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Kate: Welcome back to advice from Professional Style Network: The Winter Edition. This is Katie and Kate. Something unique about Katie is that she likes a classic look, usually blacks and white with accessories that add color and character. She also loves to look in vintage style boutiques for something fun to complete an outfit. Kate loves a casual, but classic look. She enjoys making her own jewelry and creating unique pieces that can dress up any casual outfit. She loves vintage clothing and accessories.

As you know, we take the letters and e-mails we get here at the Professional Style Network and answer them the best be can with answers that will hopefully make you more confident about how you look when deciding what to wear to work in order to look professional. As usual, we have a few questions from professional women from around the country. We want to remind you of our mission … Our company mission is to help serve young women who are dealing with the difficult task of searching for an interview and job after graduation. We also seek to help those who are in careers right now but are confused as to what to wear on a daily basis. We want to provide accurate, diverse and up-to-date information to listeners and readers.

Now, we’ll get to our questions - So sit back and listen and take in some of our helpful tips that you can hopefully take into consideration too!

Kate: Our first question comes from Holly who just got back from Utah. She writes… “Hello, I’m Holly and I work at a local PR and Advertising firm in the Rochester area. I just got back from a week long stay in Utah on a corporate skiing trip… is it appropriate to wear my top of the line North Face that I wore on the slopes into the office Monday?”

Katie: Well, our advice would be to have a longer pea coat in your closet. Department stores like Nordstrom, Lord&Taylor, Macy’s, and more carry many styles of pea coats this time of year. Check them all out, and if you can’t find one in store that’s right for you – you can always shop online! This gives you a more professional look and will work well for many occasions. We’re sure your North Face is stylish for the slopes in Utah but stick to a professional wool coat for the workplace. Thanks for the question Holly.

Kate: Our second question comes from Janelle who is looking to work at the White House apparently. She writes… “Hey, this is Janelle… I’m a “white house wannabe” and I am looking for some advice on what to wear on my interview. What are some good winter accessories to wear into the white house if it’s snowing?”

Katie: Your best bet is to go with a chic beret, possibly cashmere if your budget is in for it. It gives a more sophisticated look and probably more impressive if you are looking to work in the White House. You can match with your coat and your boots. Be sure to send us more questions if you do get a job in the White House, we’d be excited to hear. Good luck “White House wannabe” and thanks for the question.

Kate: Our next question comes from Jenny in Rochester. She writes… “Hey this is Jenny from Kodak, what’s your advice on walking to work in the snow from the parking lot? The spot I park in is now farther away because my building was demolished due to downsizing.”

Katie: Well Jenny, we are sorry to hear that. You may want to bring a pair of short Uggs with you that match your outfit and then bring in a separate pair of heels or flats with your for the office. You can find Uggs at many places around the Rochester area like Lord&Taylor, The Walking Company, and Naples Creek. If you want a boot that looks like Uggs, but doesn’t have the brand name, less expensive versions can be found at any of your favorite shoe stores. Be on the safe side, you don’t want cold feet during the day, if it decides to snow in the booming metropolis of Rochester. Thank you for the contribution Jenny.

Kate: The next question comes from Isabella who is down south right now but moving up north for a job in PR. She writes… “Hello, I’m Isabella and I am moving to Western NY for a job in PR, I’m in West Palm Beach right now and the weather is gorgeous. I know the winters in NY can get pretty brutal so what would be the best wardrobe for the transition?”

Katie: The trend seems to be that those that move from WPB like to have many jackets on hand so they can wear them all day, but in all seriousness, have basic cable knit sweaters and trousers to pair together. J.Crew and Banana Republic are good choices for timeless sweaters and trousers that are good for a NY winter, but can also be brought out for chilly days down south if you happen to go home for holidays to see family. Hopefully that helps, although we would trade this weather any day for the sunshine down on the Florida coast.

