Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Fashion Inspiration - Business Chic

When it comes to working in fashion, it can been a bit of a challenge sometimes trying to figure out what to wear during the interview stage and even after you've got the job.

If there's a uniform or specific dress code guidelines (for one job, I was required to wear all black everyday), it can be restricting and boring but it certainly makes picking out work wear much less time consuming.


However, if no dress code has been identified, it can be an intimidating task trying to pick out the right look.

I've asked a few fashion insiders what is the key to a great fashion interview outfit and they have all said, "Be yourself and show your personality". It's great advice because the truth is, if you don't feel like yourself, you won't be yourself.

Personality is such an important part of making a good impression in a fashion job but it can be tricky to find the right balance of personality and professionalism.

What you wear can say a whole lot about who you are and what you're about before you even open your mouth so you don't want it to say the wrong thing.
If your outfit is dull and frumpy, they may assume that you lack personality, creativity and you're the type to always play it safe. However, depending on the job, if your outfit is too casual or too crazy, it may give the impression that you're a flaky type who isn't really serious about working.

A good way to keep the outfit looking business smart is to include a structured piece of some sort, for example, a sharp blazer or tailored trousers and personality can be shown through interesting prints, colours, accessories and more.


Doing research on the company should give you a good idea of their style aesthetic and you can find a way to incorporate an element that reflects this into your outfits instead of sacrificing your own style.

Below are some fantastic business chic inspirations, both simple and adventurous, that strike the right balance of professional and personal style.


























photos courtesy style.com, luckymag.com, waynetippets.com,
facehunter.blogspot.com, vanessajackman.blogspot.com,
stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se, altamiranyc.blogspot.com,
thesartorialist.blogspot.com, nitrolicious.com,

(Please let me know of any sources that I've left out and I will add them asap)

33 comments:

daisychain said...

this is such a useful post!

Couture Carrie said...

Fab advice and photo compilation, darling D. Especially loving all the street style selections... business chic indeed!

And thanks for asking, doll - things are fantstic here! How are you??

xoxox,
CC

Couture Carrie said...

Fab advice and photo compilation, darling D! Loving the street style selections, especially the belted short sleeve trench!

xoxox,
CC

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

I adore blazers!

Winnie said...

Thanks for the tips! I recently dressed smart for some school photos and I loved looking smart in my Zara Blazer. I never wear it with smart clothes but it was a nice change!

Ola said...

love ur blog
visit&follow
fuckthatfashionart.blogspot.com
kisses

Erin said...

Congratulations on the 100 followers! I suppose I always think someone is fashionable when they wear something that suits their shape and they kind of put their own twist on a trend...

Love love love,

Erin

xx

Kira Aderne said...

I love the first lady the most!

Elena said...

Love these fotos. If there were more women dressing like that to go to work noone would be bored to go at the office!

Reena Rai said...

Its so hard to dress appropriately for work, you've posted some great inspirational images

marian said...

hope you are well sweetie
xx
marian.

Kira Aderne said...

it really is! The fist look is my fav!!

theluxedolle said...

The 4th to the last. wow! she looks amazing. about to take the picture and put on my "tumblr" will put you as my source.

Unknown said...

Wow you have great stuff here. I also like to share this website for salwar kameez amazing tunic top and much more. Hope you will like it.

Lil Midget said...

i love the suit jacket. i wwear one all the time :)

stylestalker said...

love your blog x

Not a Paper Cup said...

I wish I found your blog post last week!

Just had the exact job interview....not easy :S...not easy at all.

Thanks for the post anyway! :)

veronicaa said...

Great looks, ideas, and blog!
I'll be back!
Xo Veronica
my passion for fashion

kimberly yang said...

These are all fab ideas & pictures! (:

Thanks for stopping by La Couturier! I've just recently launched my new website and blog, A Bit Coquettish. After 2 years, I've [finally!] dropped my guise of anonymity - take a peek? (;

bises,
Kimberly
abitcoquettish.com

L.I.N said...

i especially love the first and the last photo! soo chic!

Vivian said...

Doing research on the company is the main point. You do not want to feel under-dressed or overdressed.

bed frame said...

All outfits are so gorgeous. You will definitely going to use those outfits as an inspiration. I just wish I can make outfits just like those.

Anonymous said...

Really great post but wow, black work wear everyday...sigh.

Mary Smith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
silver costume jewellery said...

Really handy poST. I think the girl in the 1st pic is the best

Brad Fallon said...

I love the coat in the 4th photo - great color!

taylor said...

FABULOUS photos! Love all the looks
you pulled - great inspiration!! Thank
you for sharing!! : )



http://gramercyboutique.blogspot.com/


xx

Ola said...

really good post!

please visit

fuckthatfashionart.blogspot.com

Liam Hartas said...

Such a beautiful array of pictures :)

Unknown said...

loving the tailored look this winter <3

http://say-bleurgh.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

you're on my blog roll!
you've got a great blog, keep it up!
and come visit COSMICaroline, it's being revamped with more posts and chic looks!

-COSMICaroline
COSMICaroline.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

thanks for posting! this was the perfect thing for me right now, as I've got a new job and no idea what to wear, haha! great photos as well, gives you loads of good ideas.

xxx Charlie
http://www.femininebravery.com/

Ronisha said...

fanatstic post ;)

stop by and visit my blog..

http://vannoybfashion-ronisha11.blogspot.com