How to be cute AND professional at work?

Question

My office environment is business casual, but still trendy (however, no jeans). Can anyone suggest what sort of clothes would work in this environment? I would be totally out of place in a suit! Also, I'm in my 30's, so I don't want to dress so trendy that I would look ridiculous!

Answer 1

Instead of trying to be "trendy" try being yourself, you will look much more comfortable, this will make you less stressed, you will look great, and your job will not suffer because all you can think about is how you are dressed.... I'm sure the boss will notice your work before he/she notices if you are "trendy" or not.

Answer 2

business casual...you probably want to go the route of black pants (Express Editor pants are an excellent cut for the work environment and totally trendy without being ridiculous), chic heels and a button down oxford shirt or light sweater depending on the weather. My office is business casual and you can pretty much wear whatever top you want with black pants or khakis as long as it is not a screenprint T or chunky old sweater.

Stores like B. Moss, Express, New York & Co., and Casual Corner are great places to find Business Casual wear.

Answer 3

hmmm...perhaps you should look at some makeover programmes on the tv, there are LOADS these days, such as Ten Years Younger, you might be able to pick up some tips.
I would seriously consider a suit, try one on, you never know. Next (the shop) have a great section, that looks smart and trendy at the same time. Try some black trousers, and a layered top (dark colours) along with some suitable makeup. Just have a try on with a few different things and see :-)

Answer 4

I think button down shirts, pencil skirts and low-heeled shoes look really cute for an office environment. J-Crew and Express have a new line of skirts and shirts just like this. Also pin-striped pants with a modest matching blouse would look adorable. A lot of stores right now are coming out with the "business professional" look, so I'm sure you won't have much trouble if you look around.

Answer 5

A combination of pencil skirts, capri pants, longer slacks, and button down shirts will always work. Add in a blazer and some trendy shoes, and you can be cute and comfortable.
Try http://www.newyorkandcompany.com

Go to a coupon code site and you can probably pick up a coupon code for $30 off a $75 order.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Obscene and Vulgar's answer is a good one.

To get some ideas for business casual clothes, check out these online shops:

www.landsend.com
twin sets, women's shirts (good value, nice tailoring, excellent fabrics in lots of colors and patterns)

www.oldnavy.com (section for women has a wear to work category)
affordable, trendy items appropriate for work

http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/index.asp
upscale, classic designs

www.anntaylor.com
a little more on the formal side but you can get versatile skirts and pants to build around

www.bananarepublic.com
clothes are always on trend with a classic touch, quality varies - not always worth the money (particularly coats), great sales, excellent place to get ideas

Answer 7

buy really tight business suits to show off your figure, your finger tips can touch the end of your skirt thats not too short, do your hair really sexy, and walk like a model down the hallways with your head held high! Females hate me and the men are drooling trust me this works! You'll be the owner or making 6 figures in no time! Oh and dont wear ALOT of make up, makes you look like a drag queen, and most guys like to see natural beauty not clown faces! Please dont sleep around your way to the top, let them think they have a chance everyday but DO NOT sleep with your employees and employer my friend does it and wonders why she doesnt get any respect!

Answer 8

Surf the J. Crew and Banana Republic websites for some good ideas. Classic but updated styling. I'm 29 and most of my office wear is Banana Republic.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Instead of suits go with cute fitted jackets that coordinate w/ slacks or skirts. Blouses and fine gauge sweaters also look nice.

Stay classy with the clothes and be cute with your accessories, like wear kicky platform pumps or a colorful silk belt or mod-print scarf.

I also like waistcoats or sweater vests, so long as they are fitted, not loose or frumpy. Also explore texture, like tweed, or pattern mixing, like a herringbone blazer over a polka dot top in coordinating colors.

Answer 10

I always believe that a nice fitting pencil skirt, and a nice crisp shirt always looks professional without looking too stuffy, and top it all off with a nice pair of high heels.