Thank you, Anjali Varma from the Modern Mompreneur for letting me speak to your awesome group of Mompreneurs yesterday! I get asked by my clients what to wear to the five most common “work” occasions all the time. I was so excited to have put all of the answers in one place that I just had to share them with all of you right away!
What is the one thing everyone should have before starting a business? A business plan, of course.
And what else? 5 power outfits that will take you everywhere from a casual coffee meeting to a working cocktail. Having these outfits ready to go in your closet (and on your iPad!) is crucial to feeling confident, not panicked, the next time you have an important work meeting or event. You can assemble your outfits and take pictures of them yourself. Store them in a Dropbox folder, an iCloud photo stream, or on a style app such as StyleBook. If you have the time and patience to take pictures of your wardrobe, you can use this app to create outfits and packing lists. You can even catalog ideas for inspiration and wait for it… use the calendar to keep track of what you wore when. Happy styling!
#1 CASUAL COFFEE MEETING
Clean and Polished but Relaxed
Go for dark jeans,booties, a well-cut blazer, a button-down shirt, a scarf, small tasteful earrings, and a bracelet with your child’s initials.
Madewell Duskfall Blazer in Deep Navy, $168
H&M Stretch Shirt, $19.95
Halogen Linen Blend Scarf, $29
J Brand 8112 Mid-Rise Rail Jeans, $169
PURYST Rough Raw Diamond Stud Earrings, $108
Marc by Marc Jacobs Ankle Boots, $690
Maya Brenner Mini Letter Bracelet, $200
Madewell Kensington Satchel, $198
Nixon Small Kensington Watch, $175
#2 NEW CLIENT MEETING
Radiate professional polish in a modern suit, a sleeveless silk tank in a great color, a bold necklace, a great work bag, and a low-heeled patent pump, which will give you height and stability.
Theory Lanai Blazer in Urban Stretch Wool, $375
Theory Max 2 Pant in Urban Stretch Wool, $275
Theory Apala Silk Asymmetrical Double-Layer Tank, $215
Annabel Ingall Isabella Tote, $415
Jewelmint Leading Legacy Necklace, $36
Cole Haan Chelsea Low Pump, $199.90
#3 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT
Bold Color and a Great Fit
Who doesn’t feel like a million bucks in a well-fitting dress and bold color? All eyes should, and will be, on you in this outfit. Look for a shift dress in your best bright, balance it with black or nude heels (which will make your legs look longer!), and a gorgeous necklace or earrings.
J.Crew Mint Stone Statement Necklace, $148
Tahari Seamed A-Line Dress, $128
Cole Haan Chelsea Pump, $199.90
#4 EXECUTIVE MEETING – TWO CHOICES
A. The Power Suit with a Dose of Personality
Try a modern suit in a non-traditional color like this season’s pastel pink. Complete the look with an on-trend watercolor print in stronger hues instead of a bold necklace. Repeat your classic diamond studs and go-everywhere work tote.
B. The Capsule Wardrobe
Take the brightly colored dress from your Speaking Engagement look and top it with the suit jacket from your New Client Meeting look. Add heels and tasteful earrings and go!
Tahari Arthur S. Levine. Three Piece Suit, $159
Annabel Ingall Isabella Tote, $415
BB Dakota Melia Top, $50
Cole Haan Chelsea Low Pump, $199.90
PURYST Rough Raw Diamond Stud Earrings, $108
#5 COCKTAIL
Did you know that multiple companies are now offering dresses that act like Spanx? Find the best shape for you and you are sure to be prepared for any last minute cocktail invitations. Spice up your LBD with sexy gold and “emerald” earrings or colorful, deco chandelier earrings. Don’t forget a sleek clutch! Gold goes with everything.
Project Gravitas Ella Dress, $195
Dannijo Barney Earrings, $415
A Peace Treaty Korla Malachite Earrings, $132
Tova Petal Jewel Earrings, $70
J.Crew Everly Cracked Metallic Leather Pumps, $225
Aldo Collesano Clutch, $45