Now's here's a topic for the Frock Forum! (or me, Rae and Carol in the Princess Royal of a Friday lunch time!)
Should we dress up in the office? We're not the best folk (:-)) to ask, as we never do anything but! There are always new styles to tempt us, deliveries to QC, evening outfits to buy - but what about you girls not in the rag trade?
I've got loads of friends who work in offices and a lot of them feel kinda-shy about dressing up - but if there's one thing I'm very opinionated about it's that I just detest the business-suit. Polyester mix…fitted, pencil skirt…sensible shoes, boring hair and a clip board. NO, NO, NO!
The great thing about being a girl is that we can dress up. Now nobody's saying to wear fitted prom dresses for the presentation to the board, and Rene Dehry's ribbons and bows could be positively lethal next to the photocopier, but remember - smart does not always mean a suit. It can equally be cleverly put together outfits that are practical. You should think about comfort - with the trip to work and back and the possibility of a glass of wine après, you could be in the same outfit for 10 hours!
I reckon that a blouse or top with a little collar or slightly high cut neckline creates an illusion of smartness, along with a more defined shape at the waist. Pair this with a below the knee hem, and you have an easy silhouette to play with. If you are going out after work, then wear a dress such a shift or shirt dress, and smarten it up during the day with a fitted jacket. A quick change of shoes (that's what the bottom desk drawer is for of course!) and the evening is yours. Remember as well, we can use a different height heel for those business functions - if your 6” are more pretty woman than business woman!
We can always parody mens suits as well - long flared trousers, culottes or a more fitted drainpipe trouser with a large collared white blouse and a waistcoat. The Annie Hall look is great fun in the office, as well as comfortable - and seemingly always on trend!
As ever colour and accessories play a key part in your chic business look. Choose colour carefully for the occasion – darker colours for that important interview but why not try a coloured or printed blouse for everyday or a splash of colour or with a scarf or belt?
Now some of my friends swear by a suit for business, as it puts them into 'work mode' and I say to them this - that may be fine if you're a policewoman or a lollypop lady, but if we don't need to then we should sling-out our suits, and get creative!
Phew! Can I get off my soap box now Rae?
PS Emma in London wants to know if tights are a must in the office in the summer…I give you guys the floor…