This fall there are more options than ever. "Style varies, obviously, depending on the industry," explains Deborah Lloyd, Executive Vice President of Design and Product Development for Banana Republic. So she recommends understanding the environment in which you work and then "dress the part."
Skirts are a big trend for the season. And for fall, there are two main styles – the pencil, a slender, form-fitting column that hits just below the knee, and the bubble, a retro '60s silhouette that has a rounded, bubble shape.
To balance either style, wear something on top that has the opposite shape. For a pencil skirt, try a slightly oversized sweater or blousy top. Pair a bubble skirt with something more fitted, like a jacket. This can be a chic alternative to the power suit. No matter which style works for you, go with opaque tights, not hose, for a look that is very now.
Another must-have is skinny pants. This style, which hugs the leg from waist to ankle, can be casual if worn with a pressed, crisp T-shirt or sweater. But worn with a blazer, skinny pants can be boardroom perfect. Jane Buckingham, President of The Intelligence Group, a trend-forecasting behemoth, suggests accessorizing skinny pants with a patent leather belt to "spice up the look" no matter where you work.
Speaking of accessories, from runway to runway, designers were featuring metallic handbags, belts, shoes, hair bands, and jewelry. Rosemary Feitelberg, Women's Wear Daily's market editor, offers this tip: "Dress up a laid-back work ensemble, say chinos and a button-down shirt, by adding metallic accessories. It adds an element of glamour."
While glamour in the past has always conjured up the image of high heels, the new style for shoes is refined, more subtle. According to the Yahoo! HotJobs poll, 37% of women put comfort first, making this season's trendy flat shoe perfect. Whether you wear them with a dress, men's style trousers, streamlined jeans, walking shorts with tights, or a suit, there is something very Jackie O. about the look. "Besides, they won't hurt your feet and the new styles are very cute and stylish, especially with layers of knit sweaters," says Buckingham.
Warning: Avoid anything sloppy – or too sexy – at all costs. According to Reiling, "Don'ts would be sweats, pajamas, slippers, ripped shirts, and anything too exposing. You don't want your clothes to be noticed more than your thoughts or results."
