They say you should dress for the job you want as opposed to the job you have. If you're dreaming of climbing the corporate (or creative) ladder, why not do it in style? Pass on the drab gray skirt suits and simple black trousers; here are a few interesting ways to make an 'I'm-serious-about-my-future' statement, in style.
1) White Suit: Want to stand out? Give your trusty black power suit the heave-ho; Naomi Campbell makes the all-white version look all right. (And yes, you can absolutely wear it after Labor Day.)
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2) Mixed Print Trousers: Gorgeous Miranda Kerr pairs a silky white blouse with mixed print pants, and pair of bright blue pumps. A winning office-to-happy-hour combination, if we’ve ever seen one.
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3) Leather Pants: Replace your go-to black trousers with skinny leather pants, like the pair Rebecca Romjin is wearing. They may be the go-to ‘sexy’ staple, but they’re easily tempered when paired with a boxy blazer, a loose top, and a low kitten heel.
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4) Fun Sweatshirt: Next ‘casual Friday’ replace your usual sweater-and-jeans combo with a fun sweatshirt and relaxed tuxedo trousers, much like what Jessica Alba is wearing. (It's just as comfy, but infinitely more stylish.)
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5) Tulle Skirt: Think layers of tulle only work on ballerinas? Think again. Zooey Deschanel pairs her full tulle skirt with a cropped cardigan and flats, an adorable (and comfortable) outfit idea for the office.
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6) Blue Blouse: Gwyneth Paltrow gives her classic, baby blue button-down blouse a major upgrade when she pairs it with a printed pencil skirt (in a similar color palette), contrasting the look with bright red heels.
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7) Leopard Pumps: So you’re already planning to wear a solid color top with a flouncy printed skirt. Instead of slipping on your go-to black heels, pull a Kerry Washington and throw a second print into the mix, with a pair of leopard pumps.
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8) A Navy Blazer: Give your dark blue blazer a new lease on life by sporting it as a top over a vibrant printed skirt, much like the ever-eclectic Solange Knowles.
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9) A Crop Top: If you’re lucky enough to work in a creative office that doesn’t balk at the very thought of a bit of midriff on display between the hours of 9 and 5, take a cue from Glee actress Dianna Agron and show off a sliver of your toned tummy with a crop top and a high-waisted midi-skirt.
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10) Overalls: FYI, they aren’t always constructed out of denim. Look for a pair that’s made from a dressier fabric in a subdued print (like Ashley Madekwe’s) to make them work at work.
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11) Floral Pants: Contrary to popular belief, flowers aren't only in style for spring. Pull out your favorite pants covered in a bright, beautiful bloom, and make like Gwen Stefani by pairing them with a black tee and a baseball jacket for a slightly-sporty spin.
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