posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:06PM

i work with software patents, so my choice to wear anything that isn't baggy jeans and a microsoft t-shirt sets me apart in and of itself. i tend to keep my style a mix of 70s prep/equestrian and something funkier (my fall uniform: skinny jeans, plaid shirts, blazers, boots and big jewelry), to let myself maintain a sense of style while not completely alienating my coworkers...since no one here is really preoccupied with fashion, carrying a betsey johnson bag to work is like my little secret.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:10PM

Lots and Lots of belted dresses in neutrals with colorful pumps; bright caridgans over absolutely everything; J.Crew blouses and high-waisted pencil skirts. I tend to push the envelope a bit - sometimes wearing strapless dresses with blazers or skirts that might be a bit too short (but always with a tight and nice flats. Always sophisticated with a bit of playfulness! You don't have to be stuffy to look smart ; )

posted by fashionursta

Aug 14, 2009 3:19PM

I am a fashion/style obsessed registered nurse who endured many years of wearing the proper nurse uniform and clunky white "serious nursing" Clinic shoes. (they were actually pretty cool- much like the Margiela oxfords that are sold out at Barneys for $675.00.) Anyway, I took time out to stay home with my child, and I am now working on a research study related to heart failure. The best part of this job is that I can wear anything I want!!! Today I am wearing my Ann Demeulemeester black open toe heeled booties with Margiela denim drop crotch cropped pants and an Alex Wang perfectly cut t shirt in the nude color. I wear anything from skinny jeans and slouchy sweaters with ankle boots, to Marni dresses,Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons, my favorite, as well as vintage. If I need to wear a jacket with a bottom, like a suit, I always make it edgier with my footwear. I have been wearing ankle boots with everything since forever, even evening wear, and glad to see there is so much variety out there. I never was a "polished" dresser, never went for the Manolos or Jimmy Choos. As far as the thigh high boots, I am not the least bit interested in them for myself, although they do look great on models. I could probably wear them to my office, but I think that they would be awfully hot to wear all day, not very practical. But the thing with them is that they look fresh for this season and so we gravitate to the "newness" of them. Me, I am saving my $ for a Comme des Garcons coat!

posted by fashionursta

Aug 14, 2009 3:20PM

Oh, and I want to add that I work in a hospital, on Madison Ave.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:23PM

I work in professional services in a software company, although working with clients I can't wear the geeky t shirts and jeans the developers wear even if my interaction at a clients site is with their IT people. So basically my uniform at work are straight legged pants in basic colors such as black, brown and beige and silk or cotton blouses from J Crew, Banana Republic or French Connection and a shirt dress in neutral colors and cardigans or a leather jacket to top. And always a cute pair of shoes in different colors either flats or some comfy heels to last the day on my feet. Also I am not afraid to play with my accessories and to top it big purses by gryson, gustto and botkier in bright colors. I would never be caught in a suit since i always feel stuffy in them.

posted by k1mb3rly

Aug 14, 2009 3:28PM

I work in the corporate sector of one of the few big banks that hasn't completely fallen flat on its face... (that should narrow it down a lot!)

The problem that I've encountered is that since I'm already 5'10" and it seems like the men I work with are all 5'5" and under, I don't get to wear heels and feel as dressed up as I would love to be- I don't really want to risk intimidating the guys here by towering over them. I can't help but wonder if that would be something that could hold me back career wise.

With that said, I wear flats... everyday. And I feel like that limits my options a lot... I'm not such a fan of pencil skirts and flats combo, seems kind of bland. So I stick to very tailored dress pants and trousers with a lot of dressy but work appropriate tops from H&M (I am on a budget after all.) I have acquired some pretty flashy pairs of flats to make up for not wearing heels though.

Has anyone else had the same issue of being too tall wearing heels at work? If I'm the only one then maybe I'm paranoid :)

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:33PM

I too am an attorney, who's just recently purchased a pair of Alex McQueen Thigh Highs boots (bought at the recent sample sale). I figured it would be for the weekends, or under a simple black sheath dress for work in the winter (no one would have to know they are OTK). Generally, I don't attend meetings or interface with colleagues so I wear dressy casual stuff - DVF dresses, theory type pants, and casual trendy but still conservative-ish separates and almost always black ponyskin flats with patent trim.

www.kayonyc.com

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:36PM

I'm with the above commenter, I work in tech PR and while the engineers can wear jeans, I can't. My attire is normally trousers with a silk shirt and cardigan or a sweater or a tasteful dress (shift or wrap) in a pattern if I'm feeling sassy. Fun fashiony shoes like the Ann D's mentioned above are out of the picture, so I just see how many different colors and textures of a pump or ballet flat one can own. And on the occasion I must wear a suit, I try to add a statement piece of jewelry. But yes, everyday attire in the corporate world is soo not as exciting as your world :).