Kate: Here’s a great question from Laura in Buffalo. I’m sure a lot of women are wondering the same thing. The question is: What if your company has a dress down day in the winter months? What would be a good way to handle what to wear to work?

Katie: Dress-down days are different for all companies. If your company has a very dressy dress code on normal days, I would stick to khakis and a sweater with heels or flats unless your boss has specifically told you jeans are sufficient. If jeans are okay, make sure they are not ripped nor have the destroyed look. A turtleneck to pair with the jeans would be a good choice for colder weather. Boots would work for any dress down day, but stay away from your Uggs that may have the salt stains – you don’t know what professional clients may be coming into the office that day and you could happen to run into them or be getting their coffee.

Katie: Okay, one final question that is sure to get a lot of attention. Even though not all companies have holiday parties, this is one that anyone can take advice on in order to help them or help someone they know. The question comes from Sarah in San Diego. She writes… “Help! This is my first time going to a holiday company party and I need some serious advice on what to wear! Anything will help because not only do I have to make sure I look great, my date has to look great and also has to coordinate with me! What should I do?!”

Katie: Ok, well first off – dress for the occasion. A lot of time proper attire for these types of parties is declared by your company or boss. Most importantly you do not want to stand out. Anything that short, tight, or revealing should not be worn. If you use the work party to show off your figure, it will most likely hurt your professional image – face it, people will talk and you don’t want the gossip to be about what you are wearing. Remember, this too if it’s in the evening - make your dress a little festive. Reds and blacks are appropriate for the season – and then add a little sparkle and glam. Have your guy match you with a Christmas tie for some extra fun that compliments your outfit too. Many popular stores know the season for these holiday parties so be sure to scope them all out so you don’t match anyone else from your office! One last piece of advice when attending the holiday company party – don’t have too much to drink at a company function. It is not too wise to have more than two or three alcoholic drinks. Try drinking water or soft-drinks in between alcoholic beverages at the party. It is also wise to not drink at all – you don’t want to be always refreshing your drink at the bar. The open bar can be tempting, but you need to protect your professional image in a sensible way. You wouldn’t normally be drinking on the job, so don’t go overboard when you are actually “allowed” to. When it comes to food – eat as much as you like – your boss is paying for it! And for all the bosses listening out there, your employees deserve it. Be in the holiday spirits*!

Kate: Okay, we’re now to the point where we’ll do our generic questions that relate to the winter season. Here are some of our followers’ questions who have emailed us and we’ll do our best to answer them! There’s just a couple this time around…

Kate: The first question comes from Danielle in Cleveland. Her question is: What is appropriate jewelry to wear in the workplace at this time of year. I like to make my outfit stand out a little with other things rather than bold colors in clothing so I look to accessorize. I know its holiday season and there is a lot of different jewelry to pick from. Point me in the right direction.

Katie: It may be tempting to wear the fun holiday, glitzy jewelry that you would see at a holiday party – but it’s not particularly appropriate for the workplace. Stick to classic pieces that can be worn all year round like pearls, simple sterling silver bangles, or the right looking broche. If you want to dress up your style around the holidays, a broche would be a good addition because it is just enough for a dressier look without going overboard. Just make sure it’s not too gaudy. Thanks for the question Danielle!

Kate: Alright, and the second question comes from Abby in Cazenovia. She wants to know since scarves are so “in” what is the best way to wear them now. Is it okay to wear them during the day in your office since so many people do?

Katie: Scarves have become a fashion accessory that can be worn all year round now. The traditional time to wear them is obviously in the winter months, and the selection is at its peak around November and December. Our suggestion to wearing a scarf would be either wear one that compliments your suit for the work day, like a silk. Or the other option would be to go with a scarf that compliments your coat like a wool or cashmere. You don’t want to look like you are bundled up all day waiting for the clock to strike 5PM. Thanks Abby!

Kate: Next we have a question from Erin in Tennessee. She wants to know if black is still in, and if it’s still stylish to wear black and white together?

