Jansen's corporate HR clients suggests they will be encouraging employees to dress more professionally this fall.
"I think you have to be more conservative at work," says Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" and "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This." "A mistake people make is they wear things that are too trendy and that they should be wearing out for drinks, and certainly not at work."
Observe and Adapt
At the same time, the key to dressing appropriately on the job, Jansen believes, is to base your style on that of your colleagues.
"I think it's important that your dress matches the culture," Jansen says. "Follow the lead of your manager, and look around you, and see the uniform of what people are wearing, and obviously what looks good on you, too."
Dressing with a more classic or conservative style is also a good strategy for job interviews, especially if there is a degree of uncertainty about the company's dress code.
Always Invest Wisely
Even in a business casual setting, it's not wise to skimp on your clothing budget or wear the same seasonal items, year-in and year-out.
"It's more important to buy quality clothing that fits well than to be overdressed," Jansen says, adding that the principle also applies for being noticed in job interviews. "You can tell if someone's clothing is cheap, or if they didn't bother to have it tailored."
While style may not trump substance in determining your career prospects, it's still a factor not to be overlooked.
"You're judged most on body language, verbal communications, and the image you communicate," Jansen says. "Your style is not the number one factor -- unless you wear flowered muumuus to work."
TOP FALL TRENDS
By Deborah Lloyd, EVP of Design and Product Development, Banana Republic
For Women
- Slouchy Wide-Leg Cuffed Pants
- Graphic Prints
- Cropped Jackets
- Oxford Lace-Up Booties
- Satchel Bags
For Men
- Tailored Two-Button Blazers
- Tailored Trousers
- Plaid Top Coats
- Skinny Printed Ties
- Leather Messenger Bags
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