We’ve all seen movies and TV shows like The Devil Wears Prada, Girlfriends, and Sex and the City, right? Who hasn’t drooled over some of the wardrobes that characters like Miranda Preistly, Joan Clayton, Carrie Bradshaw, and Andy Sachs (post-makeover) wore?

Now who here dresses like that at least part of the time at your own job?

If you’re like me and work in a conservative industry (I’m in finance and it’s no wonder that a few years ago I veered to the left to become a stylist and makeup artist, albeit part-time) you likely have somewhat of a strict dress code. My dress code includes suits, nothing above the knee, pantyhose with skirts (although I’ve gotten away without wearing any in certain offices), closed-toe shoes (although I’ve gotten away with open-toes at certain offices), no cleavage, and hair must be dyed natural colors–you know BOR-ING stuff. I also see clients all day so I can’t walk into work looking like I’d actually want to (with facial piercings and bright pink hair….just kidding…lol), so I have to be conscious about what I put on yet since I’m a creative spirit I have to let my personality shine through my wardrobe.

So if you work in a similarly conservative environment, here’s what you do:

1. Think basics with a twist. Who says you must don the basic white button down blouse all the time? And who says it has to be white? Try pretty options like these under your suit jackets instead:

First row (from left to right):Miu Miu Pussy bow shirt at net-a-porter.com; Vivienne Westwood Red Label Popeline collar cotton shirt at net-a-porter.com; Vince Cascading ruffle blouse at net-a-porter.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Smocked-bib tuxedo shirt at net-a-porter.com

Second row (from left to right):Silk Pleated Top at Banana Republic; BR Monogram Tuxedo Blouse at Banana Republic; Short-Sleeve Pleated Blouse at Banana Republic; Silk Pin Tucked Blouse at Banana Republic.

Third row (from left to right):Women’s Plus Lightweight Ruffle Tops at Old Navy; Women’s Tie-Waist Linen-Blend Tops at Old Navy; Women’s Cowl-Neck Tops at Old Navy; Women’s Sleeveless V-Neck Tops at Old Navy.

2. Don’t think a suit must consist of a jacket and matching pants or skirt. Think outside the box and go with different shapes and prints. Don’t be afraid to mix and match–force yourself to never wear a matching suit together again!

First row (from left to right):Marc by Marc Jacobs Tweed cropped blazer at net-a-porter.com; Vera Wang Tartan print jacket at net-a-porter.com; Oscar de la Renta Silk pleated sleeve jacket at net-a-porter.com; Matthew Williamson Cotton cropped jacket at net-a-porter.com.

Second row (from left to right):Marc Jacobs Chain detail bouclé jacket at net-a-porter.com; Vivienne Westwood Red Label Stretch wool blazer at net-a-porter.com; Textured funnel jacket at Banana Republic; Peplum jacket at Banana Republic.

Third row (from left to right):Cotton mandarin-collar jacket at Banana Republic; Crocodile cocktail jacket at J. Crew; Casette-tweed Marcel jacket at J. Crew; Crocodile cocktail cardigan at J. Crew.

3. Don’t forget to accessorize! Choose a big, bright bag over a brieface—it can hold all your belongings and it adds punch to your outfit.

First row (from left to right):Miu Miu Bow detail tote at net-a-porter.com; Miu Miu Matellasse tote at net-a-porter.com; Chloe Shelby shoulder bag at net-a-porter.com.

Second row (from left to right):Marc by Marc Jacobs City Bag tote at net-a-porter.com; Marc Jacobs Robert canvas tote at net-a-porter.com; BSweet at Steve Madden.

Third row (from left to right):BTina at Steve Madden; BSelma at Steve Madden; BHOTSTUDHB at Steve Madden.

First row (from left to right):Tayla at Steve Madden; Tantlize at Steve Madden; Fortay at Steve Madden.

Second row (from left to right):Bijoux Heart Stone embellished necklace at net-a-porter.com; Square Stackable Rings at Banana Republic; YSL Arty Dots ring at net-a-porter.com.

Third row (from left to right):Barrel Cuff at Banana Republic; Hammered disc snake necklace at Banana Republic; Coin Bib Necklace at Banana Republic.

More about color seasons after the jump:

Just like nature, color seasons are classified by four categories:

Winter: Your season is Winter if you have olive-or cool-toned skin and your eyes are a deep shade (like dark brown). Look for vivid or icy tones like pure white, navy, emerald green, deep hot pink, true red, bright burgundy, royal blue, charcoal gray, black. Accessorize with silver or platinum.

Summer: Your season is Summer if you are an ash blonde or have light ash-brown hair (often characterized as “mousy”); your hair bleaches quickly in the sun; you have pink, even translucent, skin; your eyes are blue or green. Look for cool, soft colors, like most blues (including periwinkle, blue-gray and navy), off-white, rosy beige, brown, lavender or pastel pink (with blue undertones). Accessorize with silver, very pale gold or pearls.

Spring: Your season is Spring if you are golden blonde or were blonde as a child and your hair retains a golden cast; your skin has a warm undertone and is creamy ivory, peachy-pink or beige; you have rosy cheeks and flush easily; your eyes have gold flecks. Look for clear, delicate and bright hues, like creamy beiges, light royal blue, peachy or bright warm pinks, turquoise or aqua, pastel green, golden brown or medium purple. Accessorize with gold or pearls.

Autumn: Your season is Autumn if if your hair is brown or red with gold or red highlights; your skin has a peachy or coppery cast (and maybe freckles); your eyes are golden brown, hazel, green or teal blue. Look for strong shades with warm undertones, like camel, dark tomato red, forest or olive green, all oranges, coffee or chocolate brown, teal blue.