Katie: Black has never gone out of style and I don’t think it ever will! You can always wear black and white together it is a very monochromatic look that is stylish and sophisticated. This winter the popular color seems to be grey, which you can tie in with black and white as well. Just make sure not to wear brown and black together! Thanks Erin!

Kate: Christina from Michigan wrote to ask about layering. She wants to know how much is too much and if it is okay in the workplace?

Katie: Layered tees and sweaters have a boyish bent—and a forgiving effect for any frame. Layers are a great way to keep from overheating. A soft, cotton shell is a perfect first layer to keep moisture away from your skin. So go nuts—it’s almost impossible to make a mistake. However, layering may not be ideal for a formal workplace. One or two layers would be appropriate if it was a nice cashmere sweater with a button-up blouse, but here is not where you should show off your many layers! Thanks Christina!

Kate: Here is another question from Liz in Maine. She wants to know if leggings and tights are still okay to wear? And if it is okay to replace them for pants?

Katie: This winter it’s all about the leggings or stockings. It doesn’t matter if they are opaque, sheer, ribbed, patterned or bright colors. Go out and buy a couple pairs that you can wear with multiple outfits. Tights and leggings are best worn with short skirts or longs shirt dresses. This way you are not “replacing” your pants but just keeping your legs warm and giving yourself a chic stylish look. It also gives you a way to show off you legs during the chilly winter months! Thanks Liz!

Kate: Our last question comes from Stacy in Colorado. She was curious to know if a dressy winter vest is appropriate to wear instead of a jacket.

Katie: Absolutely! If you are going out in a casual setting it is definitely okay to wear a winter vest instead of a jacket or coat. There are a lot of different styles of vests. Try to find one with a fur lined hood or fur lined collar. Stay away from “bubble” vests or vests that are vibrant in color. You don’t want to stand out in a crowd because you wore a bright orange vest unless you are directing traffic! Keep the vest sophisticated, but stylish with earth tone colors! Thanks Stacy!

Katie: Well that looks like all we have today for our winter edition of the Professional Style Network’s advice. Thank you for listening as always. We hope that this time spent discussing the many issues faced by professional women around the country will help you in your professional careers. Stay tuned in the coming months for the spring edition of questions and answers on what to wear and how to look professional in the spring season with our advice. A special Spring Break edition is also in the works with advice on Resort Wear and advice specifically for college students who may want to let loose but also keep their professional image when back at school. Make sure to visit our website. It provides information on products to help females look and feel their best. There is detailed information in the links, pictures, editorials, and also purchasing information on these three specific areas: clothing, accessories, and beauty. We also have a blog which is the voice of the creators who update the page. This allows readers to hear the creator’s voices and get further insight to the information that we provide. Enjoy this season at work and at home. Happy Holidays from the Professional Style Network!

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Fall Season Podcast

Kristen: Welcome to “Dear PSN.” This is our fall season question and answer podcast. A lot of our readers have written in with fall fashion questions and we’re here to give you our professional style tips. We’ve put together the most frequently answered questions. The tips will be coming from Cathy and me, Kristen.

Question 1:

Cathy: Now let’s get right to our first question, which is from Nina who lives in Fargo, North Dakota. She wants to know what kind of jacket is appropriate to wear to an interview in the Fall because it’s getting chilly where she is?

Answer 1:

Kristen: I actually wrote about this in our PSN blog recently under my Great Deals at JCrew. I recently purchased a chocolate brown velvet blazer that would be great for this situation. It’s not too heavy but still keeps you warm. It is best to take the jacket off when you get to your interview site. Since you will be taking it off you want to make sure that it doesn’t wrinkle or mess up the clothing that you are wearing. Also, be sure to still match it to the rest of your ensemble. It also works when you are hired and work in more casual work environment with a pair of dark wide-legged jeans because it has a tighter fit to your frame. Blazers and suit jackets should be always have a great fit and be well-tailored.

