One of my more recent posts was how to look great in the humid weather when it comes to makeup.  So, I figured, why not cover what to wear in the heat when it comes to work?

It is such a huge concern for many of you — we get emails all the time about it.  How do you look professional when it’s so hot even going naked wouldn’t suffice?  Luckily most offices have air conditioning so you don’t have to strip, but let’s just suppose you have to go out for a lunch meeting … or you’re a sales rep who goes from client to client all day long.  What then?

First off, you’re going to want to wear a dress. And not any dress, something lightweight and breathable such as cotton.  And it can’t itch or anything like that or you will go bonkers. So here are a couple of options to fit the bill for being work and are weather appropriate.  What dresses have you been wearing to stay cool?

Option #1

• JCrew cotton sheath dress, $158. In 100% superfine cotton, this dress has a bit of stretch. It comes in a couple of other colors but I like the light gray — it’s a nice understated summer neutral.
• For shoes, try these Stuart Weitzman peeptoe’s, $350. The heel height is 4.25″ but the platform alone is 1.5″ so it feels like a normal under 3″ heel.
• Save some money by adding a big pop of color with a Lucite bangle in bright green, $15 on eBay.

Option #2

• Adrianna Papell chambray dress, $118.  This is really lightweight and perfect for just about every body type (except triangles – see above!) with it’s cowl neck and princess seam details. The dress comes with a red braided belt but I like a more subtle approach with the gray fabric belt because there is red contrast top-stitching already in the dress.
• For shoes, stay cool with these Vigotti camel peeptoes, $95.

Once you’re inside the office, you may not want to bare your arms.  There are a couple of lightweight cotton cardigans to try (not shown) such as Aqua’s Linen Ruched Cardigan ($68) or this off-white cardi by ESPRIT for $57 – leave it unbuttoned.

For accessories, pull your hair up with this Ficcare Maximas clip — my clients LOVE them and although they are pricey, you will not be disappointed because they add a nice elegant touch to your look.

With Spring in full bloom, most women have trouble staying cool and still looking professional. Here’s an outfit for a business casual environment that transitions perfectly to an after-work happy hour. It works perfectly for the triangle body type or the elongated hourglass that has a smaller bust.

A sophisticated floral print top such as this one by J.Crew has a high surplice neckline and ruching at the shoulder line to draw the eye up.  It’s long enough to wear outside of a dark wash denim pencil skirt, also by J.Crew.  The top comes with a self-tie belt but by adding a golden yellow leather woven belt instead, you are creating a nice complementary harmony that showcases your waist.

Since you’re at work, jackets are important and this beautiful L.A.M.B Linen Jacket adds just enough detail at the bust to create balance and is perfect fabric for the warm weather.  If your work allows sandals, then these Biviel yellow wedges certainly pull it all together – they go to size 11 which is always a plus in our book.

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Reader Question

What about some maternity clothes options for work? Specifically, something other than dresses. I work in a business casual office and jeans are for Fridays, only. I’m also somewhere between an hourglass and a pear-shape (pre-pregnancy), which means a large chest and heavier legs. It’s the fact that I don’t have long or lean lower limbs that I gravitate toward pants. Did I mention I’m short, too? Any suggestions?

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription

I worked in an office environment during my pregnancies so I am incorporating my experiences and brands that I wore. Style and comfort were my priorities.

• Maternal America Maternity Front Tie Blazer – the heather gray is a soft neutral that can be combined with various colors. The front knot adds a modern touch yet it looks professional.

• Trousers – these classic tailored pants are ideal for work. The wide straight leg helps too if you need more room in the thighs and black has a slimming effect. An Olian Maternity Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt (not shown) is also flattering and has plenty of stretch.

• Michael Stars Maternity Raw Edge Scoop Neck Tee in Gypsy – I loved wearing Michael Stars tees when I was pregnant. They come in sparkly and non sparkly styles. If you want a top that transitions into the evening, try the Maternal America Maternity Chain Necklace Tank Top (not shown). It has a removable chain and the curved hem will look cute peeking below the jacket.

• Cole Haan Air Bria Wedge – I recommend a low heel and rounded toe for comfort as you get closer to your 3rd trimester. The NikeAir technology provides that extra cushion for those tired feet. Select a shoe that is the same color as your pant or skirt so that it lengthens your leg. A pointy toe shoe such as the Cole Haan Miranda Pump (not shown),  would also help elongate your leg. The only issue is that pointy toes and heels become more difficult to wear as your pregnancy progresses.