Source

You want to focus more on your skin’s undertone and your eye color when it comes to figuring out your season. Hair color is not a major factor since many women have colored their hair in a shade that does not agree in harmony with their season. Use the hair color descriptions above to help you decide on a new hair color.

Check out some color swatches for the seasons:

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Urban Glamour offers many personal style and beauty services, including color anaylsis! If you live in the NYC area, contact us to schedule a consultation

Recently I had the pleasure of taking on Amy, a poet who also works in IT for a major bank (you can view her work, Curiosity of Life: Poetry to Wander About here), as a client. Amy had an issue that many women wish they had–she’s naturally sometimes too small for a size 0, leaving her wardrobe options somewhat slim. She emailed me and booked the Personal Style and Beauty Revamp. Amy was looking for work clothes that fit her petite frame and gave her more of a sophisticated and stylish look. I went shopping taking her size, lifestyle, and personality into consideration and sought out suits, blouses, and fashionable pieces that would add curve to her body without being too sexy for work. I was actually able to find her multiple options that came in her size that didn’t even need tailoring! She gave me the okay to post her pics (she reads this blog, too!) Here’s what she had to say about the experience:

“Before I lacked self-confidence because I felt so small compared to others at my work. I tried gaining weight but I guess my body was not ready for that change. I couldn’t find clothes in my size, sometimes size 0 was too big, other times too small. I couldn’t find any suits in my size either and didn’t know what to wear for work. Then, one day I was doing a google search on makeovers and landed on Danielle’s web blog where I saw that she was giving personal makeovers. So I decided to give it a shot, as this was going to be the first time I would try this kind of service. After all, what did I have to lose?

Danielle is such a nice, friendly and beautiful person both inside and out who made me feel so comfortable around her. Usually, I am shy if I don’t know someone but when I met her, I was able to talk to her about changing my look and the way I felt about myself. She looked at my closet and observed me and went shopping for me. She came back two weeks later with such gorgeous clothes. These clothes made me look curvier(which is the look I wanted!!!). When I went to work, I received so many compliments even from people that never spoke to me before! I felt great.

In fact, I went for a job interview and was able to speak to the hiring managers with confidence. I never knew that clothes can change a way a person thinks about herself/himself. At least, that is what happened to me. I just felt great!!! Danielle did my makeup as well. I never wore makeup and now I do because she made it look natural and showed me how to do so. I came to see my parents and told my mom I had makeup on and she said it looked so natural. She was telling me before not to wear makeup as it would look cakey on me but she was surprised to see my new suits and makeup.

I highly recommend Danielle because she is good at what she does and now I know where I need to shop and what kind of clothes I should get for myself. I still keep contact with her because she is very quick at responding to my emails with any questions that I have. I will definately get her to go shopping for me when fall arrives and then winter and every other season!

Thanks Danielle for everything. You have changed the way I feel about myself!“

For more information on booking your Personal Style and Beauty Revamp, email info@myurbanglamour.com!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter in this week’s Urban Glamour Summer Beauty SUPER Giveaway! One lucky reader will win Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream! Entries must be in by Friday, August 15th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The winner will be announced on Saturday right here on myurbanglamour.blogspot.com! Stay tuned!

Remember, even though you’re on a budget, be careful not to go too cheap with your work wardrobe because cheap work clothes can be spotted from a mile away. The choices below are affordable and of long-lasting quality.

All work outfits must start out with a suit. I strongly recommend buying suits that are interchangeable with each other. Seldom do you need to wear a suit the way it was bought—mix it up. Plus, interchanging those pieces will make it look like you have a very extensive wardrobe.

1. 1-Button Jacket $138 at Express 2. 3-Button High Waist Pant $88 at Express 3. High Waist Knit Skirt $29.50 at Express 4. High Waist Corset Skirt $69.50 at Express

A dress is always a good work wardrobe investment. Wear it alone or with a suit jacket.

Cap Sleeve Wrap Shirt Dress $69.50 at Express

The blouse is essential for this look because not only does it look fab and feminine under your suit, but it easily helps you go from 9-5 to after 5.

1. Women’s Halter Tops $24.50 at Oldnavy 2. Short Sleeve Pleated Ruffle Shirt $59.50 at Express 3. Silk Chiffon Dolman Sleeve Shirt $59.50 at Express 4. Ruffle One-Shoulder $29.50 at Express 5. Ribbed One-Shoulder Tank $29.50 at Express

Accessories are where you’ll have the most fun with getting dressed for work. For the most part, accessories are totally affordable and can update even the simplest outfit. Plus, you can experiment with trends by using accessories—and you won’t break the bank!

1. Assorted Jewelry $14.50-$34.50 at Express 2. Filigree Crescent Earrings $3.80 at Forever 21 3. Flat Chain Chandelier Earrings $3.80 at Forever 21 4. Hinged Enamel Bangle $7.80 at Forever 21 5. Faceted Pendant Necklace $7.80 at Forever 21 6. Triangle Mod Earring $4.80 at Forever 21 7. Harmony Mod Necklace $6.80 at Forever 21 8. Oval Stone Ring $4.80 at Forever 21

It’s gotta be the shoes—No Sex and the City inspired outfit is complete without amazing shoes:

1. Matildaa Black Paris Pumps $79.95 at Steve Madden 2. Lockd Green Pump $99.95 at Steve Madden 3. Frenchyy Pump $109.95 at Steve Madden 4. Impereal Patent Pump $109.95 at Steve Madden

If you have a style or beauty question, email danielle@myurbanglamour.com and your question could be featured here on the blog!