dress code

As you know, all spring and summer stock is up to 60% off...head into a location near you to check out the great deals already in progress.

Do you stare longingly out of your office window (if you have one) at the beaming summer heat and those that wander by in flip flops? No, me neither, I really enjoy the air conditioning...But I must say, I envy the casual wardrobe. This morning sadly, I rode off on my bike so quickly I forgot my work shoes. Thus I must hide my feet all day like they were infectious! In most workplaces, it's just not that cool to wear flip flops to work.  However, there are ways to bring the summer into the workplace without creating two distinct wardrobes.

Image

Blouses are often thought of as something best kept for the office, school or an interview. However, the one above is so pretty, light and offers a wingspan that makes movement (maybe some fun dance moves?)...pretty enticing.

 

Image

 

Pencil skirts are such a consistently great option for an office setting. They're easy to pair up and this one specifically fits divinely with abundant stretch. The botanical print is so fresh and summery! And no reason this cannot be part of your weekend wardrobe worn with espadrilles and wide brim hat. (Also has a wonderful matching top)

Image

Graphic t's have become mainstream enough that they appear more and more often in the office. However, choose wisely... the 'NAP QUEEN' or 'FREE HUGS' won't help promote your credibility. Or, maybe date night; change into distressed jeans and heels and (as above) a funky clutch. Still chic but with a sprinkle of fun.

Image

Wanting to keep things simple, comfortable, yet stylish, feminine and professional...this dress crosses over the boundary from workplace to weekend so seamlessly (super stretchy fabrication, shirred back and comfortable length). Seen above with sandals; worn with sling backs or Mary Janes and a lightweight blazer or short cardigan, this will get lots of time outside of the closet!

Summer is here, maybe time off is limited. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the levity of the seasonal wardrobe... light, pretty and often colourful. If in doubt about what is appropriate in your office place, observe what your Supervisor wears...unless he's male, in which case, speak to HR!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

NEW ARRIVALS: Some insider info...no photos available yet but I was able to peruse some of the 'new' stock already in the stores and very soon to come...

  • Tencel shirt dresses (one of my fav. fabrics, excellent for this time of year as well)
  • Bomber jackets are hot right now...to come, a wonderful knit fabrication...which looks great with...
  • gorgeous pencil skirts (not the usual plaid print)...print! ;)
  • and a recut of one of the seasons best selling front pleat dresses..new prints!                                                

Just to name a few...  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

Dress with Purpose - Working in Style

Submitted by Katherine Lazaruk on Thu, 10/30/2014 - 17:40
Category:
Tags:
 
It happens all the time in our stores; a customer storms into Plum because she has a job interview, or is meeting an important client or has advanced to a new position.  Many women hate to shop for clothing so they put it off... and who can blame them when there are so many stores where the staff do not know how to really help.  They certainly don’t know what it is like to work at your job.
 
As part of our training program, we’re looking at the different levels of formality in different workplaces and developing wardrobe formulas to help you choose a complete wardrobe for your career. Because Western Canada is generally pretty casual, it can be tricky to navigate the business workplace while keeping true to your personal style.  No one ever seems to explicitly state what makes up the different levels of formality and employers don’t want to tell their team what they should purchase.  And the wheels really come off the wagon on Casual Friday (which we think is basically dead!).  Here’s the lowdown; some general guidelines we think will work to figure formality into your position at work:
 
  1. Number: the more pieces of clothing you’re wearing, the more formal you are.  The exception is a dress.   See Colour, Pattern and Style below for guidance on dresses. 
  2. Colour: the more colour you wear, the more casual you are.
  3. Pattern/Texture: the more patterns or textures you wear, the more casual you are.
  4. Accessories: more of these, and more chunky or colourful equals more casual.
  5. Style: the level of tailoring and the smoothness and tightness of the weave makes a garment more formal. 
  6. Shoes: is it a science or an art?  The right shoes can make all the difference. Soft and flat is more casual than heels and polish.  
 
* CAUTION: These are only general guidelines and there are exceptions to all of them.  Plum associates are trained to assist you in finding what works for you.
 
Most professional women today "dress for the occasion," at work.  A suit is in order for meeting the big client but if you are knuckling down with the 'team' for the day, the comfort of well chosen separates might put everyone at ease and in a creative spirit.  It doesn't matter who designed your jersey jacket, jeans or yoga pants... they almost never belong at work.  If you take pride in what you wear it will show that you take pride in the work you do.  So with or without a dress code, you can have your own code and you will inspire others to do the same... and all without rules!
 
 
read the full post and reader comments
Katherine Lazaruk's picture
Syndicate content