“The Business Fashionista” is AZ Big Media’s fashion blog for the business-minded. It examines the dos, don’ts and musts of the modern fashionista who wants to stay in step with the latest trends in the workplace.
Fashionista (noun):
1. A person who designs, sells, or is very interested in clothing fashions. (Merriam Webster)
2. A person devoted to fashion clothing, particularly unique or high fashion. (Urban Dictionary)
Little feels better to a fashionista than having all the effort put into an outfit pay off with compliments and admiring glances. The right pair of shoes or that classic A-line dress can make your day and give you that extra boost of confidence. Even when traffic makes you late for work, at least you still look great when you arrive.
When reality hits and you realize you actually have a real job in an office, your fashion paradise can quickly disappear. What is seen on the runways doesn’t always translate to work-appropriate attire. Of course, how fashionable you can be ultimately depends on your employer and office culture. For many business fashionistas (and those who aren’t), it’s unclear where to draw the line between what you want to wear and what you can wear to work.
Here are the ground rules:
1. Work comes first
While that Valentino leather skirt with those 7-inch Jimmy Choos sound amazing, they are far from functional. What you wear to work should be different from what you wear to brunch, a date or vacation. More importantly, the outfit you wear shouldn’t hinder your work performance. If you can barley breathe or sit in that tight LBD, how can you expect to get anything done in the office? It’s imperative to realize that while you can still be stylish and fashionable, you also have a job that comes first.
2. Comfort is key
Practical, professional and movable should be the three words that pop into your head each morning (or the night before, if you’re that kind of fashionista), while you’re picking out what to wear. If you know you can’t last more than a few hours in those shoes, do yourself and your feet a favor by picking a more reasonable pair.
3. Make the right statement
Many times women think one of the only ways they can stand out is by what they wear. When it comes to the office, the only thing that should stand out about you is your work, and not that neon blue eye shadow. First impressions are essential, so your appearance at work is key if you frequently network or meet with clients. How you express yourself through your wardrobe and fashion statements are about the message you want to send to co-workers, your boss and clients.
4. Dress smart
Finding that balance between chic and functional will always be a challenge for every woman. Just remember what you see in a fashion magazine or in a display window isn’t always applicable to every situation, let alone a professional one. Good judgment is one of the best tools a business fashionista has.
