Wendi & Nicole Answer: How To Dress For Work & Take Your Look From Desk To Dinner!

The stylist duo behind the looks of Elizabeth Banks & Rosario Dawson were on hand to answer YOUR questions this week!

Deciding on what to wear to work or an internship certainly isn’t as easy. With a variety of dress codes depending on your profession, you want to be sure to get it right. This week, we passed your questions along to Wendi & Nicole, the dynamic styling duo behind the great get-ups we’ve seen on Elizabeth Banks and Rosario Dawson, to name a few. While something classic and conservative will never go out of style, this week our readers weighed in, asking how they can look cute in a more relaxed setting — but that doesn’t mean our stylists didn’t dish out advice for gals who work in a more formal environment! We also have tips on how to take your office look from day to night if you’re prepping for a date or dinner post-work. Read on to see what they had to say.

I work in a more relaxed setting and while I love being comfortable at work, I don’t want to look like a slob. What can I wear that is comfy and cute?
“First things first, invest in a lightweight blouse (and a camisole, only because you are at work). It is fall’s answer to the t-shirt!……When choosing your blouse, make sure it has a nice drape and fit. When you wear it roll up the sleeves and leave the first two buttons open, always tuck it in! Tuck your blouse into a pair of tailored, high waisted shorts or pants, and always finish the look with a belt if there are loops. Or try it with a pencil skirt, and embrace the return of the 40’s silhouette. You can also wear your blouse with a midi (skirt that hits mid-calf), another fall staple. Make sure you find the midi style, fabric and weight that is best for your body type. When wearing the midi, it’s all about balance. For example if the midi is full, the top needs to be fitted.”

I work in a very corporate environment, and sometimes my slacks and shirts seem so boring! How can I add a little flair to my look in an appropriate way? How can I take my look from day to night if I have a date but don’t have time to totally change?
“If you’re really ready to wow, go for the printed pant, and pair it with a solid top or fitted blazer. Or switch it around and go for a printed blouse tucked into a pair of perfectly tailored pants. If you’re more of a solids person try color blocking; buy a pair of tailored crop pants in a vivid color, like fire engine red or peacock green, and pair it tonally, think shadows and sunlight of the same color. If that seems way too complicated – bold black and/or white are a perfect contrast to a vivid hue. If your daytime look is thought out and put together you can easily go from work to a date in three easy steps. 1. Fix your hair, put it back or let it loose, either way you’ll feel better if it’s different from the day. 2. Brighten up your makeup, either add a smoky eye OR a bright lip, never both. 3. Add a pair of sky high heels; you’ll feel sexy, and carry yourself with confidence.”

Katrina Mitzeliotis