Office Apparel Getting Back Into Today’s Work Life Fashion Grove
Have you lost your Business Office Fashion Groove?
When you work in business suites too long it’s easy to find yourself feeling like a fish out of water when you finally do wear something without sleeves or a collar.
The same holds true in reverse. I remember the freedom I felt not having to wear heels, or dresses after working in banking for many years and finding myself home with my four kids busy doing multiple loads of laundry every day. My “uniform” quickly moved from navy blue suits to daily yoga pants that took me way past my early morning yoga teaching class. Heels became a thing of the past and my sense of style became very “washed out”.
So today, as I transition back into the professional world, I quickly realized my wardrobe needed a major facelift.
Not only have the fashions changed in the past 7 years but I too, have changed in my own personal style of what I like and what I don’t like. My body has taken on some changes and what I thought was in style once upon a time can’t even be found hidden in sale racks these days. I have found myself frustrated, wandering the malls, walking into shops I have not even heard of feeling like I have been living under a rock.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. As I have started stepping out into the world again, I have found a few things to be helpful and thought I would share them with you. I am still a novice at this whole fashion groove thing, but I am well on my way to “getting my own groove back” and when I do, you will know it! It’s not easy and at the age of 52 to start over again, but I know I am well on my way! The key is to start somewhere and believe that you can do it, even on those days that you don’t feel it so much. Here goes.
Recruit a younger generation
My girls wearing my actual clothes they ruled “What not to wear”. My daughter in the middle wearing 3 sets of reading glasses as I often do, the “Hippie” dress on the right was banned from the house
The idea of asking for help at the age of 52 may be difficult for some, not for me. I knew I was challenged in my closet when I found myself not enjoying the process of dressing for an occasion as I once did. You see, I was once that young corporate banker who loved going to work on Monday just so she could wear her new shoes!
So I suggest you find someone who “wears it well” and recruit him or her. Even if they are not in the same business, don’t underestimate them because of age or profession. Elegance and style is something you are born with and either you have it or you don’t.
If they wear their make-up well and can put outfits together, you have a good one!
Reinvent yourself with a Vision Board
Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself! Starting with a vision board as an exercise is a great way to begin to see your self in a different way. Clip magazine pictures of what you like, shoes, bags, hair, you get the idea. Don’t be afraid to dream of what your workspace might look like, what about an office view?
Picture what you want in the future not what you have today. Remember, everything begins with a thought. If you are going to reinvent yourself do it in a BIG way! Don’t be shy and go all the way this time, after all, you’re on the home stretch!
Next- Involve Your Family
