I can already hear you, “Yes, of course grey flannel is appropriate for work, but leather? Full leather?” Well, most Washington DC workplaces may not be ready for a full leather suit, but you could definitely get away with a chic dress or blazer in a subdued color. Work in NY or LA? Well then anything goes, right?
Skirt suits with a double breasted menswear blazer are all the rage this season. The long, lean lapels will create a waist while the looser silhouette that is in fashion will cover anything you don’t want to show. Now that’s a good trend. Add a skirt and you’ve got the full monty. Not ready to go that far? Try grey menswear textures, like pinstripe, herringbone, or flannel. I can’t wait to pull out last year’s grey flannel culottes from Roman!
I have to tell you, the varsity/prep school trend has me at a little bit of a loss. I love the idea of a long striped scarf in primary colors and I would die for the lace up lavender boots from the MSGM runway shot, but do any of us want to dress up in a trend that reminds us of high school? Just saying. If you love the modern preppy look, try pairing a yellow cable knit sweater with a pair of plaid culottes. That’s a look I could get behind.
When I lived in New York my black leather pants were a major part of my winter work uniform. Luckily they weren’t as necessary in the balmier climate of DC because they officially died last year after 20 years of service. Oh, and they hadn’t fit quite like they used to since kid number two. Yes, I was a fashion stylist wearing leather pants to work in NYC, but with the move toward more casual office attire, leather pants with a beautiful white shirt, cashmere sweater, or pinstriped blazer, is totally appropriate, even in DC. The trend this season is actually head-to-toe leather. Go ahead, I dare you. I will buy anyone in DC who goes to work in a head to toe leather outfit a drink, even a $26 one at the W Hotel rooftop bar.
Happy Shopping!
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The Skirt Suit
Altuzarra | The Row | Max Mara
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Back to Prep School
Michael Kors | Versace | MSGM
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Leather Weather
MSGM | Alexander McQueen | Akris
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So which of these trends do you already have in your closet and which will you seek out? Let us know…
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Lani Inlander is a personal stylist who has been working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day for 20 years. You can find her in the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas. Are you looking for professional training to become a personal stylist? Learn how you can train with Lani at The Stylist Studio.
You can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
