Workwear 101: Business Casual

Zoe Saldana arriving at the premiere of 'El Cantante' at the Director's Guild of America Theatre on July 31, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Jada Pinkett Smith makes an appearance at the Preschool of America to read to children and unveil a new book with child safety tools for parents sponsored by Duracell on May 2, 2007 in NYC and Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at the JLO Sweetface Fashion Show in West Village, Manhattan, February 10, 2006 in NYC.

Please take note. Business casual does not have to mean preppy v-necks and crisp white shirts. It’s time to start thinking outside-the-box. Explore fluffy cardigans, bright colored shoes, charming jewelry and A-line, knee-length dresses. Below I picked four pant-shirt combos since we’re still in winter, kinda (global warming has me confused!) For the summer months invest in body skimming, as opposed to body hugging, dresses that linger around your knees.

Tops: Swiss Dot Blouse, $22.80, www.forever21.com; V Neck Ruffle Blouse, $29, www.hotkiss.com; Printed Top with Rickrack Detail by Andrew GN, $750, www.brownsfashion.com; Idaho Cardi, $99.99, www.fcusbuymail.com

Bottoms: Rise Metallic Tweed Trousers, $19.99, www.oldnavy.com; High Waist Trouser, $76, www.topshop.com; Penelope Trouser, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Matelot Trouser, $70, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Marthena, $70, www.aldoshoes.com; Diba Jypsi, $65, www.piperlime.com; Mae, Boutique 9, $130, www.ninewest.com; Lucioa, $80, www.aldoshoes.com

1. Boucle Cardigan with Velvet Belt by Was, $520, www.brownsfashion.com; 2. Hearts Charm Bracelet, $19.99, www.girlprops.com; 3. Equestrian, $229.99, www.shoplush.com; 4. Crazy Dress, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 5. Stone Necklace, $29.99, www.shoplush.com; 6. Bumpy Rider Jacket, $189.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 7. Bleeker Leather Large Duffle, $448, www.coach.com; 8. Oh Deer! Praline, $90, www.piperlime.com

Workwear 101: Casual Chic

Kidada Jones hosts the “Kidada for Disney” couture party on 31 May 2007.

Genevieve Jones in the front row at the Alexandre Herchcovitch Spring 2008 Show at The Tent at Bryant Park on September 5, 2007 in NYC and Heather Headley stars in “New March of Dimes Campaign, I Want My Nine Months Fights Growing Crisis of Premature Birth” at Harlem Hospital on November 2, 2006.

This edition of Workwear 101 is for those women who work in relaxed environments but still want to look stylish. You need to feel comfortable to carry out your day-to-day tasks but don’t want to dress like an old matron. School teachers, writers, etc. are the type of professions that fit this category. Knee-length dresses that allow you to move easily, knit seperates and long pendants should be staples in your closet. Also think about adding high-waisted pants (below) to next season’s wardrobe. They’re still big for Fall and very practical.

Left to right: Pintuck Detail Tunic Dress, $53.39, www.asos.com; Steve Madden Printed Charmeuse Dress, $188, www.shop.nordstrom.com; Knit Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Minnie Rose Hooded Cashmere Dusters, $182, www.shopintuition.com, Long Sleeve Ribbed Top, $15.50, www.wetseal.com, Dori Skirt, $128, www.frenchconnection.com

Left to right: Aventura, $99, www.ninewest.com; Vera Shoes by Pedro Garcia, $284, www.my-wardrobe.com; Feud Boot by Steve Madden, $139.95, www.endless.com; Sterling Ballt Flat by Volatile, $54.95, www.endless.com

1. Opaque tights, $15, www.victoriassecret.com; 2. Knit Sweater, $19.99, www.charlotterusse.com 3. Antoinette Lee Besa Stitch Hobo, $425, www.ravinstyle.com 4. Xhilaration Metallic Silvertone and Goldtone Hammered Discs Pendant Necklace, $9.99, www.target.com 5. Leather Twist Lock Holdal, $90, www.topshop.com 6. Tigereye Teardrop Ring, $40, www.guess.com 7. Infinity Print Tunic Dress by Catherine Malandrino, $425, www.net-a-porter.com 8. Glimmering ankle bootie, $129.95, www.ninashoes.com

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

Introducing AprilMarin…

Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex in the City” in a black Vivienne Westwood pinstripe suit – such a classic.

Left to right: Black Pinstripe Capri Suit, $180; Capri Pencil Dress, $130; Classically Tailored Capri Suit, $185 all available at www.aprilmarin.com

AprilMarin’s items can be worn as separates for less formal occasions.

Fed up of suits that fit in all the wrong places? Tired of pencil skirts that aren’t quite the right length? If so, listen up. AprilMarin is the working woman’s savior. This innovative new company custom makes clothes to YOUR specific measurements. The diverse range of measurement options allows you to really personalize each item, or if you are unsure, opt for standard measurements. The initial collection offers three items that serve as timeless staples in any women’s wardrobe. Items range from skirts to dresses to suits with prices between $80 and $200 dollars. Visit www.aprilmarin.com and get ready to bust out your measuring tape!

Note: Dress sizes 0 to 22 are accommodated.

Workwear 101: Ladies Who Lunch

Rachel Roy at David Yurman’s 25th Anniversary in a dress of her own design, and a Fendi bag.

Eve arriving at the CBS, Paramount, UPN, Showtime, King World TCA Party at The Wind Tunnel and Mya at the Life Ball 2007 Party at the Shambala.

I’ve been meaning to do this series for a while and I get quite a few emails from people asking me what they should wear to work. Well, it really all depends on where you work and what type of office environment is encouraged. As a general rule of thumb don’t let hemlines go any further than just above your knee; let dresses and suits fit well but not so tight that your uncomfortable and fidget all day; and finally heels are great but if you can’t walk in them give in to kitten heels or flats – they look just as good.

This installment is for those of you who work in more relaxed environments, but you’re still required to make an effort. You have numerous lunch meetings with clients and colleagues and for practical reasons you like to wear outfits that take you easily from the work day to evening. Dresses are perfect for you and though at first glance the above dresses may look too flashy, you can easily throw on a shawl and/or belt to bring the outfit down to earth. See the above ladies for inspiration then get the look below...

Left to right: Woven Floral Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Floral Trapeze Dress, $76, www.topshop.com; Rose Print Dress by Aquascutum, $560, www.brownsfashion.com; Border Print Halter Dress, $29.99, www.target.com

Left to right: MIA Venice Pump, $28.79, www.endless.com; Loren Wedge Slide, $19.99, www.payless.com; Cuamba, $250, www.aldoshoes.com; Stonze, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com

1. Casper Cardi, $59.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 2. Chain Bangle, $12.50, www.delias.com; 3. Charm Necklace, $12.50, www.delias.com; 4. Star Embroidered Purse, $16.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; 5. Charm Earrings, $12.50, www.delias.com; 6. Victoria's Fall Spy Brown Bag, $39, www.anyknockoff.com; 7. Prong Bracelet, $19.99, www.frenchconnection.com; 8. F9681 Sunglasses, $4.80, www.forever21.com