Basic White Plus One
Monday morning and a few minutes before 8:00am, a team of professionals are gathering in a conference/pod room. Fresh coffee in a recyclable cup in hand. If it is a good Monday, her work hubby brought her a maple bacon donut. Laptop fully charged with a boat load of emails awaiting the “click”. She stopped and notice that her peer is looking exceptionally dapper this morning. He decided to ditch the old school corporate dress code and opt for the “no tie rule.” One might have their own thoughts on the no tie rule…which they should. But this day her peer did not resemble the corpse in the casket she remembered seeing on Law & Order. “Good for him,” she thought. She ponders how she can can add a little panache to her style.
Raise your hand if you can relate to this scene. My hand is raised high in the air. This is why I created the professional starter kit.
Please put your credit card back in your purse. This kit is something you create yourself, but I will share how to do this.
Have you seen The Devil Wears Prada (my fav), Scandal, or binge-watched Girl Friends (take note of Tracey Ellis Ross)? Even though they are fictional characters, the ladies had an unique style of their own. We certainly can too.
Let us start with basic, white, and plus one. No, I’m not talking about a show on Lifetime. I am describing the perfect, professional starter kit, so that you can spice up your corporate dress code.
Step 1: Be Basic and personalize your bottoms, but choose wisely. What do I mean? Wear what works well on you. For me I know wearing a skirt that covers my knees works well for my ‘blossom sitting’. Or some might call ‘sit like a lady’.
If you find a pair of wide leg or tuxedo pants that fit you well, do not pass up the opportunity to add to your professional kit. These types of pants are harder to find but when found will add a flare to your style. Finding a stylish skirt that fits well is a quick task on an easy shopping day. Your choices are unlimited. ( pleated, kick pleated, pencil, A line, pegged, trumpet, straight, slit…etc.)
Step 2: Pick a nice crisp white top. This can be a daunting task or easy quest. Keep in mind that you might hit the jackpot in your closet. Peek into your father, brother, or beau’s closet to see if you can nab a shirt. If you return empty handed, do not fret, instead Google ‘stylish white dress shirt’. You can also grace your favorite boutique with your presence and purchase the crisp white top they have in the shop.
Step 3: Plus one is my favorite way to “Kimchee Fabz” a look. This is when you flaunt your personality. Are you the Rih-Rih gold hops and necklace type? Or are you a purist like Anthropologie? Is Zara your nickname? Or call you Ralph Lauren? Whatever your personality is, you must own it. Keep it simple or add your favorite Gucci scarf to your neck. If you love a good blazer swing by Marshall’s or TJ Maxx. Feeling the “table for two” look? Pick a floral tie from Nordstrom Rack.
No matter if your style is simple and clean, or extravagant with a touch of class, it can be the look that you will love at work or in general.
– Leave a comment and let me know if you think these tips will work for your corporate wardrobe!
– Did I miss something for plus-size corporate dress code tips? Let me know below in a comment
– Can you guys think of small touches to add to these 3 steps? Lipstick? Bag? Heels? Let me know below!
