Spring/Summer Trends for the Working Woman

Although shopping for spring and summer clothes to wear outside of work allows you to express more of your fashion sense, it is important to still bring style to the office while maintaining the business, professional dress code. While working in a corporate office, I’ve seen first-hand the lack of fashion that is expressed by women in the office. No matter what your age or where you work, update your work wardrobe with some of spring and summer's 2010 trends for the workplace.

Start off with the most key piece: a basic black pencil skirt that hits you slightly above, or slightly below the knee. This length is what is in style right now and most “appropriate” for the workplace. (Take this into consideration when you purchase dresses as well.) The black pencil skirt is timeless and looks great with almost any blouse, which brings me to number 2 . . . PLEASE update your blouses!!! I cannot tell you how many typical, boring blouses I see every day. Step out of the norm and go for a blouse with ruffles or gathers and pleats. Also, look for neutral colors that go with your basics.

Next, try looking for fun jackets. And I’m not talking about jackets with shoulder pads from the 80's and early 90’s. Some of the hottest trends in jackets right now are the black blazer, either fitted or boyfriend style. You can find a great blazer with cuffs that are turned up and feature a fun print on the inside. Also, anything utility inspired featuring hardware and zippers is big for this season. Pair these jackets up with a great necklace and tee and wear with pants or skirts.

Let's not forget to take inventory of your shoes. Shoes tend to get a little boring as people shoot for comfort instead of style. However, there are a lot of great wedges out there right now and heels that stray away from your typical pointed pump. While style in shoes may not suit your wardrobe every day, mix it up now and then and go for fun colors and styles.

Finally, do not be afraid of patterns and color. Spice up your basics and remember that you can still be office appropriate and sophisticated while incorporating a few trendy pieces. Not only will other’s be impressed with your new style, but you will feel more confident in yourself.

Get Inspired By The 2010 Academy Awards Red Carpet Glam

Whether you were able to tune into the 2010 Academy Awards or if you missed it, here’s a quick recap of some of the night’s hottest looks. As I highlight three of my favorite trends, see which looks inspire you to pull from the red carpet straight to your closet.

The first trend I noticed a lot of on the red carpet was shades of nude.

Right now most of us are in that transitional stage of buying a new wardrobe: out with the dark, in with the bright and bold colors to complement the warmer weather. As you’re making your way through the stores preparing your spring wardrobe this year, give the pastel palette a try, with blushing pinks and ivory nudes. It’s a sophisticated, chic way to glam up your wardrobe.

The second trend I loved is the texture found on some of these gowns. From these looks, you can get a sense of ways to add texture to your own wardrobes. Cascading ruffles, pin tucks and pleatings are just some of the things to spot on jackets and tops. These small details on a great jacket can spice up your ordinary basic tee and jeans when you are out on the town. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid of the metallics, sequins and beading! While sometimes beading can get too heavy and dramatic, look for pieces with small amounts of these details as accents. Accessories like handbags and shoes are a great way to fit them into your wardrobe without looking like a dancing queen in sparkling gems. So as you make your way out into stores to shop for spring, keep some of these trends in mind. You may not be out buying gowns like this, but you can easily pull inspiration from some of these looks to glam up your style.