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:38PM

I keep it pretty basic and wear my cool clothes on the weekend, even if I would be able to wear any type of clothes to work I find I then don't have anything to wear to go out with people who might actually appreciate my sartorial choices as opposed to my coworkers who can't tell apart mcqueen from steve madden.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:47PM

also chiming in from one of other investment banks still around - shoes are really cart blanche (although obviously thigh high boots and those new prada pumps with what look like lateral mayan headdresses around the ankle bone might be a bit much).

Jewelry also has a lot of leeway. Ditto scarves.

Whatever's under your suit jacket can also be more fashion forward since you can always just button up, or not.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 3:50PM

obvs theory is a standard in the office, though it can get soooo dull. you can't argue with the well-fitting trousers, perfect for fall and winter. usually pair them with a fitted cashmere turtleneck and heels... theory dresses are simple and sophisticated, the perfect palette for funky belts, scarves, and jewelry. both area frequently culled from the racks of loehmann's. DVF dresses are a big yes as long as you wear a cami. cardinal sin numero un: cleavage in the workplace. ick ick ick. please. of the moment blazers? for those trendy and cute little jackets i might only wear 2-3 times, ann taylor loft. the fabric is usually crap but some starch and iron and it passes for nanette lepore, at least. at 50 bucks a pop, i can afford that trendy piece of the season and no one knows the difference :) same goes for BR and zara. zara's longish blazers are cuter than elizabeth and james'. once in a while, a real gem can be picked from the racks -- a few of my most highly complimented work pieces are from those two shops. in fact, i have a BR, circa 1999 (!) slate blue, silk shirt dress with pearly buttons and belt. even the shop girls at bergdorf's have complimented it. i can't believe i actually held onto it long enough for it to become stylish. i'm creative in my shopping, mixing high and low, but generally keep my wardrobe tailored. besides, i'm married now so no longer have to worry that i may need to look good at the office for that i-banker or architect who stops me in the lobby to ask if i'd like to join him for dinner at the four seasons.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:04PM

I'm in a support position at a major (fairly conservative) law firm, most of my days are in the office, but on occasion I'm in court and/or dealing with clients, so it is definitely important to look my best while maintaining a professional look. I love wearing black, and the majority of my wardrobe is black slacks, skirts and sweaters in various cuts and textures, and a few splashes of color here and there. I keep it interesting with my shoes.
In response to k1mb3rly - I'm 5'8" so not as tall as you, but still one of the taller members of my team of co-workers (both male and female) and I am always in at least a 3" heel (and those are just the basic pumps I keep at my desk) and have been known to sport a 4-5" shoe more often than not. I don't agree that it will hold you back, but rather help. If you have the confidence to walk into the office in a high heel and get past the “everyone’s looking at the tall chick” fear, then you’ll have the confidence to take on the world. Just my opinion, but thought I’d share :-) and how can you resist all the beautiful heels out there???

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:13PM

also chiming in from an investment bank...

i'm relatively junior on my team. and honestly, these days, wearing louboutins/ferragamo/pradas are sure sign to the mgmt that you do not need the money from them-aka-first one to get layed off.

most of jr girls on the floor dress in basic colors-but no one wears anything flashy around here. no logos, no red soles, no LV signs.. i have to flip my prada bag to hide the logo when i walk in.

'tis the life of a finance gal...

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:15PM

on a related topic -- anyone have ideas for a chic briefcase bag??? something like the goyard or LV totes you see, but without the label imprint???

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:23PM

First of all, thank you Fashionista for acknowledging that not all of us are able to dress freely at the office!!!! Although the sales ppl in Hermes or stores of the like always respect my corporate get up, whenever I go to boutiques or sample sales/sales (especially Showroom 7 or iheart) I often get sneered at for being so J.Crewish. I just feel like screaming sorry I have to work for a living!
Anyway, myself and my coworkers do conquer the conservative atmosphere in our office by wearing tons and tons of black. I usually wear either all black with color ballet flats or a color top with black pumps. Always black pants or skirts. It's still conservative, but I think that black is so much more sophisticated than khaki and the pop of color prevents me from looking like an extra from a bad art film.
One other thing to throw in the mix, I have several tatoos that I need to keep hidden. I find it rather easy as it's always a meatlocker at the office, so jackets and sweaters are a must, but not being able to show your arms or legs (w/o tights) kinda sucks.
Also, pearl stud earrings are a must!

