You don’t have to throw away style or stick to a power suit to be taken seriously. Here are four office-approved summer essentials to remix your office styles.
1. Dungarees
Remember wearing overalls when you were younger (eek!)? Who would have guessed they would come back in style in a more chic and sophisticated form. These Tailored Dungarees from Asos ($76.36 and free shipping) is a contemporary substitute for your usual suit set, and styling it with a crisp white shirt and cuffed pant leg would be perfect for a presentation.
2. Pointed Flats and Ankle-Strap Heels
Or even pointed, strap heels like the High Heel Pointed Heel from Zara ($49.90). This style shoe is versatile and could go from day to night. Look for closed- toe sandals that cover your heel , but have a sleek and sophisticated shape.
3. Printed Blouse
We all know that the crisp white shirt is a classic wardrobe staple, but who says patterns should be fully avoided? Go ahead and pick a basic print and feel your internship out. Make up for the bolder design by keeping the buttoned down collar shirt silhouette. Depending on your internship, you may be able to move to bolder patterns so such as paisleys and floral prints (or maybe not). This Grid Pattern Georgette Blouse from Forever 21 ($15.80) is a great to start with- it’s not too bold, yet still adds character to the outfit.
Tip: Stay away from sheer shirts or cutouts such as peekaboo shoulders and back cutouts. If you are on the fence about the sheerness of a blouse layer a camisole under it.
4. One Great Skirt.
We can wear the pants in the office in business while wearing skirts on our bodies. According to a report by The Telegraph, since “[…] women wear trousers at the weekend and for leisure, […] the skirt suit has become far more associated with successful women.” A structured, knee length skirt such as the High waist Pencil Skirt from Zara ($59.90) is a great example of an appropriate skirt. Not to mention red is the color of power and assertiveness; perfect for the office place!
Pay attention to color, fit, and your dress code guidelines while shopping with these styles. Which trend will you try out for your summer job?
Niani Tolbert
Mount Holyoke College ‘14
Leading Ladies 