The BAZAAR Commandments: Dressing for a Fashion Job

Career, Culture

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When it comes to careers of the fashion variety, office-appropriate dressing can be hard to pin down. Here, we’re answering the questions about what to wear to work when your job requires you look professional and stylish.

Dress for the job you want—use your superiors as a guide.

If your boss is never wearing jeans and sneakers, you might want to rethink your routinely casual look.

If your boss is never wearing jeans and sneakers, you might want to rethink your routinely casual look.

Incorporate trends tastefully.

The latest trends from season to season are sure to influence your work wardrobe—just be sure the effect is understated enough to remain professional. For example, if you're going to test-drive the pajama trend, opt for a tailored version in classic black. Wearing the top as a jacket over a crisp button-down and adding heels brings the look to office-friendly territory.

The latest trends from season to season are sure to influence your work wardrobe—just be sure the effect is understated enough to remain professional. For example, if you’re going to test-drive the pajama trend, opt for a tailored version in classic black. Wearing the top as a jacket over a crisp button-down and adding heels brings the look to office-friendly territory.

Let the day of the week inform your ensemble.

Mondays a power days best suited for your most professional outfit; by mid-week a little bit of edge is a welcome refresher to your look; and save your casual threads for Friday.

Mondays are power days best suited for your most professional outfit; by mid-week a little bit of edge is a welcome refresher to your look; and save your casual threads for Friday.

Reflect the aesthetic of your workplace.

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Gauge the style climate of your environment. If you're working at a luxury fashion magazine, the level of dress expected at the office is likely to be more formal than at a denim brand and less expressive than at an art gallery.

Gauge the style climate of your environment. If you’re working at a luxury fashion magazine, the level of dress expected at the office is likely to be more formal than at a denim brand and less expressive than at an art gallery.

Invest in staple pieces you’ll wear forever.

Build out your work wardrobe with foundational pieces that will never go out of style. Oxford shirts, pencil skirts, tailored trousers, turtlenecks, blazers, pumps and a structured tote are all pieces worth spending a little more on for higher quality construction that will hold up over time.

 Build out your work wardrobe with foundational pieces that will never go out of style. Oxford shirts, pencil skirts, tailored trousers, turtlenecks, blazers, pumps and a structured tote are all pieces worth spending a little more on for higher quality construction that will hold up over time.

Bring your personality through in your wardrobe.

But not too much. A pop of color, a girlish pump, a statement accessory can all convey your unique sense of style without creating a distraction.

But not too much. A pop of color, a girlish pump, a statement accessory can all convey your unique sense of style without creating a distraction.

Recognize the power of heels.

There's nothing like a good pair of pumps to take an outfit to new heights. We highly recommend keeping a stash of essential styles under your desk to change into whenever your look needs a lift.

There’s nothing like a good pair of pumps to take an outfit to new heights. We highly recommend keeping a stash of essential styles under your desk to change into whenever your look needs a lift.

But embrace the privilege of wearing flats.

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One of the advantages of working in fashion is that flats can have their moment as a stylish choice in footwear. And some days an easy loafer, sporty sneaker or elegant ballerina flat is exactly what you and your feet need.

One of the advantages of working in fashion is that flats can have their moment as a stylish choice in footwear. And some days an easy loafer, sporty sneaker or elegant ballerina flat is exactly what you and your feet need.

Add intrigue with accessories.

A simple ensemble can go from basic to super-chic with the help of a whimsical heel or bag—just don't go overboard. Pick one or two pieces and let them own the spotlight.

A simple ensemble can go from basic to super-chic with the help of a whimsical heel or bag—just don’t go overboard. Pick one or two pieces and let them own the spotlight.

Discover the dressier side of denim.

We all love our denim, but it can make for an easy rut when all you wear is your standard skinnies everyday. Go beyond the basics and embrace new varietals of blue jean, like a dress or of-the-moment A-line skirt.

 We all love our denim, but it can make for an easy rut when all you wear is your standard skinnies everyday. Go beyond the basics and embrace new varietals of blue jean, like a dress or of-the-moment A-line skirt.

Always keep a blazer on hand.

 Let a tailored jacket live on the back of your desk chair. Not only will it save you from the unpredictable nature of office air-conditioning, but it’ll make any outfit look more put-together and professional.

When in doubt, wear black.

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Also, black-and-white. It’s a fail-safe option we cannot stress enough.

Always arrive fresh-faced and well groomed.

 You should always look presentable at work, and that starts with your face. Maintain good grooming habits and a clean beauty look—which means skip the crazy smoky eyes at the office, don’t wear yesterday’s makeup and disguise dirty hair in between washes with dry shampoo.

Keep undergarments out of sight.

 Bra straps and lingerie are best kept tucked away and to yourself—even if the sheer look is a thing right now.

Layers and separates are the key to day-to-night dressing

 If you have an after-work event on the agenda, plan an outfit that can make the transition easily. An evening top can easily be hidden by a blazer at work, or a slinky skirt can be grounded with a chunky knit and boots. The pantsuit is a power player as well—wear it buttoned up with no blouse underneath to quickly make the move into sultry, nighttime wear.

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