On my recent work trip to the US, my shopping went all naval–almost everything I bought was at least partially navy blue! Ok, there was an idea behind it as well, although I did not have any particular color in my mind. My recent wardrobe overhaul left me with work clothes and sports gear. Then came summer, and my holiday started, and I realized I’ve nothing to wear.
For me it’s also symbolically important not to wear the same outfits during my holiday than I do at work. Work style puts me in work mode–vacation style puts me in a vacation mood! However, I didn’t buy all leisure clothes, as I wanted to be able to incorporate most items with my work outfits. This is one example of a leisure/ hot weather work combination.
There are quite a few more navy clothing items, and even a Michael Kors laptop bag in navy that I got, but it’s been great. I can just quickly put together an outfit. I used to do that a lot with black like a lot of bigger women do, but I’m now getting really excited over different shades of blue, especially bright clear blues. They seem to light up my skin in a way black just doesn’t. This is the discovery from my journeys into the world of color analysis. I used to think more about the message the color I wear sends out, but I’m now combining that with how that color makes me look. And I can’t help looking at people on the street with this idea in mind, seeing how colors work on different people. 🙂 I’m very new with this stuff still–I’m just widening my horizon currently.
Next week my vacation takes me deep into the Portuguese countryside, which I’ll be exploring on horseback, so talk about sports bras and riding wear can be expected in the coming weeks.
I’m dying to know–would you really wear shorts to work during the summer?
yes I would, not necessarily these but my Michael Kors animal print ones with a black Calvin Klein top and a Nine West jacket and some stockings I would. It is just so hot during the summer for the traditional workwear!
That’s interesting you say that. Most offices I’ve been in would not be okay with shorts. I was actually surprised when orange capris were okay at the office I’m at with now through the US Department of Defense. Of course, the area is also very conservative as far as fashion goes. It’s been over 90 and humid and there are still people in full suits on the Metro.
I believe that in most govermental work places here too would frown upon shorts. Also the double standards for men and women are seen at my work place – whereas there are fashionable looks for women with shorts and jackets while still looking “officey” there are none for men really… This looks ok: http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/hessnatur-blue-linen-short-suit.jpg and this, a male example, sorry, not right… http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/3528172863_2e6296f0e4_o.jpg
I hear all the time from DH about the difference between male and female dress-codes (he just wants to wear his sandals to work on jeans day- he works for a private company.) As far as DoD/gov’t, it really depends on the environment, they are pretty good about recognizing if it’s a really bad idea to be in a suit (ie when crawling through crates in a non HVAC’d warehouse on the river) but even if we never seen another civilian that day, we’re still to dress up otherwise.
Unfortunately, there are DC Hill interns who will try that second look- there are certainly raised eyebrows and some comments.