She had a knack for “clothing phases”—periods in which she would have a uniform of choice such as shift dresses with jeweled flats, Lilly Pulitzer Capris paired with a white linen “trubenized” (as my mom called it) shirt, tent dresses with kitten heels.
While she was managing a handbag export and manufacturing business, such fuss-free and casual staples came to define my mom’s work wear.
Fresh out of fashion school, I was eager to jump into the workforce and make practical use of my education. But I had to burst my power-dressing bubble. My fantasies of going to work
That was because part of my daily routine was rummaging through rolls of leather and fabric, crouching on the floor as I created beading patterns, going on sourcing trips to Divisoria and trying my hand (and foot) on the sewing machine. I took the cue from my mom and began relying on a range of tank tops, jeans, shorts and casual dresses for work.
Professional wardrobe
However, roles shifted when I found myself opening and running a school, the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA). With me transitioning from college student to fashion editorial assistant to factory girl, a wardrobe upgrade was now in order.
Slowly settling into my new role in design education, I have since tried and discovered various alternatives to the basic corporate staples. Whether one is working in a fashion-savvy environment or in a traditional business institution, I believe it is important always to look well put-together and professional to command authority and respect.
With the many choices these days, we have a multitude of options that should allow us to go beyond the black pants and black jacket mold.
Because I still shift roles from factory girl to school director from day to day, I find it useful to mix my casual with “corporate look” staples. This makes ample use of my entire wardrobe.
A tip for you: Get creative and allow your non-work pieces to cross over to your work wardrobe (and vice versa). The key is to play around to create office-worthy combinations.
Here are some of my favorites.
Maxi skirt + tailored blazer
This is a great alternative to trousers. A maxi skirt is relaxed, glamorous and respectable all in one. Paired with a blazer, it gives a dose of androgyny. For a quick after-work look, slip off the blazer to reveal a sexy lingerie-inspired top.
High-waist, wide-leg trousers + dressy tee
The 1970s is one of 2011’s fashion superstars. Modernize high-waist, wide-leg trouser pants with a dressy tee. Try T-shirts made of silk, satin, lace or with embellishments.
Long printed dress + edgy cropped jacket
Transform laid-back bohemian into office chic by topping it off with an edgy cropped jacket. Add a long necklace or a statement cuff for a strong finish.
Colored cigarette pants + textured nude blouse
Get energized with striking colored pants. Neutralize it with a slim cut and paired with a textured nude blouse. Works well with pointed heels or flats.
Pussy bow blouse + A-line skirt
Channel the secretary look in a conservative yet flirty bow blouse with a girly A-line skirt. These are true vintage staples.
Menswear-inspired jacket + skinny pants
Nothing spells corporate more than a boxy men’s jacket. Balance and contrast this with slim sexy skinny pants. Pair with a tank or button-up blouse.
Tuxedo vest + cocktail dress
A cocktail dress can mean business when paired with a tuxedo vest. Paired with shorts, a tuxedo vest can cross over to casual days.