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:29PM

I am an attorney and work at a small, well-respected law firm. I am one of the only females, which affects my wardrobe choices. I take great care to dress well because I think affects the way people see you, especially if you are just starting out and looking to make a good impression. Brooks Brothers fitted non-iron dress shirts are a staple, as are pencil skirts. I usually get all my pants, skirts, and jacket sleeves tailored (shortened). I think it’s really important to invest in work clothes made of high quality fabric that fit you impeccably. Spend your ass off because they’ll last for years, and you’ll get a ton of use out of them. If you try to skimp and save, you’ll end up not liking what you bought and then replacing it. Same with shoes… go leather or go home. Even the soles. I am 5’4” so I almost always wear heels, usually between 3” and 4.5”. Leather soles are a godsend when it’s raining (no slippage!). Also, in the summer, any non-natural materials used on the inside of a shoe will make your feet sweat like crazy, which is yet another reason to invest in good (leather) shoes.

When it comes to suits I buy classic (but well fitted) suits, and avoid embellishments. A high quality tailored suit on a hot chick commands respect, looks striking, and can be downright intimidating. I avoid some of the trendy blouses because a lot of times they are not flattering. I go for flattering style and perfect fit above all else. That being said, I love color, so you’d probably see a hot pink silk top peeking out the top of a navy wool skirt suit. When I’m not in court, button down shirts (like the fitted brooks brothers, above) work well alone, under vests, or under sweaters in the winter. Recently I’ve been putting sleeveless tops under blazers, and pairing with a pencil skirt.

My skirts and dresses are never shorter than one inch above the knee, and I show very little chest (and certainly not any cleavage). In fact, if there’s a lot of chest real-estate on display, I incorporate a scarf. Call me old fashioned, but I avoid open toed heels and almost always wear hose. And if I wear anything sleeveless, like a shift dress, I bring a cardigan to work to cover up.

Technically I can wear jeans on Friday, but I never do. I opt for something like a solid colored wrap dress with bright heels instead.

I love beautiful work clothes. My wardrobe is actually a 70/30 mix of high end labels and vintage steals from second hand/consignment stores. I just make sure each piece is quality, fitted, and flattering.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:30PM

glad to see fashionista giving a shout-out to us corporate folks who love fashion! i agree with most of the above -- jewelery, shoes + nail polish are key. i'm huge into high waisted skirts and going a little crazy with my tops (but paired with basic, well-cut suits in neutral shades). dvf, theory jcrew & fantastic (esp. when paired with more out-there designers). but even with my attempts at somewhat fun conservative dress, i find that i still stick out! what's a girl to do?

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:34PM

to 7 -- stop being paranoid and wear heels! i am 6' tall and wear heels (well 3 1/2" at most) all the time. those short guys can deal with it.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:41PM

Speaking for lawyers only (though not exclusively, I'd imagine), looks like it's a good call to leave the body jewelry at home:

http://www.sweethotjustice.com/2009/07/27/nose-ring-at-interview/

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 4:41PM

I am one of the only female lawyers in my firm's business-casual office, so thankfully there isn't much for the partners to compare me to. My workwear is a big jumble of initials - BCBG, BR, DVF, A+O - on most days it's wide leg pants or a pencil skirt w/ a silk blouse and cardi or my new go-to outfit: faux 2-piece dresses. On "comfy" days, it's usually a jersey dress. For court days, it's Calvin Klein pencil skirt suits in various colors. Usually you can't see the clothes b/c my office is so frigid that I'm wrapped in a pashmina all day every day.
I mostly get creative with my shoes, most of which are probably "too sexy" for the office but whatever. I can't see how a knee-length skirt/dress becomes "sexy" just because I throw on a pair of 4" heels.
I make a serious effort to stay fashionable and put together even in a non-creative workplace. But an unnamed high-fashion magazine is in my elevator bank and I am usually left gawking at the shoes/bags/clothes on the 23-year-old, just-out-of-college, don't-know-how-they-afford-it girls.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 5:06PM

