Blended Professional – Combining Work And Fun Into One Outift
October 11, 2013
By Brian Maynor
October 11, 2013
With the holiday season rolling in everyone’s calendar is set to explode with events, parties, drop-ins and receptions. The question that immediately jumps to my mind is what do you wear to a predominately social party that may have business associates in attendance?
Developing a blended professional outfit can be tricky. Since there are clear differences between party attire and business attire it can be a challenge finding the perfect compromise. Here are two inspiration looks and tips for pulling together outfits that are party worthy, but keep you comfortable and confident should you run into a colleague and end up talking business:
1. Leather jacket. Not something that is typically associated with the office, but a ‘must have’ for any holiday party. Leather is a huge trend for fall and winter, especially the leather jacket and by adding one to your outfit or replacing a blazer with one you can easily and simply make a standard work outfit party appropriate.
Many men struggle with pulling off a tie in a casual environment because it tends to come across as to ‘business’. The issue is not with the tie itself, but with the rest of the outfit. Here the chinos, oxford and tie work perfectly with a navy or charcoal blazer for the office while the exact same pieces would fit into any social event with a leather bomber jacket. Pulling off an outfit is more about the overall impression it makes than any one specific piece.
As a side note, any age group can wear a leather jacket.
2. Over-the-calf Boots. We all know the impact shoes have on an outfit. If you are looking to turn down the seriousness of an outfit trade out the pumps for a pair of boots.
This dress makes a very powerful visual impression and if it were paired with black or nude pumps would fit into any corporate office. By simply substituting over-the-calf boots you immediately transition the dress from a corporate setting to a social one. Part of the reason is because when you keep most of the leg visible you balance the V-neck and sleeveless aspects of the dress, but when you cover the legs you highlight those areas. Adding the bomber jacket provides a little edge to reinforce the party aspect and work in a trend.
3. Blended purpose. We all have true, party specific outfits that are worn only to social events and those outfits only worn to the boardroom, but most of your wardrobe should be flexible enough to crossover and meet these blended needs.
The next time you struggle with what to wear to an event try this easy exercise. Take a typical office outfit and swap out the shoes and accessories for ones you would typically wear to a party and see what you create. Often times by switching out just those details you can create a unique fun outfit that is perfect for the occasion.
As hard as it is to believe and as much as you may want to deny it, the holiday season is just around the corner. With whirlwind of social events taking place it is quite possible to attend multiple events in one day with no time for a wardrobe change. A blended outfit will keep you looking and feeling perfectly appropriate for each one.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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