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Cracking the workplace DRESS CODE
Be colorful and creative, but don't forget good sense
Working people may be rising earlier these days -- not because of the traffic, but because there are strategic wardrobe decisions to be made. Corporate, professional, business casual and casual all can be appropriate dress codes, depending on the workplace and day of the week. So what does one wear to the office?
The classic suit once was considered the everyday business uniform, and the only decision was whether to wear the gray or brown model with the red "power" tie or softer paisley version. Professional attire, like the business world, has become a lot more diverse.
"Clothes can help or hurt your image in the workplace," said Julie Routenberg, owner of Potpourri, an upscale clothing store with locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs. "They can make you feel more comfortable or confident or empower you, but choosing what to wear is no longer as clear-cut as it used to be. There's a lot more choice, and that can be confusing to people."
Routenberg predicts that suits for women will make a comeback, because they're being shown in Europe, but they're going to be different. She's seen jackets with three-quarter-length sleeves and ruffles -- or with gathers at the back and a peplum -- and the skirts have a lot more movement at the hemline. They may be fitted through the hips, then have a flounce or flare. And women may not necessarily wear the skirt and jacket together.
"Women are mixing it up and being more creative about their professional outfits," Routenberg said. "Skirts are the must-have fashion item this year, and they are no longer plain or simple. Pencil skirts with higher waists; printed or solid linen skirts with flare; and layered, peasant looks are in. The shape is more important than the fabric."
Women are pairing skirts with a variety of belts and jackets or with colorful shirts with enough detail to look finished.
"An alternative jacket is a long-sleeved knit top that ties around the waist, paired with a tank top," she said.
Dress slacks worn with sling-back heels or boots and a tailored top and jacket are another choice. In casual or creative environments, cropped pants may be acceptable.
"The point is to choose separates that make you look accomplished, finished and polished," she said. "Mixing it up enlarges your wardrobe, and that's good for your budget."
"A business suit is very limiting," said Camille Wright, owner of Kaleidoscope in Decatur, "so people are finding ways to add color or texture and to wear it more casually. One of the biggest trends is button-down shirts in very bright colors or prints."
Young professionals are pairing skirts with sweater sets or with tailored jackets.
"Dresses have made a comeback. A fitted A-line with a spaghetti-strap top can be paired with a sweater or jacket for the office, and the jersey wrap dress with wedge heels is a new look for casual dress days," Wright said.
Men are choosing sports jackets with well-tailored dress slacks, flat-front khaki-colored pants or even designer jeans (in more casual offices) more often than suits.
"Seersucker and linens have been popular warm-weather fabrics. In general, we're seeing brighter, jazzier colors for shirts and ties," she said.
Accessorize with flair
Accessories -- belts, jewelry and handbags -- play a big part in giving an outfit a finished look.
"The handbag no longer has to match the color of your shoes or outfit; it can make its own statement," Routenberg said. "Right now, big handbags with bold metallic details are in, but clutches will be big for fall."
While professional options are more plentiful, the ensemble still must be workplace-appropriate. Baggy jeans and college T-shirts are not office attire, even on "casual Fridays." Neither are low-cut camisoles, miniskirts, shiny fabrics or 4-inch stilettos. Avoid extreme trends.
"The biggest mistake some people make is not dressing appropriately for their age or body shape. Fashion magazines will often show women examples of a how a trend can be adapted for someone 20 or 40 or 60 and make them look modern and fabulous," Routenberg said.
"My gospel is to wear things that fit and err on the side of overdressing [rather] than underdressing. Saggy, baggy khakis with a slouchy shirt is not appropriate for business, nor is a top that shows cleavage or has buttons popping," Wright said.
White and neutral colors -- such as creams, sands, beiges and dark olives -- are in style and office-appropriate.
Suit yourself
When in doubt, there's still the suit. Theory, a New York line for men and women with a Phipps Plaza location, sells plenty of them, according to Heather Tran, senior public relations manager.
"As people have evolved toward a more eclectic style of dressing, suits have become friendlier, and people are doing more with them," Tran said.
Pocket squares (for men), jewelry, accessories and trendy, colorful tops add personality.
"Our pieces are sold separately, so that people can choose the silhouette and fit that flatters their body," she said. "Not everyone is the same size on the top and the bottom, and not everyone looks great in straight-leg pants or a pencil skirt."
Theory offers a variety of slacks, skirts and jacket tops in wool blends or stretch-canvas fabrics (for summer) in more traditional and edgier styles, such as Bermuda shorts paired with jackets as suits. Blazers with more casual pants are a hot item.
Fit has everything to do with confidence, Tran said.
"When people dress well, they feel better about themselves, and when they feel good, they act well," she said.