I'm a lawyer at a theoretically business-casual big firm where all of the partners still wear suits. I stick to pants-suits, esp. Hugo Boss, Tahari, Theory and Tevrow & Chase, always tailored to fit perfecly, usually with a custom-made monogrammed oxford shirt underneath. I wear conservative, no-logo Prada, Ferragamo, and Alejandro Insielmo shoes, a good swiss watch, and minimal, very conservative jewelry. Sometimes I'll break out a DVF wrap dress or other Hugo Boss, YSL, or Marc by Marc Jacobs pieces, esp. on casual Friday. I keep the interesting clothes for after hours, and keep the work clothes subtle/boring and not particularly feminine. The only thing even remotely edgy about my office style is that I'm 5'11, and if I can find trousers long enough, I'll wear them with a 4 or 4 1/2 inch heel - I like the power trip of being the tallest person in the room, especially with napoleon-complex men.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 5:14PM

Title should be "Corporate Fashion!!!" Im a BigLaw associate and getting dressed in the morning is sometimes the only thing that gets me out of bed.

Unfortunately, the concept is given such a horrible reputation by the masses in ill-fitting, poorly styled, cheaply made work-attire.

You can't really blame the women. First we are encouraged to embrace the impossible to navigate "business casual" standard. A big yuck which leads to "DVF dresses, theory type pants, and casual trendy but still conservative-ish separates" ehhhh! Also, we don't have much time to shop/sleep, and our choices are horrific - cheap and styled to blend in like uniforms (this is why i HATE HATE HATE Theory!! - so boring).

But - there are the style lovers among the ranks! And lucky we are to have a reason (and the cash -what a blessing) to dress up in designer suits every day!

They are hard to find and priced outrageously but a terrific suit is such fun to wear! They are so versatile and look great with whatever style under-shirt or shoes you're in the mood for. bad ass T-shirts, corset bodices, neck-tie blouses, lace camisoles, embellished shells - are all part of my usual rotation. The office just gets a hint of what's under the suit but after work jacket can come off for a totally different outfit!

Shoes kick it up too - unfortunately only closed toe but always high heel!(I'm 5/10 too #7 - no sympathy for the short men! heels transform your whole look away from the inevitable frumpy of flats!)

If the corporettes want to do one thing for their look it would be to invest in a nicely styled suit. Carolina Herrera and Armani are great for shorter girls (which makes me sad - very nice options!) D&G and Escada are perfect for tall.

Try it on!!! - does it make you look nice?! Look at the material (NO POLYESTER NO POLY BLEND!!!!! you can totally tell!!!) Ask yourself - are the DVF and conservative separates really showing any personal style or fashion forwardness?

As a final note. Many have been responding to Escada's bkr by calling it an irrelevant brand which nobody buys. That breaks my heart! My whole (weekday) closet is Escada. I dont know what I will do without them!

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 5:42PM

i'm an attorney at a law firm in midtown and find lots of ways to incorporate "fashion" into a business casual setting. fun blouses, interesting color combinations, not-too short dresses and cardigans are staples. as long as you limit the fashion forward pieces to 1/2 per outfit and go a little more conservative with the others, it's not that hard to be more unique than the standard theory, dvf, j crew standbys (though i do love my jcrew!). also, i found that as long as you're not showing too much skin and the clothes look of good quality (and aren't too ostentatious), there aren't many negative reactions. have had no problems throwing in balenciaga, mcqueen, dries van noten, prada, marc jacobs, chloe, proenza etc into regular rotation (thank god for sales!). even have gotten away wearing a wang blouse to the office. :)

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2009 8:00PM

i'm in school and i am hopeful that i won't be stuck to the drab clothes that i thought i would be in law school. loved the questions and especially the answers :)

posted by k1mb3rly

Aug 15, 2009 1:24AM

About the whole heel height issue- thanks for the input guys! I'll be busting out every 3 inch heel in my closet in the future!

posted by RashomonRebel

Aug 15, 2009 4:01AM

I want to see pictures of all these outfits, everyone sounds really hot.