• Kooba Regan Bag in Python – this snake-embossed coated-fabric handbag will prove that a pregnant mom-to-be does have style!

• Go Belly Go Due Date Necklace – you need to add this to your wishlist! The Zinc Pendant can be engraved with the baby’s  scheduled arrival month.

Get lots of rest, eat healthy and good luck!

With the stores transitioning clothing from sweaters and coats to light tops and dresses for Spring, it can be a little difficult trying to find something to wear for the weather now.

Here’s one idea on how to use the classic spring shirt dress (this cute Carissa Rose navy dress is based on bust size) for now and later:

Cold Weather

Navy and black together is a great combo for winter so simply adding black accessories is the way to go.  Add a skinny or wide black belt from your closet instead of the sash tie.  To keep warm, this J.Crew cashmere cardigan that ties in the front is the perfect companion to the collar of the shirt dress.  Wear some knee-high suede boots with black tights to finish the look.  The stylish boots are by La Canadienne and can withstand wind, sleet and snow — yay!

Warm Weather

The sleeve length on this dress is perfect as it’s long enough to hide any arm concerns yet it still keeps you cool and stylish on warm days. Add neutral browns and beige in your accessories to change the look. The stretch jute belt by Elegantly Waisted has leather detail and a cool antique brass closure is the perfect way to take this dress from simple to pulled-together.

Add a leather stud bracelet by Rebecca Minkoff and a triple-layer topaz necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane.  This is a great necklace to have in your wardrobe if you have any kind of topaz coloring in your eyes or hair.  The sandals are by Cynthia Vincent and go up to size 10.

Reader Wardrobe Challenge

This is a wardrobe orphan in my closet. A very cozy, textured and streamlined black jacket for fall. Please teach me how to wear it with style. I’m blonde, so black can be harsh nearby my face but I like to dress monochromatic if possible, so this is a big challenge.

When I bought it for bargain, I thought nothing is simpler to wear than a black cropped jacket (I have a black denim jacket which I love so much.) But unfortunately that’s not that case. I find it hard to match with denim things as well. I have black jeans, but that’s too much… Perhaps with gray… blue denim, also difficult to match the hue…and shoes, and bag…so would be a big help to show me the way to start.

Wardrobe 911’s How-to Prescription

You are not the only one that has this very problem. A lot of us get tricked into thinking that everything has to match perfectly. As long as a color harmonizes with another (eg they are both blue-based or yellow-based, etc.) , it’s okay to wear – this is much easier to do when you’re dressing in neutrals. The black tweed jacket that you show is similar to one I found at Talbot’s which is featured.

Here I show two outfits, one for work and one for play that work nice with this black handbag by L.A.M.B.

Outfit # 1 – Work

• Dress monochromatically by wearing a neutral that is closer to the color of your hair.  These heathered latte wool pants by JCrew add just the right amount of sophistication for work.  Pair them with a heathered latte turtleneck (also by JCrew to maintain color consistency) for a classic vibe.
• For shoes, keep the color similar to the pants to create the longest leg line possible. It doesn’t have to match exactly – the values (eg. Light and dark) can be different. Here we show a tan pump by Vince Camuto.

Outfit #2 – Weekend

• Dark wash jeans work perfectly with a black jacket. Here we show AG’s Stilt Skinny jean which can be worn with flats or easily tucked into boots.
• A pretty green Michael Stars Shine 3/4 Sleeve Shirred Cowlneck tee will add a nice bit of color near your face.  Or you can do a crisp white shirt, Chanel style.
• Try some black knee-high boots that are a bit wider at the top to balance your hips (if you have them.) These Vina boots by Ralph Lauren do the trick.

Good luck and let us know if these solutions work out for you!

Are you having a wardrobe dilemma? Visit our ER Room and let us know your wardrobe challenge. Each month we’ll select one (or two) to feature.

Parents tell me The Guide is an especially helpful tool for their grown up kids as they transition from school to work because it shows them how to add value quickly when they join their new employer, along with advice on what not to do. And of course there’s a section on appropriate dress! Order a copy before December 22nd and I’ll send you my business etiquette booklets (a $16 value) at no charge. Happy holidays!

For your everyday business wardrobe, you want to make sure you have some basics in your closet and then add some color and style with your accessories to keep it current.  Here’s an outfit for wearing to work as the weather gets cooler:

Cashmere funnel neck sweater.  JCrew uses the best cashmere out there so this is worth the investment.  Get one in a simple neutral so you can easily mix and match.

