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LouieCorporate Attire
December 4th 2006 07:18
They say big corporate types only care about profits, but I believe there are those of you out there who care about clothes too, and this reader request post is for you. My 9-5 job these days allows me to wear my usual tank top/jeans ensemble, but there have been times when I've needed corporate attire in the past, at interviews, functions, etc. I have to admit though, I'm quite envious of those who actually need regular work wardrobes, as there are some absolutely gorgeous work clothes available that aren't really suitable in any other setting. They can serve as career motivation too - the further you work your way up the corporate ladder, the more money you'll have to spend on classy work clothes!
A smart-looking bag is a must for a job in a corporate field. There are a wide variety of designs that would be suitable, but I'd greatly discourage going for any material other than leather. Leather bags are stylish, practical and durable, whereas pleather, denim, canvas, etc are inappropriate for a corporate wardrobe. You don't have to go all out and buy something exxy from a big luxury bag brand, but it's a good idea to invest a little more than usual in a work bag. Whenever I attend an interview that requires corporate attire, I take my Mum's big black, glossy, rigid leather Milleni tote, which I've pretty much adopted since I'm the only person who's ever used it. I can't help it though - it's the ideal corporate bag! The large size allows me to store all my paperwork comfortably, as well as my books/iPod to help me relax before my interviews. The glossy sheen is glam, but not ostentatious since it's coloured the conventional corporate shade of black, and the rigidness of the leather allows the bag to retain its shape so that it doesn't disintegrate into mush when I put it down. I can't really use the Milleni bag in any other situation as it doesn't suit my lifestyle, but a bag like this Marc Jacobs Collection one would be more versatile as it's suitable for both work and daily life. I can just see a corporate gal carrying it on the way to her high-profile job in a big-city firm; on the other hand, I can also see it on the shoulder of a yummy Mummy doing the shopping at her local Myer store. See? Total versatility!
A common misconception is that the only type of skirt suitable in a corporate environment is a pencil skirt - this is so untrue! Personally, I love the pencil skirt for workwear, as I think it looks professional and put-together, but any slim-fitting skirt is fine, even this Ralph Lauren one with its flounced hem. The key is to pick fitted, tailored styles that highlight your femininity but are still fairly formal. A loose, flowy skirt is undoubtedly feminine, but it just isn't polished enough to qualify as corporate attire. The entire outfit on the right is perfect for a corporate environment - you could mix and match with a pencil skirt, or crisp Oxford shirt, or even a fitted blazer on top for colder days. You don't have to stick to black either. If you want to play it safe, stay with modest, neutral colours like black, navy blue, grey, cream, white, and brown, but if you want to experiment a little you could also try a muted purple or green, or even wear a boldly coloured accessory to use a strong colour as an accent. Have a look around at mannequins in stores like Cue and Country Road. You don't have to be a slave to fashion, but you can get a lot of outfit ideas just by keeping your eyes open. Good luck, dress well, and don't forget to work hard!
* These images are taken from eLUXURY and Ralph Lauren Polo.com.
Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted North/South Tote (eLUXURY)
Ralph Lauren Black Label Aimee Crepe Skirt (Ralph Lauren Polo.com)
* These images are taken from eLUXURY and Ralph Lauren Polo.com.
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Comment by Laura
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Oh Yum! I love that ensemble...I even like it in black!
(I don't wear black, I like the idea of black....doesn't stop me buying it though! Except for this one Wayne Cooper Goddess Gown...must show you one day Sisi, it's diviiinnneee !!)
As always Sisi...fun and fantastic.
DuskDevi
Comment by Sisi
DuskDevi thank you for your kind words!! It makes me so happy that you enjoy Style Space...please do show me the Wayne Cooper gown! If you like, you can send it to cheeky_shish_kebab(at)hotmail.com
Comment by Sisi