I get so many fun ideas and questions but sometimes it’s not enough to make up a solo post. So today I’m answer a few reader questions:
1. Are cords too casual for a business casual office?
2. Shoulder pads – some of my jackets have a very small shoulder pad. Is that ok?
I actually had to go feel my blazers shoulders when I got this question. Because most of us, when we hear shoulder pads, think this:
(Y’all, but still, she looks fierce! One of the ultimate fashion icons.) The reality is, many professional blazers, at least half, have a subtle shoulder pad sewn in because it gives the jacket the structure it needs. So go right ahead with your understated shoulder pads.
3. Where do you get those cute jean jackets everyone is wearing?
There are some cute denim jackets. But there are some terrible ones too. I use a few rules: Not acid washed. Not oversized. And don’t wear them when you’re wearing denim on bottom.
Other than that, here are a few great options at varying price points. My new favorite jean brand does a denim jacket ($75 for Kut from Kloth), there’s a classic denim jacket from Talbot’s on sale for half price ($42), or for a little interest try this black wash denim at Old Navy for only $24:
This question came as a total shock to me. I have gone barefoot in pumps and flats so long I didn’t realize anyone was not. In my mind, the only alternative to bare feet in pumps and flats are stockings but you gotta go all in. (Of course, boots solve the problem in winter, nice trouser socks keep your toes warm!)
5. Boots with skirts at the office: tights or no tights?
I think the question should start with boots paired with skirts at the office at all? Again, this is very dependent on your workplace. Some more conservative places are still strictly no knee high (or definitely over knee) boots with skirts at the office. As I mentioned last week, I think you can pull off a bootie with a skirt if the outfit is pulled together appropriately. My girlfriend did it the other day PERFECTLY – black booties with a fur cuff, black tights, black skirt, and colored blazer. It was actually a pretty fashion forward outfit, but by pairing the black on black on black on the bottom, it read conservative enough for an oil and gas company.
If your office is less conservative, then boots with a skirt are fun for winter but tights are a must. But I think that would likely be my position out of office too. I personally don’t care for bare legs showing with knee high boots.
Here’s my work “no” followed by a work “yes”:
So what say you? Sound off. Or send in your own question.
Shoulder Pads photo courtesy of 80s Fashion Fancy Dress
Boots photo courtesy of BeDazeLive and Hello Gorgeous
Thank you!!!! Love the new site!
Thanks for all the great Qs!
So I did NOT realize the controversy around boots and skirts and TODAY am wearing just that!! IN the office. It’s a black dress that’s just above the knee and suede black boots that are about 2 inches below the knee. Let me just say, though, that we are an extremely small office (there are only 4 of us here today), neither of my bosses are in and I will not see ANY clients today. Geez, I hope that gets me off your fashion-faux-pas list, Gindi! But anyway, potential blunder aside, as you know, I have “issues” with my legs (particularly my KNEES) so I AM wearing skin-colored pantyhose. Is the tights rule an absolute? When I pair my black boots with skirts/dresses (ok, OUTSIDE the office from now on), should I always wear black tights, not pantyhose?
P.S. Thank you SO much for answering my denim jacket question! With this colder weather I have been anxiously awaiting that answer. Without your guidance, I’m sure I would have ended up buying one of the “terrible ones”. And then pairing it with boots and skirt, in the office!
So you could wear dark tights or stockings, either way. And in some environments, it’s not remotely controversial. It’s just in some environments it’s considered a little to “hootchie” – is that the right word 🙂
Hootchie is probably the perfect word & that’s ok by me! I definitely got more compliments from men that day. They seem to love Hootchie, I mean boots!