Women's Office Fashion for Fall 2008

The summer is coming to an end, I'm back to work at the college and I'm wondering what should I wear?

I am a fashion “dummy”. My recent weight loss made it necessary to shop for a whole new wardrobe. It has me thinking about what’s hot and what’s not. I’d like to look at least luke warm at the office, if you know what I mean. Not unlike many students and recent college graduates, I am on restricted budget right now. For that reason, I have been frequenting the local thrift shops for fashion bargains and hoping – praying – that what I choose does not make me look too dated, since most of what I find is second hand. That said, Lethbridge is not exactly a thriving fashion metropolis. In and of itself, that fact gives everyone who works in an office here some latitude. What is the fashion world suggesting for office looks this fall?

According to the Pantone web site, the “hot colours” will be:

- jewel tones, especially purple
- natural fall colours like chocolate, burnt orange, ochre and greens
- the surprise return of “dusty rose”, a staple from the 80s, but with a new name

In fact, as an 80s girl myself, I am surprised to recognize the return of some of these fashions (and I wish I hadn’t given some of these things away):

- polo shirts and dresses
- mid-thigh and tunic-length blazers, blouses and sweaters
- cowel-neck sweaters
- sweater dresses
- houndstooth, herringbone and plaid suits, blazers and skirts
- double-breasted coats and blazers
- high-waisted pants
- pumps and flats
- big, colourful beads, earrings and wrist bangles

The satin blouses that were in style last year seem to be here to stay for another season and are updated for fall by wearing them with a belted sweater vest or cardigan.

KISS

Need to create a simple wardrobe plan? An article found here at NZ Girl provides a simple outline of the staple items required by a woman who works in a casual office environment:

The essentials:
1) X2 pairs of trousers
2) X2 shirts
3) X1 blazer
4) X1 shirt dress
5) X1 pinstripe suit
6) X1 vest
7) X1 double breasted coat
8) X1 pair of dark denim jeans

Extra essentials include a pair of black knee high boots, a pair of black round-toe pumps, some coloured pointy flats, a scarf, a tote bag and a clutch purse.

Have a look at the article for examples of how these essential pieces are mixed and matched for a flexible office wardrobe.

This video blog has some good tips re: office wear dos and don’ts:

Video Jug

Happy shopping!


...Pam