How To: Dress Trendy for Work

So many women are concerned about dressing appropriate for work while still managing to keep their sense of fashion. I did a little fashion research, and here are a few tips I found that will help you dress fashionably for your corporate job.

Bazaar - April 2011

• Pair unexpected colors for modern suiting (camel blazer and red pants)

• Strong-tailored seperates

Elle - April 2011

• Simple shapes in bright colors will keep a basic outfit un-boring (color block).  

• Conserative dress and outrageous shoes
• You can wear pattern. You can wear short (opaque tights help keep things appropiate) things. The difference between looking finished or not lies in the details: gorgeous, groomed hair; a structured bag; and classic killer heels.

Cosmopolitan - May 2011

• Denim gets all sophisticated when it hooks up with a drapey silk blouse and a chunky bracelet.

 

• Paired with a tailored blazer, a mini skirt seems suddenly professional. A low heel downplays your showing a lot of leg.

• Disguise a t-shirt's casual vibe by tucking it into a pencil skirt and belting it at the waist.

Instyle - July 2011

• Impress work associates in a dark sheath with flashes of brilliance.
• Turn on the glow with a form-fitting dress in a shimmery fabric. The touches of gold at your wrist and on your bag and heels make it clear you know how to shine.

• For a twist on the tuxedo, try dramatic black draped with a soft white cowl to light up your face. Echo the black-and-white with your purse; then add sexy sandals.

Glamour - September 2011

• For a corporate job wear things that flatter, but aren't revealing, like a classic sheath dress. No cleavage, but arms are okay.

• A one-piece (jumpsuit) for work is possible. Add a blazer to look pulled together, not pajama party.

• Try tall, flat boots - so stylish and comfy, and great for work

Elie Tahari boots

Cosmopolitan - September 2011

• Wide leg trousers are a Monday-to-Friday staple. Add a belt and a tucked in top.
• With a tucked-in blouse and skinny belt, denim looks polished enough for work.

• Accessories are essential! Use fun and trendy accessories to punch up your outfit. Some current accessory trends are:
• Snakeskin bags (work as a neutral, so wear them with anything)

• Beaded or feathered (boho) jewelry 

• Strong,  bold, architectural pieces

• Gemstones in geometric settings

• Color Block bags (3 colors max)

 

• Minimalist bags (Solids with a trim are chicest. Look for a small envelope size.)

• Sleek ankle booties

 

• Glam loafers (perfect with a knee-length skirt or pants for work)

 

• Lace-ups (to offset the tie's casual feel go skyscraper high)

8.24.11 - Polyvore Outfits

I thought you-all might want to see this! The 3 Everywhere Trends

1 Dress, 2 Looks by dianeo

Rocker Red by dianeo

Beautiful Things by dianeo

Leopard Lovers by dianeo

How To: Color Block

I really like the Color Blocking trend, but I wasn't sure of how to do it. I didn't want to mix the wrong colors together because color blocking makes a really bold statement, and if you don't do it right you'll just look tacky. So I did some research on how to color block, and I want to share what I found with you-all...

• Avoid colors on the exact opposite sides of the color wheel like red and green. If you change the hue of one of the colors it can be possible to pull it off though.
• The most popular theory for combining colors is called the rule of two-thirds. Make an equilateral triangle (a triangle with 3 equal sides) on the color wheel. In it’s most basic form, the points at the ends of this triangle will be touching either red-blue-yellow or orange-green-purple. From there, you pick two of the three colors that the triangle touches. These colors will almost always harmonize together beautifully.
• Since color blocking tends to have 3 colors, use 2 colors from the triangle you made earlier and combine that with a 3rd color outside of it.
• Leave accessories neutral and minimal, so they don’t clash with the outfit.

This is an example of changing the hue so you don't end up with the horrible red & green combination. The yellow & green are similar in hue, but the pink blazer looks nice with it.

 Orange and green are very close to each other, but the orange is a little darker and the blue is a little lighter.

For a more detailed explanation, go to the website I got all this information from: http://styleprompt.com/2011/04/15/color-theory-or-how-to-color-block/

If you don't like or feel comfortable wearing color-blocked clothes that's okay. You can try color-blocked shoes, bags, jewelry, & other accessories!

Stripes All Over

Stripes are a big trend of 2011, and I made a set all about them!

Stripes All Over by Diane O. featuring two tone hats

Sporty Clothing

The sporty look is a big trend of 2011. Anoraks, rope necklaces, net/mesh tanktops, hotpants/board shorts, bright colors mixed with neutrals, wedges, socks with heels, bandannas, track jackets/windbreakers, sweatpants, sport bras, rope bracelets, hoodies, sweatshirts, & backpacks are all IN right now.
I consider myself as a girly-girl, but this trend is an awesome way to mix girliness with sportiness. I love the mix of bright colors and neutrals, and it looks so comfortable, but trendy at the same time!

I LOVE this outfit!

Leather/Motorcycle Jackets

I absolutely LOVE leather jackets! They're so edgy and cool, and the Biker-look is a big trend of 2011. Wear one with a super girly top/dress to create an awesome "Girly meets Edgy" look, or try it with booties, chunky bracelets, and thin stranded necklaces for a punk-rock look.
In 2011 leather jackets aren't just plain black. Try one in any color, like two-toned, silver, or camel/khaki. Look for a jacket with zippers, quilting, or studs.
I personally think that a leather jacket should be a staple in every woman's closet; it takes a very simple outfit to a whole new level! If you're ever in a rush and have to just throw something on, put on your best skinny jeans, a leather jacket, a t-shirt, and some heels for an easy, modern look.

My version of the "Girly Meets Edgy" look

Two-Toned

Left, Silver; Middle, Black w. zippers; Right, Camel/Khaki

Quilted