professionalstyle

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.