Theory Emery charcoal trouser. This is a wonderful wide leg (but not too wide) pant that is super comfortable. By wearing them with a charcoal top, you create a monochromatic (all one color – different value) look that comes across polished.

Every gal needs a good go-to black jacket for work.  I love the stretch gabardine versions by Diane von Furstenberg. BUT, when I saw this Marc by Marc Jacobs Knit Jacket, I couldn’t resist.  It’s at a great price ($168) but it is 100% cotton so it will fade eventually.

To add some punch, belt the sweater with a purple patent belt. This has ruching in the back for a perfect waist-defining fit.  Wearing a dark purple suede bootie by Tahari and carrying a classic Dooney & Bourke croc tote in the same color adds style.

Don’t let a casual dress code undermine your career goals and aspirations. Even in the least formal offices, consider the power of three. Wearing three pieces as opposed to just two can transform the ho-hum pant or skirt + top combo into a more assertive, polished and modern look in any informal office environment. Add any of these three cardigans with your favorite black pants and white top and the powers that be will notice.

Eileen Fisher’s washable wool cardigan is a perfect layering piece, and looks smashing over the contrasting shell – a very modern version of the sweater set.

The notched collar on this sweater jacket from Jones New York says you’re all business, but in very comfortable terms. Love the Berry Crush color for fall.

This iconic wool cardigan from Trina Turk is just right for fall.

What’s not to love about the fashion from the islands in the North and Celtic Seas? There are so many options and so for today I decided to do a cute budget outfit for a casual office or a dressy weekend outing based from stores in the UK.

A dark wash bootcut jean is the perfect starting point to creating a smart casual outfit.

Add a classic, yet with a twist, white button down shirt. This is from All Saints and has got to be the coolest button-down I’ve seen in a while. Layer a checked shawl collar waistcoat (‘vest’ in the US) over the shirt. It’s cropped so that the bottom of the shirt shows off.

And of course, where would a stylish UK gal be without Topshop? Layer your outfit with this gorgeous blue wool-blend jacket.  It has a fitted waist in back and waterfall front – perfect for rectangles.

Add a cute studded bag, fringe styled ankle cowboy boots and a fun resin bracelet and you’re set for work or play. All for under 400 quid.

With the excitement of the impending season opening of Mad Men on August 16, people are making cool Mad Men avatars of themselves and planning premier parties.  Who doesn’t love the styles in this cool cat show?  Even Banana Republic is getting in on the action.  So here’s a fun outfit to wear for work or for that Mad Men party you are attending.

• Pencil skirts really never go out of style and this high-waisted pinstriped skirt is the perfect length. For fit, you want it to fit properly at the hips and then fall straight from the hip.
• Add a vintage-inspired sweater such as this blue asymmetrical-collar sweater. Belt it with a patent dark gray skinny belt.
• Dig out one of your grandmother’s brooches to add to the collar of your sweater.  Or go vintage jewelry shopping to find something unique for you. I’m an owl fiend and think this one is just perfect.
• For heels, wear the classic pump like these Calvin Klein Dolly’s in navy or black. They are comfortable, classic and a huge seller at any shoe store.
• To pull it together, wear some Jackie O inspired black sunglasses and carry a structured hangbag (this one’s by Hobo Int’l) and you’re styling.

This week, we’ve decided to challenge our stylists with the ultimate question:

If you were given a $1500 clothing budget, what items would you recommend someone get to develop their ultimate wardrobe?

This can be answered so many ways depending on your lifestyle.  Lucky for me, I get to answer this question three different ways this week!

Today, I’m covering the work wardrobe. I love the challenge of helping a gal out that wants a high-quality wardrobe yet she’s on a major budget.  Typically, she’s going back to work or starting her first job out of college where creating a great first impression is critical. And buying quality is going to help you in the long run so “bite the bullet” and do it right the first time.