posted by austinsamuel

Aug 15, 2009 4:30AM

Then rashy will take you on a ride of his sexy sexy motorbike, rawwrrrrrrrrr haha

posted by guest

Aug 15, 2009 4:57AM

I work at a law firm and until I had my baby, I have to admit that I used to throw on the staple dress / suit / trousers that would fit. Since returning to work from maternity leave, I find it's my opportunity to be myself again, rather than 'mum'. So, a huge amount of care is now taken to co-ordinate outfits, and wear the Louboutins I had bought, but previously thought were 'too good for the office'. Whilst I absolutely love being a mother, I do love the fact that I'm still me too.
http://martinimummy.blogspot.com

posted by guest

Aug 15, 2009 5:53AM

Trainee solicitor from Hong Kong/London here, I don't think it's about the label any more than the cut of the suit you're wearing. Gimme a Calvin Klein, D&G, YSL even, and I'd still look ridiculous in it coz I'm uber tiny (5"0) and there really just isn't any point in me investing in sth that doesn't fit me. at. all. What I spend money on is finding a good tailor who can (semi-) tailor my suit jackets and skirts to make them fit as well as possible. Once I found my saviour, I've been adding tons of kickass suit jackets/pants/skirts into my wardrobe, like tux lapel jackets, black-white double layer lapel blazers, satin pants etc etc current fave look: magenta ruffly chiffon shirt with black high-waisted tulip skirt (and of course those sky-high pumps) and throw on a basic black blazer for those client meetings and I'm good to go :) x

posted by guest

Aug 15, 2009 10:07AM

This is a great topic, but I'm coming from a completely opposite angle... Not corporate employee, but stay-at-home mom from suburban Los Angeles. My biggest challenge is being able to be fashion forward and dress the way I like when the norm here is Mom jeans and and flip-flops! Ugh! I wore skinny jeans, great heels, and a Balenciaga top to a PTA meeting once and the looks I got! Seriously, It was if I had shown up looking like Anna Piaggi. Even though I am only 25 miles outside L.A. and my clothes wouldn't turn heads in Silver Lake, I might as well be a million miles away here. Would love to know how other Moms cope....

posted by guest

Aug 15, 2009 12:11PM

I have so much trouble dressing for work. I am in Real Estate sales and most of the brokers dress horrible. I live in Santa Barbara so basically there is not call for Fashion.

I change it up a lot and have really no set dress code. I do have a lot of flexibility...sometimes I wear Jeans and a nice white blouse, sometimes suits, sometimes a skirt with blouse...I am worried that my inconsistant style will give the appearance of inconsistancy with my work but I just can't keep confined to wearing the boring basics that most of the brokers wear and look like them.

posted by guest

Aug 15, 2009 12:29PM

Lawyer in Chicago - I am lucky enough to have a couple of female partners in the office who are as interested in fashion as I am, which lets me be a little freer. I take more risks that might be "right" for the job (frankly, even wearing a perfectly cut suit - stella, dolce - puts you a few steps out in front of most lawyers). I play with shoes and jewelry to keep it edgy (alaia studded gladiators under slacks), and stay in conservative colors with trends, lately it's been easier with the pleated pants and boyfriend blazers. I feel like I have to be more careful dressing conservatively with clients than around other lawyers.

posted by sakuraSF

Aug 15, 2009 4:39PM

I work for a Bank on the West Coast and despite the obvious 'dress code' there are times when I look in my closet and just sigh because I really have hit the rut of fitting into the mold of what they want us to wear. To try and break myself out of it I have started doing more vintage pieces and trying to balance the bland and 'safe' with color or even trying to have fun on Fridays when it seems like casual is a bit easier to pull off.

To #7 - I completely understand your pain re: heels. My boss is shorter than me (and I'm 5'3!!). I tend to wear heels when he's traveling or when I'm meeting with other SR Managers (who are taller than me). It's a balancing act, that's for sure. Good Luck!!

Also, I have to agree with everyone who has commented that this article was really great to see. I would love to see more of these, even for ideas or inspiration.

posted by guest

Aug 16, 2009 4:08AM

Flesh tone fishnets are the only way to make a hose required office doable.

posted by guest

Aug 16, 2009 8:22PM

I work in advertising as an account director so my office is more forgiving than most. I can get away with anything from a black jumpsuit paired with Camilla Skovgaard chalk lace-up booties to Phillip Lim harem pants(although those did result in a lot of MC Hammer references).Goes without saying though that I do tone it down a bit when in meetings with my blue chip tech client.

posted by guest

Aug 17, 2009 12:25AM

nyc teacher, love what we can get away with, as long as shirts are not too low cut and skirts/dresses are not too short we can wear pretty much anything fashion wise. i wore purple tights with a black dress that had some purple details in it for parent teacher conferences and got complimented on the outfit by my principal.