Cathy: For fall, I love the classic trench coat. It is even on Tim Gunn’s list of essential items to own! A classic trench can be found at any price range at any store. You can find a stylish trench at Kohls or Macy’s but if you want to dig a little deeper into your fashionable pocketbook, you can get a great Burberry trench. Make sure you get the right fit and color though! If you are more petite make sure the hem hits just above your knees to elongate your legs, or if you are taller, you can find a style that lies just under your knees. And for all of you listeners, who already own your trench coat, don’t buckle your belt! The proper way to wear this is to tie it. Trench’s will make you feel as classy as Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.

Question 2:

Kristen: Lily from Louisiana asks: How can I dress warmer, but still look fashionable? My office is starting to get chilly, but I’m not ready to break out the heavy cable-knit sweaters yet.

Answer 2:

Cathy: Well, Lily, fall weather can change in the blink of an eye, one minute it can be sunny and 70 and the next 50 and rainy. The best way to keep warm on those cooler days is to layer. Try a nice sleeveless blouse with a cardigan over it. The more layers you have the easier it will be for you to keep warm, or cool, depending on the changes in weather.

Kristen: I agree with Cathy. The office where I work changes daily, one day I freeze the next day I am warm. I always keep a nice neutral sweater in the office. I personally have a cream cashmere one by French Connection that I can slip on over virtually any shirt. Cream is good because it goes with both black and brown, colors that I wear a lot of. And when I get warmer I can take it off have my original outfit on. Another way that I stay warm is by wearing scarves. This season scarves are not just outerwear; there are some great styles that you can find in a variety of colors. I have several from the Gap and Macy’s. Scarves are great because you don’t need to go too expensive with these.

Question 3:

Cathy: Our next question comes from Valerie from Virginia. Valerie asks: Fall is still warmer in Virginia, and I always want to wear pastel colors, but I’m never sure what colors to wear when the calendar hits September.

Answer 3

Kristen: I think some great colors for fall are purple and raspberry. This is also the time when you can start to wear “winter white,” which is one of my favorite colors since it warm and looks great on everyone. But you would actually be surprised to know that pastels are very in season this fall. They are normally a “no” but the trend is light and bright. However, I think colors depend on the industry that you are working in. If you are working in a conservative environment stick to just pops of color this can be incorporated with a scarf, or a bright camisole underneath a sweater or cardigan. If you work in an office where color is acceptable, then I say go for it.

Cathy: Do not be afraid of color! Bright colors come in fall colors too. Try finding deeper bright colors. Magentas, purples, and teals are great colors to wear. You can find a variety of clothes in these colors, especially during the fall. Make sure the color tone does not drain out your skin color. But fall can be about color too! After all, just look at the leaves changing, get inspiration from nature. If you don’t want to wear a lot of bright colors, wear neutral colors and wear bright accessories to get just a splash of color.

Question 4:

Kristen: This next question was written by Lydia from Las Vegas. Lydia would like to know what footwear is popular for the fall?

Answer 4:

Cathy: Fall footwear is always the best! You have so many options from ballet flats, to boots, but you need to pick the right style that you are comfortable in. Make sure you footwear is appropriate for where you work as well. I had an internship at a historic house where I could not wear stiletto heels because it would ruin the floors, so I always wore classic loafers, or ballet flats. It the weather is decent, you can try for a pair of peep-toe pumps to show a little style, but for the most part, closed-toe footwear is the way to go when the leaves start to fall.

Kristen: Footwear again depends on where you work both in the location and work environment. I guess I can’t say it enough that you need to dress appropriately for your job. If you can get away with boots, I would definitely wear them. Boots are a very popular trend for fall. A word of caution is that these are only for a more casual environment. If you can’t wear boots, a great pair of high heels or flats always work. But as the weather gets colder you can keep your feet warm with stockings or dare I say knee highs, I know this may sound like something that your mother would wear, but they do really look good and appropriate for the season.

