Wear It To Work

Shift dresses were actually born of the ‘undershirt’ or also known as a chemise. The exposing of the inner layers of clothing allowed the development of the shift dress, introduced by the French who pulled out the inner garments and used them as the outer.

Shift Dresses and Style Icons

The Shift dress has been popular throughout the decades, but had a few periods of highlights. Its silhouette is most iconic of the 1960s “mod” look, when it was worn by such public figures as Audrey Hepburn, Mia Farrow, and Twiggy.

Shift dresses made a comeback in the mid-1990s when business wear became popular, and at this time were most often layered over a turtleneck or t-shirt and worn with knee socks. Since then the classic design has not left the stage.

The shift dress is still associated with timeless style and sophistication, and is often worn by First Lady Michelle Obama. The shift dress was previously associated with US presidency when former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy adopted it as her own signature style, paired with pearls, gloves, and a pillbox hat.

Today, the dress is hugely popular with current style icons, from Jennifer Aniston to Sarah Jessica Parker, everyone seems to be loving them.

At the office

The versatility of the shift dress is key to its popularity. Although shift dresses can come in various sleeve lengths and hemlines, the classic shift dress is sleeveless, knee-length, and features a high collar or boat neck

It can be dressed up or dressed down, and can be adapted to wear in any season. The simple styling of the shift dress makes it a versatile piece, lending itself to a variety of fabrics and accessories.

Layering is hugely popular with this dress, especially when worn for the office or business. Due to the short sleeves, it is ideally paired with a blazer or cardigan, and remains remarkably comfortable. Also, because of its simplicity, it can be paired with jewelry to give it a unique look.

The fact that they are not form-fitting and that the waist is not emphasised, they allow women to move around freely without constraints.

The simplistic lines of the dress allow for it to be produced in many materials, colours and prints. For the basic office wardrobe the main choice would be a black, grey or navy blue version of the dress.

It’s the perfect dress to wear for a quick shift from desk to drinks.

For Who?

As established, the shift dress is ideal for anyone who needs to look professional, or works in an office. Besides that, it is perfectly flattering for any body type.

Slimming rather than hugging the body, it narrows down every shape and size and takes you from an early morning meeting to cocktail hour with ease.

If you are looking to upgrade your work wardrobe, a shift dress is a great investment, not only will you be able to pair it with many items you already have in your closet, but you will also look great for the job.

See all dresses at Wearittowork.co.uk

posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 6:44:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Topic: Job Interview

Author: Francesca Schueler (Intern at wearittowork.co.uk)

Searching the web to find out how to dress for a job interview can be confusing. One Blogger talks about free spirited individualism, the other lifestyle site about the lengths of your skirt, and the intensity or your make up, and the other fashion site about “new conservatism”. In the end of your research you will find yourself gasping for air.

www.wearittowork.co.uk creative director Michele says: “It’s not about your clothes when you go for an interview, of course. It’s about how capable you are at doing the job, but clothing can help. You need to remember that it is an interview and you want to show that you are serious about the opportunity. A suit is a good choice even if the company dress code is casual. You want to dress a bit more professionally than you might on a day to day basis if you worked in the company.”
We trust your sense of style, because you navigated yourself to this site. You will find the answer here. Why? Simply because that is our specialty; timeless business attire!

Top 10 Job Interview Fashion Tips
In the jungle called the world Wide web, I went looking for the best tips on dressing for a successful job interview. Here are my top 10 finds:

1)   Understand the value of dressing well: According to a study of former UCLA professor Albert Mehrabian: “First impressions are formed in 7 seconds. 38% of a first impression is based on inflection and tone of voice (how you say things), 7% is based on what you actually say, and a whopping 55% of a first impression comes from NONVERBAL cues! In short, more than half of every first impression is based on how you look!”

2)   What you wear is equally important as your CV. Maybe wear a colourful shirt to spice up a black suit.

3)   To decide what to wear you have to be PREPARED. Know the company you are applying for thoroughly; for this specific angle of the situation you have to know their style. You can always call the HR manager in advance to ask what the company dress code is, and what they might expect at the interview.

4)   Your interview wardrobe reflects your sincerity and professionalism. By making an effort, and really thinking about what to wear, you will show that you are truly keen on getting the position. Be open to a refining and supporting look.

5)   We all know that we are more confident when we know we look good and carry our wardrobe well; therefore a good fit is essential. Make sure nothing rips when you sit down, or gets lost when you stand up.

