In the corporate world, many offices have switched from suits to a business casual policy. Men are dressing down from full three-piece suits, oxford shirts and ties down to golf shirts, khakis and loafers.

But women, need to be more careful about dressing appropriately in the working environment. With a few basic guidelines, the modern woman can indulge in the fashion world – piecing together funky and dressy outfits that transition wonderfully from weekend to working day woman – without breaking the bank. Professional by Day... Vixen by Night?

The modern-day woman knows how to be a chameleon – transitioning from corporate professional to night-time party girl. Without breaking the bank, here are a few tips to ‘stretching the closet’.

Suits: Still looking for classic lines, detail and good construction, choose suits that wear well from day to night. Often a suit with a great cut and unique design can be pieced separately so that the jacket can be toned down with a great pair of jeans.

These days, a fantastic blazer is almost an essential to party girl’s nighttime wardrobe. For the nightowl, throw on your sexiest jeans (with that great butt-shot), that rockin’ camisole and throw on your funky suit jacket (with great detailing) to keep warm during the nighttime breeze.

Pump up the Volume. Working girl needs an arsenal of fantastic footwear. Don’t let this small detail be overlooked. One can tell a lot about an individual by the look of their shoes. Are their shoes well maintained, polished and refined?

Aside from choosing the classic pump, working girl needs to learn how to walk in them. Walk with the head tall, back straight, and feet pointing forward. Put each foot down with confidence, heel to toe – one step at a time. Practice slowly and you will soon be an expert in your smashing stilettos.

Accessity/Accessorize/Accentuate...que? Basic jewelry can be summed up in one word for the working woman: pearls. Pearls are the perfect everyday accessory to dress up a suit at the office and after work, to head out for martinis with the posse. Choose a medium-size brooch+ made of the best stones that you can afford – a beautiful brooch can dress up the most boring sweater or brighten up an old coat.

It’s so hard for a girl to find just that one bag that holds all, looks chic, isn’t heavy and lasts throughout the season. Young professionals start off with the trusty three-pack: large canvas holdall, small black handbag, and lastly, fancy clutch. Three well-chosen handbags can carry a girl through an entire year of work and pleasure related functions – always appropriate for the occasion of the moment.

Vogue...Vogue...Vogue...Strike a Pose!
Like the song says – confidence is the key to the game. A frumpy outfit and a killer smile is enough to outshine any fashionista that fidgets and worries about how she looks all the time. Fashionista must be synonymous with diva attitude – know what you stand for, trust your taste and go for it. Confidence exuded will only add that extra layer of flavour to your attitude.

Often times, a lukewarm outfit can be won over by a confident attitude in the way you carry yourself. That ‘chin-up’ and ‘back-straight’ thing not only applies to shoe-wearing but also your show of attitude. Let people know that you’re in charge of you and that you can take over the world – even if it’s just a pair of killer shoes that’s giving you the million-dollar grin

General Guidelines

1. Transparent is not appropriate anywhere.
2. Only ever expose one part of the body at a time – overexposure is NOT sexy.
3. Chunky shoes were never fashionable.
4. Anything that is too tight is not appropriate for the workplace.
5. Above mid-thigh skirts and bellybaring shirts are also inappropriate for the workplace.
6. If you are questioning a piece of clothing’s suitability at the office, better err on the side of conservativeness and nix it.
7. Strappy sandals at the office don’t work.
8. Wear fabrics that represent the season – ie: no terrycloth in summer and no linen in winter, please

Fashionista.com