Question

Sammy from Sarasota wants a great bag to bring to an interview and then when she’s working. She wants to know if she has to go with a briefcase.

Answer

Kristen: I definitely don’t think that a brief case is a necessity now that there are so many great bags that are large enough to fit all of the items that you bring to work with you. However, I do think that the style of the bag is important. When you go on an interview the bag should be polished and professional. This may mean a nice dark leather in a structured form. Most of us can’t afford a Hermes bag but think of this as an ideal shape and size to shoot for. If you’re a babe on a budget, you can find great options at Marshalls or you can splurge and go to Neiman Marcus where you’re sure to find many suitable options. When you are hired you can go a little crazier. You can experiment with bold colors and different shapes.

Cathy: Briefcases are a thing of the past. Unless you’re an 80’s power woman, you can find a fabulous purse that can function as a briefcase. For a more professional look, try for a satchel style; but an oversized tote can work well, and look classy. I would opt for leather, or a leather alternative, rather than fabric. Leather wears better and will last you longer, plus it doesn’t broadcast a brand. If you can, go to outlet malls, they have great prices on designer bags.

Question

Kristen: Maggie from Montecito, California writes in that she doesn’t wear makeup but feels that she has to now that she’s graduating from college and looking for a career.

Cathy: In the business world, less is much better. You don’t need to wear makeup to be professional, or look good for that matter. If you are comfortable and confident without any makeup, then go without. If you feel you should wear some, try using a tinted moisturizer, and some mascara. Natural looking makeup is in style, and looks good one anyone. When you go to a job interview, you want to look mature, and put together, so don’t be afraid to put on a little blush or bronzer for color. I personally do not wear a lot of makeup either, so it is not necessary to plaster your face with layer after layer of cover-up. For makeup, remember a little goes a long way.

Kristen: My motto for a lot of things is polished and professional. As long as you feel that way, then you don’t have to wear a lot of makeup. My tips for people who don’t wear make up or a lot of it is to use a few basic items that will make you look good without feeling uncomfortable. I would suggest first using concealer. I like Christian Dior’s hydrating concealer because it’s light but does a great job and lasts a long time. Second I think a light sweep of blush always makes a face look fresh and awake. I recommend Nars blush in Orgasm which will look good on all skin tones, this is a favorite among make up artists. Finally I think every girl should use mascara if nothing else. DiorShow is by far a great product. If you feel like you can do a little bit more try using a little bit of bronzer.

Question

Kristen: Our next question is from Andrea who lives in Arizona. Andrea wants to know what the top fashion accessories are this fall?

Cathy: Accessories can make any outfit. I tend to wear a lot of blacks, whites and other neutral colors, so I rely on my accessories to brighten things up. If you wear a lot of color, you should opt for some toned-down accessories. Bangles can be a fun way to add some color to your outfit. You can find them anywhere, and pair them together with ones you already own. I also love silk scarves. You can find them at any department store. You can tie them around your neck, or if you got an oversized scarf, you can wrap it around your shoulders like a shawl. No matter what accessories you decide to use, just make sure you don’t go overboard. Choose one accessory to focus on.

Kristen: Great question Andrea. I think that you have several options for accessories but my personal favorite is a headband. I wear a lot of these and coordinate them with my ensembles. Headbands have really come a long way in the past year. You can use scarves or even go to your local target to find great options. The best way to wear them is them slightly further back than your hairline with some hair on the sides falling in front of the head band. A new television show that has a lot of examples of this is Gossip Girl. My next two situate around you neck Chunky necklaces are in style. They can be long, or short with multiple strands. Also color is really important with these types of necklaces because you are making a statement. The second is something that I have mentioned before with are scarves. They can range from silk to cashmere and come in an array of colors.

Question:

Kristen: Cindy from Cincinnati wants to know if there is one piece that you could have this fall what would it be?