6)   Choose something timeless, instead of a certain trend. You want to be that interviewee remembered for the smart answers, not the polka dot skirt.

7)   Your style during the interview should be one you can continue once you got the job! So think about things like accessibility and affordance.

8)   The bag you bring does not need to be a briefcase; those were made for men. Ladies can bring a good size bag to fit your resume and a notebook. Just make sure it is in a good condition and not any very bright noisy color.

9)   Keep your hair and make up simple and neat. The hair should be out of your face, and the make up preferably nude or toned down.

10)   Keep the entire outfit tidy. That means that all buttons should be closed and the skirt a comfortable length that does not distract anyone. This might sound conservative, but is simply smart. Again, you do not want to be remembered for anything else but your skills and smart answers.

Like this you will be well equipped to make the right choices. Click here to view our Job Interview Outfit suggestions.

The rest is Good Luck!

posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 10:16:32 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Advice on Dressing for Success by Rachel Yeomans

The definition of success is usually defined as to what your skill set includes, what your personality type is, who you know and what your ambitions are. However success can also be determined by how you present yourself - more specifically, in how you dress. Business outfit Many of us have heard the coined phrase: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” However you should take that statement and think of it in a more three dimensional way. First answer the following questions: Where am I now? Do I want to move in a different direction from here? If so, where (keep it broad)? And what makes me happy? By answering these questions, you are reminding yourself what is important to you not just in your professional life, but also in your personal life. Yes these questions don’t have anything to do with outfit configuration - but then again, maybe they do. When we are more confident and satisfied either with our current job situation or with the path that it is taking us to where we want to go, we carry ourselves in a manner that can only be termed as “glowing”. When you wake up in the morning and you had a wonderful night’s sleep and that cup of coffee tasted even more delicious than you thought it would - chances are that you are going to take a little bit more time in making sure your appearance resembles your attitude. When you are happy, you want your hair to match your demeanor and your makeup to work your blushing cheeks.

With that being said, you need to own what you dress. Obviously you physically own your clothing, but when you truly ‘own’ what you wear, you feel as comfortable, confident and happy wearing it as you would after that amazing night’s sleep and delicious cup of coffee I previously mentioned. Here are a few tips to make sure that your closet works with you to make sure that there is always a skip to your high-heeled step!

1.) Wear clothes that fit you.If it’s too tight, too big, if the arms are too short or if the pants are too long, most likely you will spend more time adjusting your clothing that getting work done at the office. Buy clothes that fit you or find a tailor that will take these ill-fitting garments the promotion they need within your working wardrobe.

2.) Dress appropriately for your surroundings.You may love your strapless top or your mini skirt, but neither of those items are appropriate for the office. You can love what you wear that your boss would love as well - just make sure it’s not too short, not too tight and not too low in the neckline.

3.) Make sure that there is a splash of ‘you’ in your outfit.You may have an amazing suit that would work wonders at a networking event. However it may not earn a single business card merely because it’s just not ‘you’. Personality radiates off of people, and when you don’t feel comfortable in what you are wearing, chances are people will see that and take it as insecurity or an aloof personality. And neither of those traits are very good in a business environment. Whatever your personal style is, find ways to sneak it into your dress code making sure that even though you are at work, you still feel like yourself and not like you are acting out a role.

4.) Don’t be afraid to make a statement.If you like chunky jewelry or loud colors, don’t be afraid to sport them at work! Just make sure it’s tasteful and not too much. For example, wear a chunky necklace and keep your other jewelry very simple or don’t wear any other jewelry at all. Or if you want to wear your blue booties, make sure you wear them with a neutral-toned ensemble that will compliment your footwear versus sending you home for a wardrobe change.

5.) Wear clothing that makes you feel good. Bottom line - you need to feel good to look good. Wear clothing that is comfortable, makes you feel ‘pretty’, and doesn’t distract you from your job. Dressing for success isn’t about wearing the appropriate outfit for the appropriate occasion. It is about knowing who you are and what you want, and dressing for the occasion. Rachel Yeomans Rachel Yeomans of RachelAnna Consulting, a business fashion consulting company, and Creator and Editor-in-Chief of TheWorkingWardrobe.com, has been writing, editing, and coveting fashion since her first magazine purchase. Upon entering into the corporate world, she mulled over what to wear from the office to cocktail hour or how to glamor the trade show and golf outing without blending in or sticking out.

