Always looking for a chance to learn and improve, the ladies at DIY NYC attended the extremely informative NEW YORK WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS 2012 Student Communications Career Conference this weekend. This all day conference gathered hundreds of student and young professional women where several panels and keynote speeches were given to enlighten all on how to best navigate careers in communications.

Although the panels were delightful and informative, something slightly disturbing struck us at DIY NYC… most of these young women had absolutely no clue on how to dress for a professional environment in 2012. There was an abundance of cheaply made discount ‘power suits’ (circa 1989) I assume were left over in the basement sales rack at Ross, pilled Express sweaters left over from these girls high school wardrobes, cheap polyester dress pants cut entirely too high that revealed panty lines, muffin tops, and even a camel toe or two. Truly too many atrocities to mention. This was especially disappointing to me as I assume most of these young ladies were meeting potential employers and colleagues, where a good first impression is imperatively tantamount.

But it got me thinking … the workplace dress code in the U.S. is much harder to navigate now than it ever has been due to relaxing restrictions. The strict ‘power suit’ code for women that was par for the mothers of this new generation of Millenials has gone out the window except for the most conservative of careers … and even then code has relaxed a bit to keep up with the times. BUT with that being said, some are taking the ‘business casual’ term a little too far to the casual side. So we at DIY NYC have decided to impart a little fashion advice to help guide you when picking out your outfits for the office this week.

Gérard Darel retro shirt / AllSaints pencil skirt / Leather pumps / White House Black Market tear drop earrings / Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry

Although the dress code is getting more lax at many offices around the country, there are still some environments that err to the more traditional. Skirt suits are fine if they are well tailored and made of high-quality fabric, but most young professionals don’t have the bank account to fund a entire wardrobe full of $500 suits. There are plenty of other options these days, just keep it within the professional realm. Skirt and dress hemlines at least to the knee, pants never too tight, blouses pressed, blazers tailored, and a reasonable heel height.

TIBI slit dress / ZOHARA black stocking, $22 / Cole Haan slouch boots / Kate Spade south sea pearl necklace / Kendra Scott Danielle earrings

Most workplaces these days have seemed to adopt a more “business casual” attire, especially in creative and tech environments. But don’t get too carried away with the casual aspect. If you wear denim best to keep it dressy and dark and pair with a more structured top or blazer and nice accessories. And hem and necklines should always be kept to a more ladylike length.

And finally some hard and fast rules to abide by in all work environments..

THE WORKPLACE WARDROBE COMMANDMENTS

Thou shalt wear correct fitting undergarments. Many woman wear the wrong sized bra. If the band digs into you and creates back-fat bulges or red marks, it’s too tight and you need to move up a band size. If part of your bust appears to be jumping from the top of the cups or spilling out fro the sides, the cups are too small and you need to move up a cup size. Cleavage is for the bar , not your boss. Buy a better bra
Thou shalt never have VPL (the infamous visible panty line) … switch to a thong. It doesn’t have to be the racy one you bought for that trip to Aruba last year. There are plenty of comfortable options. HANKY PANKY makes some wonderful ones that don’t cut into the skin and come in every color imaginable.
Thou shalt not let your outfit outshine your work (this includes ladies in creative and fashion fields!) Your looks should always err to the classic side versus extreme trends. Neon Orange Tribal Prints should be left for the weekend.
Thou shalt not wear ripped, torn, or plain sloppy clothing. If you would wear it at the beach or the gym … probably shouldn’t be wearing it at the office … even on the most casual of Casual Fridays.
Thou shalt not adorn thyself with branded clothing. First off I hope you don’t have anything in your closet with “Bebe, Juicy, Pink, or Abercrombie” on it already, but if you do never wear it to work. You are a profesional, not a tween.

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