The wardrobe shown on the left features four outfits that can easily mix and match to create other unique outfit options. The grand total? $1499.  Shown clockwise from left to right:

• Sleeveless print sheath dress, $118.  This is great alone or with a black jacket. The style looks good on all body types.
• Black gabardine jacket by Diane von Furstenberg, $365. This is travel-proof.  It follows your curves and never wrinkles — perfect for business travel.
• Trina Turk twist front top in white, $50.  The comfy fabric makes this a stylish alternative to the shell.
• Classiques Entier bootcut stretch wool pants, $100.  In a deep chocolate, they look great with the black jacket as shown or mixed with the grape top.
• Madison Marcus grape pintucked silk ruffle blouse, $143. This can be worn alone or layered underneath a jacket or cardigan and is perfect for going out after work.
• All-season black pants by Theory, $245. You want a great pair of black pants and Theory’s Emery style is modern cut with a slight bootcut and is made out of a stretch wool.  Perfect for every season.
• White button-down shirt by Theory, $90 on sale. A simple lightweight cotton shirt that looks great layered over a white tank.
• Long merino wool cardigan in camel, $90.  Worn belted or open, this sweater is a nice option to a jacket for a more business casual look.
  Lightweight wool pencil skirt in black, $80. This comes in petite, regular and tall sizes and is perfectly detailed so that it works from day to night.
• Stuart Weitzman Midlogic heels in black suede, $147. The 2-1/4″ heel looks great and is low enough that you can walk comfortably.
• Gold tassel necklace, $55. This reminds me of one of my favorite necklaces from my mom’s collection.  A timeless, yet fun piece to punch up your work wardrobe.
• Black stretch snake belt, $16.  Big on style and with $17 left in our budget, New York & Co. comes to the rescue.

Spring tends to be the toughest season for determining what to wear to work  for most women. Looking put together when it’s 80+ degrees outside can be challenging, especially if you hate your arms.  Here, we show a layered outfit that is perfect for going from the hot car to the air-conditioned office.

First, start with a fitted yet billowy pleated front tank in white slub cotton.  Breathable cottons are the best to look for — from the super lightweight, cotton voiles to the heavier soft cottons that feel nice on your skin.  You can wear the top out (rectangles!) or tuck it in (everyone else.)  Here, we suggest you (not you, rectangles!) tuck it in to some Vince high waist wide leg pants in a summer khaki.

Wearing a unique, handcrafted belt like this one by Sarah Schwartz adds a nice personal touch to your outfit. There are six buckle designs to choose from that you can add to the brown suede belt which is sold separately.

To add a business look to your outfit (and if you want to keep your arms covered), try a cotton safari sweater jacket. Every Spring, Banana Republic does a great, fitted sweater jacket in a soft cotton.  When it comes to cotton sweaters, the only downside to most is that they can stretch out and look sloppy after a season of wearing.  I’ve noticed that if they have a bit of silk in them, they tend to hold their shape better.

For shoes, sometimes khaki’s can be hard to match.  If you can’t wear sandals to work, try some snakeskin or animal print flats such as these by Sam Edelman. DKNYC also makes some cute ones.

Something new today: a post for men and women! And it’s for those with the triangle body type.  Yes, men have body types — there are 4 and one is not the hourglass. <snicker> Instead of the hourglass, there is the oval — which I lovingly call beer belly…but I digress.

If you work in an office where relaxed business casual is the norm, here is some inspiration for what to wear in the warm weather. And the best part?  Both outfits are very well priced.

Women

• Light camel wide-leg stretch cotton trousers. The wide-leg pants allow room for the fuller thigh and look great on triangles.
• BCBG wrap cardigan that is every triangles best friend: belted, wide shawl collar…perfect.  Wear it over a simple, light-colored tank or cami from your closet.
• Comfy taupe flats by Easy Spirit — cute!
• Green stone drop earrings
• Beautiful floral ombre scarf that you can wrap a couple of times around your neck for effortless style.

Men

• White military shirt – the pockets and shoulder detail add a little more weight on top to create a more inverted triangle look.
• Hugo Boss cotton trousers that are flat front and clean lined. Triangle guys cannot wear pleated pants.
• Black Unlisted loafers
• Clean-lined Jack Spade messenger bag

Every Spring, the classic shirtdress is easily found in stores and becomes an easy piece to add to your work wardrobe.  This season, Hugo Boss has a beautifully fitted and modern shirtdress (in stores such as Bloomingdale’s) that comes in taupe (gray + beige.) Taupe is a great, sophisticated neutral and works with various colors such as red, yellow, orange, green, pink or teal.

There are no rules, but I find that using color just twice in your accessories keeps your look understated and stylish for work.  Here, we show the dress with a neutral Stuart Weitzman python heel and then add a rich yellow necklace and an Ananas shoulder bag to bring in some color.

This fitted style looks best on hourglasses since it focuses on highlighting the waist.  You can wear the belt that comes with the dress or, as another outfit option, replace it with a fun colored belt and shoe such as red. Then, maybe carry a neutral snake print handbag — snake prints tend to be great workhorses in your wardrobe because they go with everything.

