Workwear 101: The Corporate Diva

Jill Marie Jones candid in Los Angeles, April, 2007.

Author/Lawyer/Producer Crystal McCrary Anthony hailing a cab in NYC and Tocarra Jones attending the 1st Annual Pre-BET Awards Party at Boulevard 3 on June 25, 2007 in LA.

The words “Corporate America” and “style” don’t often occupy the same sentence. Don’t let that deflate your spirits, there are plenty of ways to inject your personal style into your business wardrobe. Try not to limit yourself to stuffy, predictable suits and dresses. Pick suits with interesting cuts/shapes (see post below) and opt for block colored separates to pair with pencil skirts and trousers. Also use accessories to express your fashion-forward persona. A bold red bag or pair of shoes does wonders for an outfit and can brighten the most mundane day in the office ;)

Left to right: Cotton Stretch Broadcloth Shirt, $58 and Relaxed Button Front Skirt, $78 both www.anntaylor.com; Relaxed Button Front Skirt, $148 and Contour Jackson Tattersall Trouser, $128 both www.bananarepublic.com; Relaxed Stretch Pleated Bodice Dress, $138, www.anntaylor.com; Shirt Blouse, $79, Zara and Tweed Pencil Skirt, $29, www.newport-news.com

Left to right: Pelle Moda Bobbie Pump, $54.89, www.endless.com; Melchiora, $250, www.aldoshoes.com; Sarno, $89, www.ninewest.com; Joselyn, $24.99, www.bandolino.com

1. Bayong Wood Earrings, $20, www.oohboutique.com; 2. Red Birkin Bag by Hermes, approx. $1600, www.couturemode.com; 3. Pointy Pointelle Top, $29.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 4. Gold Double Heart Necklace, $22, www.guess.com; 5. Pellemelle Contour Belt, $95, www.shopintuition.com; 6. Southern Belle Pin, $16.20, www.alltherageonline.com; 7. Gigi Leather Tote, $658, www.coach.com; 8. Baxter, $49.95, www.bakersshoes.com