She found herself constantly pondering how her business fashions could still pull off a sense of style. She then decided to take her love of fashion to the workplace, and see if her working wardrobe, while continuing to work for her, could work for others. You can also read Rachel’s thoughts on fashion through her contributions with SecondCityStyle.com and LittleDesignerBook.com.

Rachel Yeomans Rachel Yeomans of RachelAnna Consulting, a business fashion consulting company, and Creator and Editor-in-Chief of TheWorkingWardrobe.com, has been writing, editing, and coveting fashion since her first magazine purchase. Upon entering into the corporate world, she mulled over what to wear from the office to cocktail hour or how to glamor the trade show and golf outing without blending in or sticking out. She found herself constantly pondering how her business fashions could still pull off a sense of style. She then decided to take her love of fashion to the workplace, and see if her working wardrobe, while continuing to work for her, could work for others. You can also read Rachel’s thoughts on fashion through her contributions with SecondCityStyle.com and LittleDesignerBook.com.

posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 5:37:02 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Tie Thru belts back in stock!

The Suede tie-thru belts are back in stock due to popular demand.

These 'handmade in the UK' belts are one of the most versatile accessories any woman can own, and our shoppers have appeared to love it! Especially the red belt has been very popular. As these belts are handmade for us, supplies are limited, so order quick if you want to get your hands on one!

We are so pleased to be able to offer this belt at the same low price, for the exceptional quality it is. It will last you a lifetime!

The 'Obi-belts' trend has taken off recently, and its a great one, these belts are slimming, and a great way to liven up any old outfit.

And, we of course think it's a great addition to your work wardrobe, it can be worn high up, around the waist with a shift dress, or low on the hips with a pair of trousers.

The Belt is available in multiple colours and two sizes. Size Small/Medium which is suitable for sizes 6 - 12 and Large, which is suitable for sizes 12 and up.

Click here to shop this belt

posted on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 1:01:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Britain's working women go back to work in style

As the first working week of the New Year ends, new research from Mintel finds that more and more women are dressing to impress, as they return to the office in style.

Underlining the renewed emphasis on dressing for the job you want (or the job you want to keep) exclusive consumer research finds one in ten (10%) female workers has bought smarter work clothes in the last 12 months in order to get ahead at work. And today, as many as one in four (24%) working women say they don't mind paying more for good quality work clothes.

Michelle Strutton, Senior Consumer Analyst at Mintel said:
"It seems the sobering effect of the recession has brought an end to dressing down in the office to some extent. Despite the pressures being felt by UK clothing retailers in the current economic climate, officewear, and formal officewear in particular, is proving to be a light amid the rest of the market gloom."

"Both working consumers and the unemployed are buying smarter clothing to give a more professional image and help secure employment or avoid redundancy. What is more, the high number of working women has created a work culture that is now more conscious of fashion trends in officewear than ever before." Michelle adds.

Within the womenswear sector, the average annual spend on a suit rose around 3% between 2006 and 2008 to reach over £120, driven by fashion trends and the need to look good in a competitive job market. Meanwhile, average annual spend on blouses and tops which often accompany suits rose over 5% over the same 2 year period to reach over £60.

"Longer working hours and commute times are seeing the importance of the working wardrobe increase as consumers spend the majority of their day, and indeed their week, in office attire." Michelle adds.

Overall, just over a quarter of all British workers only wear formal clothes to the office, with ties worn by just 22% of men. While jeans are worn by one in five workers, accompanying them with casual footwear such as flip-flops or trainers is a no-no and these are worn by just one in 20.

"Looking forward, a continued focus on stylish yet professional clothing that is both affordable as well as high quality is expected to drive value sales for the clothing industry. It is also likely to shape the fashion for office working wear in the future as well." Michelle concludes.

posted on Wednesday, January 06, 2010 12:46:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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Monday, December 14, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - 04/01/2010

Let's start it off with a sale! I know you've probably dug deep to get all those darling friends and family everything they wanted for Christmas... but, you can't say no to a good bargain. And, we've got a great excuse, you've got to look good at work. It's a simple as that.

Make sure you dress to impress in 2010! Dressing well for the office may help getting you ahead (we're not saying it's only what you wear, but we do think it plays a part).

Appearance at work is a much covered subject, and there is much to say about it, but for me the most important thing is feeling great when I step into the office in the morning.

We've got lots of great work and office clothing on sale at 33% or more off. Keep checking back for more specials at www.wearittowork.co.uk

posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 12:44:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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