On a cold weekend day, you got the jeans and boots look mastered. But what do you wear when you’re headed to work while it’s still cold out?  Here’s a look that keeps you warm as well as creates a polished and sophisticated impression.

A cashmere shawl-collar cardigan in natural creates a clean and minimal look when paired with a neutral brown side-ruched pencil skirt. Wear an ivory or light brown knit shell underneath.  Keep your toes warm with some brown herringbone tights and a chocolate suede bootie by Taryn Rose. Taryn Rose shoes are designed by a former foot doctor and are extremely comfortable.  At this price, these won’t last long because this shoe looks great paired with a skirt or with pants.

To balance out the brown at the bottom of your outfit, wear a wooden bauble necklace.  Wooden jewelry adds a unique twist and since wood jewelry is still popular for Fall, it’ll be a nice investment for your wardrobe.

Tote your laptop and files in this brown/pink L.A.M.B. tote. And, if you don’t have a warm wool coat, make sure to get one now while there are still some left on sale.

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Update: I just got back in from my trip to NY where I went to the contemporary designer fashion show as well as met with several of my clients for consultations and shopping.  My wireless was spotty so that is why there was no posts on Tues or Wed.   But, I did discover some cool new designers and I’m looking forward to sharing with you my finds over the next few weeks.

Good morning everyone!

Well it wasn’t too long after our last “Reader Question of the Week” that we received several questions from those that have experienced the reverse of what to wear when you move to a more seasonal climate.  Here’s just one of the questions we received:

Reader Question of the Week:
We recently relocated from Washington, DC to Orlando, FL.

I went from working in an office to working in a home office. I am 35 years old and a mom to two small kids (ages 2 & 4.) Living in DC, everything was very conservative, tons of black and very tailored. I like clothes that are preppy and tailored, but I also like to have a few trendy pieces.

I am a working mom and don’t have time to really shop. I feel like I am so out of it, I don’t even know where to go anymore. When I do get a little time, I just start grabbing! I figured the summer wardrobe out pretty easily, but the winters here are mild and my uniform of a black wool turtleneck sweater, jeans and black boots probably will not work so well. What do the “cool” moms in hot states wear in the winter??

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:
Not only do I have clients in Florida but I do get out to St. Pete occasionally because my wonderful in-laws live there.  And yes, for those of you that move from the cooler climates to a hot locale, it’s even more exasperating to figure out what to wear to work and such and not feel like a hoochie mama.

So, here’s the tough part:  Most of the wonderful Fall Fashions seen in catalogs and stores won’t be appropriate for your climate.  And, all those beautiful, expensive thick sweaters and coats you have will need to be packed up because you will not use them.  If it does get cold in the evenings then you know where to go to get a warm sweater.  But, the jeans you can keep.

Your focus is going to be about lightweight fabrics such as cotton, cotton voile, chiffon, lightweight jerseys, cotton-blend knits (hold their shape longer), lightweight stretch wool (surprisingly breathable + comfy) and denim. Look for sleeveless, short-sleeve and 3/4 sleeve tops in Fall colors. Modern tees are always great to have in your closet, from Splendid to Michael Stars. Always have a lightweight sweater or cardigan with you for air-conditioned buildings and offices.

The outfit above is perfect for a busy mom such as yourself.  And since you don’t have time to shop, figure out the brands and sizes that work best for you and order them online.

• Theory Adele Top, $190; Budget alternative: City Stretch Shirt, $29.95
• Option for daytime lunch or night out: BCBG wrap top, $128 (BCBG fits all body types, especially rectangles, and runs true to size)
• Joe’s Honey jean in Perry, $159; There are lots of denim brands (AG, Seven) that use a lighter weight denim like the Joe’s in Perry which will be more comfortable for you.
• Silver hinge bracelet , $32
• Patent Shoulder Bag, $205
• Burgundy Suede/Patent Flats, $98

Question to our hot climate friends:  What are your must-haves for looking (and staying) cool?

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Do you want to be featured in our “Reader Question of the Week”?  Simply send an email to askteresa AT wardrobe911 DOT com and if you’re selected, we’ll let you know!  If you want a personal answer from me and want it fast, check out our new Style Emergency feature!

Reader Question of the Week:
I recently moved from Southern California to Northern Colorado and, after a weekend of fall-like weather, I’ve realized that I have a desperate dearth of Colorado-appropriate fall and winter clothes!

