It’s never too late for more work wardrobe advice, especially when it’s today’s thoughtful advice from Venusian Glow. I’m ready to try some of her suggestions in my own wardrobe. What about you?
Here is the set: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=63888708
Here are my ideas:
What, no skirts? I live in skirts — so I had to step out of my skin for this challenge. Before I start I’d like to say two things: I haven’t mentioned suggested any concrete brands or items, the pieces I used on the Polyvore set are just examples. Also, I am small-busted, so forgive me if any of the items on the set won’t work with a fuller bust — I haven’t had much experience in dressing one.
Colours
I have made the Polyvore set assuming Domestic Outlet (“DO”) is a clear summer (as one commentor guessed). However, I strongly suggest she find out which season she is and try to work with the colour palette. I found my skin tone by ordering samples of mineral makeup from Lumiere (which you get for just shipping cost) and it changed my life (ok, my fashion life).
If DO is indeed a summer, she should make full use of the lovely subdued in-between shades of thate palette. These tones make even basic garments look sophisticated — like dusty purple, grey-beige, medium grey, dusty petrol.
Items I suggest:
It’s great that DO owns V-necked tops, they make a great basic (I have not added any to the Polyvore set). However I feel that she needs to have a couple of sophisticated tops. Tunics are in my experience an excellent alternative to skirts, and can be worn with leggings, trousers, hose and jeans. The jeans should be a dark wash and preferably straight leg, with no embellishments or distressing — jeans like that are chic enough for work.
I love shrugs, since they add sleeves and an interesting element to tops and tunics, without covering them completely. I’m really glad that DO owns scarves and shawls — they really add interest and sophistication to simple outfits. There are lots of great videos out there with 1001 ways to tie them! Just tying a scarf in an interesting way makes the whole outfit look sophisticated and grown-up.
I think when buying new items it’s important to look at fabrics — when it comes to sweaters, second-hand cashmere or angora will always look much better than new polyacryl. When buying tops, beware of cheap, stretchy “T-shirt fabric” that will pill and sag after a couple of washes (and cling very unflattering to every roll). In my opinion cotton (weaves rather than knits), viscose as well as anything with silk in it will look good for a long time.
I’d stay away from polyester blazers like the one she almost bought. They reek too much of “applying for my first job, no idea what’s I’m doing”, especially when they happen to be both polyester and black. (I know because I had one, and I got rid of it recently). I’d suggest going for a softer colour like grey, taupe, or faded blue — that looks more approachable and grown-up at the same time. And no polyester, please.
Shoes:
It looks like DO has her bases covered here. However, in case she wants to update her shoe wardrobe in the future, I have suggested my personal favourite shoes that have a bit of a heel but are extremely comfortable: the Ecco Sculptured booties which look good both with trousers and skirts (it’s really hard to find a low-heeled bootie that looks good with skirts!) and any of the Rieker pumps. I own both and have actually run in them.
Hope my suggestions will be helpful.
hmm, quite basic but can be personalized. But yeah, there are quite a few tops which do not work with big busts unless specifically designed for those. Like the waterfall neckline for example and the cardi with the unusual buttoning.
But ok, must admit that my personal style sense is why I’d not be so keen on this wardrobe but it can definately work on someone – with some personal touches to avoid hiding ones persona too much.