Timeless Fashion for the Work Place

Timeless fashion means an outfit you can wear again and again without it going out of style. Something your mother or grandmother could have worn, and that would still be fashionable in this day and age.

There are several things to think about when choosing an outfit for work.

1. Is it work appropriate?

Yes, that black dress is certainly timeless, but it's not work appropriate (assuming you have an office job). Think more in the line of suits. Men will find this a lot simpler than women, since they only have to choose between suits. Women will have to determine if they want to go with a skirt-suit or pant-suit. Find a shape that flatters your figure; not everyone can wear pencil skirts, you know. A-line skirts are a good option for some women, while others will prefer a pant-suit. There are different cuts of pant and blazer, and you should take someone honest with you when you shop. It is important to think about how it makes you look. The set may look great on a hanger... But not so great on you.

2. Color

You should use colors you like, but within moderation. The most common colors for suits, and thereby the most work appropriate, are black, charcoal gray, and navy blue. If it works well for you, you might be able to try a pastel color in a skirt suit (women only, please). Men, stick with the basic colors. No one should wear a bright orange suit, unless they are a clown. Think professional, stylish, and classic.

3. Accesorize

This includes the dress shirt, shoes, watch, bag/briefcase, etc. Women will have more possibilities for accesories, in that they have all sorts of jewelry, purses, scarves, and etc. to choose from, which will change the entire look of an outfit. Gentlemen, peruse the tie section of your local men's store. And, please, no wild ties (unless given by your daughter/wife, in which case you are obligated to wear them at least once). The dress shirt is the single biggest way to change the entire look of an outfit, and is your place to have complete control in color choice. You can use even bright colors, and it will still look dignified with a standard toned suit. (Guys, make sure your tie matches your shirt.)

4. Shoes

Women will love this category, and men will ask what the big deal is. First off, think about the look of the shoe. No tennies (sorry, guys) or other athletic shoes. You will be well served to splurge on one or two good, basic shoes that will match your whole wardrobe. The best color is black, it will go with everything. Think comfort, since you will be wearing the shoes for 8 or more hours. Women will have fun with this, since the shoes can match the dress shirt and/or other accesories in color and style. Don't choose stillettos, they are not work appropriate. Flats work very well, and pumps are also nice. Don't take this as an excuse to buy a hundred pairs of shoes, a half dozen well-chosen pairs will have a spectacular effect in your wardrobe. High heels work very well with pant-suits, but remember to have them hemmed to the right length for the shoe.

5. Make sure everything fits properly

It may seem overly obvious, but too many people over look this. They think, well, I'll lose those five pounds, and then it will fit right. DON'T do this. It is much easier (and cheaper) to have clothes taken in when you lose the weight than to have them let out (or to have to buy a new suit) if you don't. To determine proper fit for a suit jacket/blazer, raise both arms above your head. If you can do this comfortably, it fits. For pants, bend over and touch your toes (or as close as you can come); if the pants don't bite into your waist (or tear in the back), they fit. Shoes should never pinch your feet, even if they are the size you claim is yours. Walk around the shoe store in them for at least five minutes to feel the stress points in the shoe.

In closing, don't fall into the fashion trends and pitfalls of today. Fashions change faster than most people have time or money to keep up with. Think economy and style, buying one good piece of clothing instead of 12 cheap items that will wear out. Since you are looking for classics, find old fashion magazines, and look for the outfits that would work today. Those are the fashions that have stood the test of time.