The New Dress Code for Women at Work Beauty & Style

The New Dress Code for Women at Work

9 wardrobe tips that get the job done

No more dress codes? Take a look around any workplace. Sneakers are the new pumps, midi dresses are the new suits, and jeans are kicking pants to the curb. Boundaries between work and weekend are blurrier than ever. Whether you never stopped working, are jumping back in the game or seek a new opportunity, it's time to rethink your look. Here are nine ways to fit in and stand out, starting now. of Viola Davis, Sharon Stone, Sherri Shepherd 1. When in doubt, throw on a boyfriend blazer. It's still the pivotal piece that pulls together basics. But don't grab been-there-done-that oldies from your closet. You need a notch-collar boyfriend style now that doesn't look vintage to dial up all your T-shirts, jeans and pants. The best blazer is slouchier and relaxed in a soft all-seasons stretch fabric — like the Old Navy Jacquard Boyfriend Blazer for Women ($50, oldnavy.gap.com), or a knit like the Ava & Viv Plus-Size Knit Blazer ($35, target.com) — that won't pull across the bust or belly when buttoned, or look stuffy. Cross your arms in front in a body hug to test for a comfy fit at the back. Then scrunch up the sleeves for attitude, and you're in business. of Bo Derek, Ines de la Fressange, Annette Weber, French Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt 2. Pick jeans that do the job. Want a raise or promotion? Don't wear your comfy “boyfriends” or distressed denim (even if everyone else at work does). Jeans have become an everyday pant in many workplaces, but unless you're a tech CEO or work in entertainment, skip rips and even frayed hems. To look professional 9 to 5, choose a black jean — which always looks dressier — or a dark wash blue denim. The real secret at 50 is to always elevate jeans with a blouse, blazer or glam shoes for work instead of keeping the look casual. of Marcia Gay Harden in teal blue pantsuit, print blouse; Julianne Moore in pink pantsuit; Norah O'Donnell in yellow pantsuit 3. Power through in a pantsuit. So, you vowed never to wear a suit again? If you're in a conservative field like law or finance, starting your own business or calling on clients, a pantsuit looks authoritative and trustworthy. But not any old pantsuit. Have you checked Instagram lately? Pantsuits — in jelly bean hues, plaid and Rolls Royce gray — have returned as the new-again uniform for women who wish to look snappy and don't want to think about how they sit, stand or move. Wear one with the same savoir faire you do jeans and a biker jacket. Your boss will think you are job hunting, and your coworkers will think you're marked for promotion or just got one. of Susan Sarandon in pantsuit and sneaker/laceups; Rosanna Arquette in leather pants, sweater and slip on sneakers; Renee Zellweger in plaid pantsuit with Converse kicks 4. Trend up with sneakers, not pumps. Basketball sneakers with a pantsuit? Metallic kicks with a dress? Sure! What used to be a solution for commuters and those with a broken toe is now the bottom line for fashion and work. (Even Gucci and Prada do sneakers!) of (L to r) Vans Old Skool in Primary Check Black/ White checks; Vans Authentic in Checkerboard Black/True White; Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Ox in Varsity Red red laceups; Dr. Scholl's Madison leopard slip-ons; Keds x Kate Spade New York Acein Ros The bolder the better is the way to go — like Dr. Scholl's Madison leopard slip-ons ($50, zappos.com); Keds x Kate Spade New York Ace in Rose Gold Specchio ($43, zappos.com); Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Ox in Varsity Red ($43, zappos.com); or Vans Old Skool in Primary Check ($60, zappos.com). There's one caveat: At 50 sneakers can look too informal or medicinal at work unless you pair them with something tailored like trousers, a pantsuit or a midi skirt. of ADVERTISEMENT of Gayle King in orange dress and leopard shoes; Brooke Shields in green high neck sleeveless dress; Christine Baranski in tailored orange sheath dress, gold chain link statement necklace; Robin Roberts in yellow dress 5. Buy fruit- or candy-color dresses to network. That's what talk show hosts and TV anchors do, and for good reason. Cheery lemon yellow, orange, bright green, raspberry or coral project a warm, up, friendly vibe and make you memorable at meetings, job fairs and conferences. Colors like these can sweeten the crisp lines of businesslike sheaths and shirtdresses, or even (yup, again!) pantsuits. Anchor them with a neutral bag and shoes for a classic look, or pair them with any animal print to keep the spirited style. of Mariska Hargitay in midi dress, leather biker jacket and booties; Octavia Spencer pairs a gray leather blazer, knit dress and sandals; Lulu in pink dress and biker jacket with pumps; Ireen Sheer in orange biker over print dress 6. Wear a leather jacket to look cool. Leather sends an instant message that it's not about age, it's about attitude, ability and having an edge. Wear your leather biker or blazer to suggest creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to peers and management. Toss it over a dress or skirt and blouse or striped top and pants like an irreverent cardigan. One cautionary note: Skip the extra-glitzy hardware, epaulets and tough-girl studs for work. Fashion bloggers and celebs may pull it off, but you're better off with soft buttery texture (real or faux) and a sleek minimalist style that looks seasoned, experienced and more sophisticated — like you. of Patricia Arquette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gayle King 7. Emphasize accessories to own your space. You won't find this in any HR handbook, but there is a guaranteed trick to fitting in at a mostly younger workplace or relating to a younger boss. People do focus 90 percent of their attention on your glasses, shoes and jewelry, so don't overthink the clothes too much. Bold statement add-ons personalize your look and provide an opportunity to show your individuality. Whether you work at a desk in an open-plan office, over a counter, or face-to-face with customers and staff, you won't get lost in the crowd. of Ann Curry in blue print tunic blouse over white pants; Carmen Lomana in black tailored blazer, black leather pants and ruffled pink blouse; Kiki Shepard in animal print blouse, slim pants and sneakers; Cate Blanchett 8. Collect trendy blouses to get serious. Blouses look chic, elegant and more serious than T-shirts (even paired with jeans), and unstuffy in V-neck styles. Even if you never wear a blazer, leather jacket or pantsuit, a blouse provides enough structure and polish to give pants or jeans a stylish spin. of Ava & Viv Plus-Size Animal Print Long Sleeve V-Neck Popover Top; Old Navy Ruffled Tie-Neck Shadow Stripe Blouse; A New Day Animal Print Regular Fit Long Sleeve V-Neck Blouse There are plenty of romantic or bohemian-inspired blouses — like A New Day Animal Print Regular Fit Long Sleeve V-Neck Blouse ($23, sizes XS to XXL, target.com); the Ava & Viv Plus-Size Animal Print Long Sleeve V-Neck Popover Top ($25, target.com); or the Old Navy Ruffled Tie-Neck Shadow-Stripe Blouse ($35, sizes XS to XXL, $35, oldnavy.gap.com). Do your body and work ethic a favor, though, and wear a seamless contour bra (ironically called a T-shirt bra) or camisole/tank beneath for shape and modesty. Don't let the silky thin fabrics of blouses steal your power. of Christine Baranski, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey 9. Update your hair and makeup to make an impression. In this world of beauty routine extremes, take a middle road for work. Enough effort to look like you made one is the idea. Hair that's shiny and well cut, free of roots, and moves — thanks to layers, bangs, some texture, waves or a head-tossing shake — keeps you from looking uptight. Makeup is essential, but don't overdo it. It only takes a small shot of color to bring your skin and features to life. Fresh glowing skin (thanks to a tinted moisturizer or BB, CC cream), a healthy bright smile framed by your favorite lipstick, and groomed polished nails — especially in a newish color — go a long way toward the look of a team player. For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your look at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson and Sandy Linter

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