Answer:

Cathy: I personally believe that day dresses are underrated. Women have come a long way with fashion, but a classic dress will always look great. You can pair dresses with blazers, cardigans, or add belts for some flair. The style of dress depends on your body type, but no matter what, there will always be a flattering dress style for every body type.

Kristen: I think the one item that I would recommend that all professional style readers get this fall would be a great suit. I chose this because it is very versatile and you can get a lot of use out of it. It’s also an investment piece. If you spend the money to get a great quality suit and have it tailored to you, you can get a lot of wear out of it. I also recommend that you keep it nicely pressed and covered in your closet. I believe that a suit should be worn for every interview that you go on in your job search. The dress in the work place may be casual but by wearing a suit it shows that you are serious in obtaining the position. You also may never know when you may have to bring it out for a client or event at work that requires it. I like to have suits that have one jacket that can go with a pair of pants and a pencil skirt, this enables you to get more wear out of it.

Question:

Cathy: Sarah from San Antonio asks, I never know what kind of jewelry to wear on an interview. Should I wear lots of jewelry to compliment my classic suit, or should I tone it down?

Answer:

Kristin:

Cathy: Sarah, when wearing jewelry to an interview, you should try to wear simple pieces that are not very showy. A classic strand of pearls for your necklace, stud earrings, no more than one ring (or ring set) on each hand, and then if you wear a watch, and a single bracelet, you are set. You do not need to wear all of these pieces, but those are appropriate for an interview. Try to avoid any costume jewelry, save that for when you go out with friends.

Question:

Kristen: Aly from Huntsville Alabama wants to know what is appropriate to wear on casual Fridays. She was just hired at a new job, and does not want to dress too casual.

Answer:

Cathy: Congratulations on your new job, Aly! For your first casual Friday don’t go too casual. Try for a pair of chinos, a button up shirt and a blazer. Take a look around your office to see what everyone else is wearing. If people are wearing dark colored jeans, then you can go for those next week. Play it safe the first week, or two until you know how casual, your casual Fridays actually are. Pair a cardigan sweater with a nice blouse, and some dress slacks and you won’t look too dressy, but you will still look classy and professional. Pair your outfits with some great accessories, and you will be best dressed at work!

Kristen:

Question:

Cathy: Beth from Boston asks: I’m 22 and the youngest one at my office. Everyone else is above the age of 35. I have a lot different taste in fashion than my co-workers. I want to keep my style, but I also want to impress my co-workers, what should I wear?

Answer:

Kristen:

Cathy: The best way to know how to dress is to see what your co-workers are wearing. You do not need to copy exactly what they wear, but take key items, such as suit pants, or skirts, blazers, sweaters, or dresses. Find the basic styles that they wear and just add your own personal touches to them, whether it is a nice belt, a fun pair of peep-toe heels, or a bright colored bag. You don’t want to stand out in the office, but you also don’t want to lose your style all together. Once you find your comfort zone of what you like, and what your co-workers like you to wear, you will be fine. As long as you look professional, your bosses and coworkers should have no problem with your personality shining through your clothes.

Question:

Kristen: Ashley from Anaheim California wants to know, what to wear during the different seasons? I live in a climate that has the same weather year round, but I love to dress for seasons, how do I deal with the nice weather yet still dress seasonally appropriate?

Answer:

Cathy: I wish we could all have the same problem, Ashley! But since you are lucky enough to have great weather all year round, the best way to dress for the seasons is through the colors you wear. In the fall, wear deeper purples, browns and tans, or magentas. For the winter months try just blacks, creams and whites, with darker colors, then for spring and summer switch to your brighter pastels. Use color to show your seasons. You should be able to find accessories, clothes, shoes, and purses in appropriate colors according to the seasons, even if you do live in warmer climates.

Kristen:

Conclusion:

Cathy: That’s all the time we have today for our questions. Please write in to us for next time, so we can answer your latest fashion concerns. Remember to always trust your best judgment when it comes to what you feel is appropriate for work. It’s better to be more conservative, than to go into an interview looking like you are going out to a club.

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