Summer '23 Workwear

In the realm of corporate fashion, a significant transformation is unfolding—a shift widely credited to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The boundaries that once defined workplace attire have dissolved, causing the distinction between business casual and business professional to now meld together.

This change in attire—Smart Casual—has extended its reach to even the most traditional workplaces, one being Wall Street, where a more laid-back approach to dress codes has seamlessly integrated.

Striking a harmonious balance between these two styles has evolved into a persistent challenge that many of us find increasingly irritating. The question often lingers: can the workplace genuinely honor our uniqueness, while still maintaining professionalism, through our chosen attire?

From identifying the most flattering shades to selecting the perfect fabrics, here are my insights for radiating professionalism and an effortless sense of style within the workplace this summer.

Know your color palette

Mastering color theory is essential for clothing, footwear, and accessory design. Understanding color combinations, personal preferences, and your given palette will help you incorporate captivating colors into your wardrobe effortlessly.

My colors stem from The Classic Spring palette; a palette that features warm and clear colors like sunny yellow, orange, lime green, bright red, and aqua. The Classic Spring emphasizes the styling of light and bright shades–leaning towards the warm end of the spectrum–while avoiding cool colors (i.e., pink, icy blue, and light gray).

Utilize the "Sandwich Theory"

The Sandwich Theory aims to achieve balance by combining one piece of clothing on the bottom half with another on the top half, while including something contrasting in the middle. Think of putting together an outfit like making a sandwich. There are two ways to do this: first with colors and then with materials. Try to coordinate the color of your top and shoes, and then choose a pair of pants, shorts, or skirt in a contrasting color to go in between.

Click here to find your color palette // Click here to shop what I've recently worn

Accessorize

Accessorizing can feel overwhelming but with the right pieces (i.e., jewelry, sunglasses, belts, footwear, handbags, headwear), you can elevate and personalize any look. Keep in mind: your accessories don’t need to match. You can incorporate a single colorful accessory with neutral tones without causing distraction. Start with one piece and achieve balance by choosing a dominant item in size or color before adding more subtle accessories.

When accessorizing:

Embrace Minimalism: Create a sophisticated and versatile jewelry collection by investing in timeless pieces. Hoop earrings, a classic pair of studs, a delicate gold chain, a sleek watch, a colorful jewel, a chic bangle bracelet, a statement pendant necklace, and a timeless signet ring are must-haves.

Experiment with Versatility: Play around with different thicknesses, weights, and textures to add depth and character to your look. Mixing delicate and chunky pieces can create an appealing contrast that complements various outfits.

Stack Your Chains: Experiment with stacking your chains in a top-down fashion. Layering different chain lengths adds dimension and showcases your personal style.

Embrace Eclectic Choices: Don't shy away from mixing metals, incorporating funky shapes, vibrant colors, and various sizes of jewelry pieces. Doing so can help you to better express your individuality and add a touch of playfulness to your wardrobe.

Aim for Balance: While experimenting is fun, remember to find a balance that enhances your overall look. Avoid overloading yourself with jewelry and instead focus on making a statement with carefully curated pieces.

Find Your Optimal Necklace Number: Aim for a harmonious balance with 3-4 necklaces. This number allows you to layer elegantly without overwhelming your neck area.

Work with the fabric of your clothes, not against

Your wardrobe's look, feel, and quality depend on the fabric of your garments. Choosing reliable, comfortable pieces boosts confidence, making it essential to be mindful of the products and their quality that you select. Mind the fabric stretch or elasticity as it can affect the design's appearance when worn on the body. Don't overlook fabric weight; it can add up significantly if not measured carefully. Consider the fabric drape to determine how the material flows. Stiff fabrics have less drape unlike fluid fabrics which have more. Fabric needs may look different depending on location.

Purchase staple pieces

Opt for timeless staple pieces instead of trendy fads (short-lived fashion trends) to create sustainable, long-lasting looks. Staples (i.e., blazer, white t-shirt, button-down collar dress shirt, clean denim, or slacks) form the foundation. If you choose to embrace fads, pair them with existing sustainable pieces for a well-balanced style.