posted by ETET

Aug 17, 2009 3:21AM

I worked for a fashion magzine,so I can wear whatever I want.:)

posted by guest

Aug 17, 2009 4:19AM

I work in PR, I love fashion but honestly I cannot afford the expensive items you post.
So I stick to Zara, H&M and small shops where I can find interesting cheap cloths.
I have a great figure and I think I can get away with cheap cloths because they dont look cheap on me ;)
I cannot wear denim at work, but other than that I can wear anything I want.

posted by guest

Aug 17, 2009 8:22AM

I work in Fund Management. When I see clients its mostly Armani. When I am just in the office it is Dries, Marni, or YSL, Chloe. Shoes are usually Rupert Sanderson, Vivier or classic Pumps.

posted by mrsPILATI

Aug 17, 2009 9:26AM

I work in a boring office so I make sure to mix it up with skirts & cute tops (silk, ruffles, neck tie, etc.) or dresses and blazers. I try to get away with as casual as possible, and I normally can as long as I can balance it out. There are days where we have to wear suits, skirt/ blazer combo with a cute top always works. JCrew/Barneys/Club Monaco/random boutiques helps me always look fresh and different from the gross Express replicas that are everywhere... yuck

posted by guest

Aug 17, 2009 11:33AM

Great to see all the fashionista lawyers that are out there.
I have my own law firm so feel a little less restricted than some. Have fallen back on black opaques, red and purple DVF dress and the trusty loubs today (although the fall back repettos are under the desk for actual walking around!). Suits look so wrong on someone who is as small as I am (5.1") It is hard to be taken seriously when you look like you have raided mum's wardrobe. Think a great look is a tailored or structured dress with relaxed jacket or cardi or vice versa. I know what people mean when they say DVF is a bit of a cliche but at least they add a shot of colour! Am a bit anti the wrap dress, this is probably due to being pregnant - the wrap being the main type of dress available for the pregnant working woman - someone come up with an alternative - PLEASE!

posted by guest

Aug 17, 2009 11:42AM

hi, i used to own and buy for my own boutique (alexander wang, jenni kayne, see by chloe, ACNE, Lover, etc)..in SF. i left fashion for finance and it's been a hard transition as far as fashion goes. since i feel like other people feel the same way and know that finance doesn't have to mean totally boring, i started a blog to discuss my feelings about what works/what doesn't and how office fashion can actually be fun. check it out: http://ihavebusinessfeet.blogspot.com/

It's still a work in progress, but you get the idea. LOVE fashionista.com. helps me get through the day!!

posted by guest

Aug 17, 2009 1:44PM

I'm working in my aunt's law office for the summer and I wear skirts, dresses, cardigans, blazers, etc. I dress conservatively, but for the most part I still wear what I like. Her firm may be more lax than others, but working here hasn't held me back from dressing fashionably.

posted by guest

Aug 27, 2009 1:30PM

Law student/intern here, it's true that at corporate firms we really do end up being stared at like we're two-headed if we dare to be fashion-forward, but there are ways of negotiating around the stuffy, stupid dress code.

1) A well-cut jacket/suit. The 'boyfriend' trend makes it that much easier to put something cool under them, but a narrow-arm or a three-quarter sleeve makes all the difference and stops me looking like a box. I dream of Westwood/Owens/Demeulemeester, but till I can afford them I'll have to make do without.

2) hair accessories (not a huge Comme-style Minnie Mouse bow, no matter how much I love those), but something sparkly and cool, whether it's a Kirby grip, barrettes or an Alice Band, does help to break it up a bit.

3) Tailored skinny/straight-leg trousers, or slouchy pleated ones with a belt, if I'm, wearing trousers.

4) high-waisted skirts. The unwritten code of 'skirts must be pencil-shaped' can be bent if it's a tulip skirt or something soft that doesn't look sloppy. Also, skirts can't be too short (I'll try tights in the winter though)

5) belts, scarves, jewellery. No one will really blink an eye at a big cuff or a cocktail ring on you.

6) SHOES. We're a hot-weather country so formal-looking sandals are ok (cue, chunky strappy heels, even peeptoes), but I prefer jazz shoes/lace-ups and oxford heels. Also, round-toe pumps are love, as are ballet flats. Even thigh-high boots are possible, as long as the thigh-highness of them isn't obvious.
7)I know I mentioned hair accessories before, but hair itself can be played around with. I've got away with Heidi braids and I like to braid small sections of my hair before putting it in a bun, just because it looks cool.
8) I hate the fit of most corporate womenswear, so I wear men's shirts. Looks sexier somehow, and still work-appropriate as long as you mind the sizes.