Because of the move, I’m on a very restricted budget, so my question is: what kinds of basic pieces should I look for to give me the most versatility and the most bang for my buck to create a fall/winter wardrobe that won’t leave me out in the cold?

I am an editor for a publishing company, and it’s a pretty casual work environment.  I usually wear nice jeans paired with a business casual top and nice shoes to work in.  I’m 27 and an hourglass shape.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:
Hmmm….strange coincidence but your question reminds me of when I asked my brother to show me his closet right after he moved to Colorado Springs from Southern California. His closet was full of short-sleeve t-shirts and shorts.  When I asked him where his coats and sweaters were, he just looked at me in disbelief as if to say “what are sweaters?”

I’m sure those that have lived in warmer climates when it’s 70 degrees year-round can understand. And those that have lived in climates where there is a noticeable change of seasons will probably have a good chuckle!

I wish I had a budget-friendly solution for you but if you are starting from scratch to build your winter wardrobe, you’re going to need some good-quality coats (one puffer, one knee-length wool coat, and perhaps later add a mid-thigh length for “warmer” days), scarves, gloves, boots and hats.  These are the most important things for you to get, otherwise you will freeze your hiney off.

Secondarily, you’re going to need some sweaters to layer over your So Cal tees and a couple pairs of wool pants to add to your jean collection. For sweaters, I think cashmere is the best to keep you warm and stylish.  JCrew cashmere is sourced from the best Italian cashmere manufacturer in the world: Loro Piana.

Business Casual Work Outfit:

• JCrew bateau sweater, $168 (they have tons of colors to choose from and it is fitted to show off your hourglass shape)
• Elie Tahari Natassa wide-leg trouser in a yummy flannel wool, $248 (Note: these are lined so you can wear wool tights underneath and not have them cling on super cold days)
• Leather Gloves (cashmere lined), $78
• Ombre wool scarf, $55
• Burberry Puff Coat, $895 (Budget Alternative: Kenneth Cole Puffer Coat, $161.25)
• Born Black Bootie, $159

Question to those that live in cold climates:  What are your must-haves for the cold weather??

For those of you that are 5′4″ or under, you may have discovered that you don’t always fit into regular sizes.  If you’ve ever had trouble finding a pair of pants that aren’t twice the length of your legs or had sleeves that fall way past your fingertips, you probably fall into the petite category. You’ll want to choose items that are sized petite in the area where you have the most fit issues (tops or bottoms.) Along with the stores we mentioned yesterday, French and Italian designers also have lots of options to choose from since they cut smaller in general.

If you’re petite and looking to spice up your business casual attire and still look appropriate for the workplace, here’s a fun outfit for inspiration.

These wide leg trousers from J Crew are great – they can worn all year round and come in petite. When shopping for work slacks or pants, make sure that they are 1″ from the ground in your shoes so that you lengthen your leg as much as possible. Stick to a neutral shade and play up the outfit with an interesting colored top like this one which also comes in petite.

The key is not to overwhelm your petite frame with anything oversized. Pull it together with a regular-sized cropped cardigan like this one by Theory.  Accessorize with a funky necklace with character and a versatile work tote. Throw on your favorite pointy toed pumps to add length to your bottom half.

It’s now scorching in many areas, and appropriate work wear is usually a big challenge during the summer heat.  Here we show a great outfit for plus-size gals that will help beat the heat while looking summer chic!

Wear a classic button-up blouse with great details like this one by Lane Bryant.  The smartly placed darts on the blouse help provide shape and structure to the upper torso, and the deep, detailed neckline draws attention upwards.

Pair with a flirty lightweight skirt for a fun summer look, and a sleek wedge in a complimentary shade for a put together outfit that is beautiful and cool.  The billowy, A-line skirt flows nicely away from the body and hits the leg at just the right height.

Don’t forget some fun costume jewelry and a mineral water spray to keep you fresh and ventilated throughout the day.

A Reader Asks

Now that spring is here and summer is around the corner, I find it difficult
to make the work wardrobe transition.  I need ideas that work in the office,
on the road and at client meetings that can take me from the warm So Cal outdoors to the cool (cold) air conditioned offices.  I’m looking for professional business casual.

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:

The key to a weather friendly spring/summer outfit appropriate for work is to layer, in order to stay cool and/or warm when needed. Since you’ll be walking into air conditioned environments as well as outdoors, you’ll want to wear a cool, refreshing top like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs and layer a cardigan or a lightweight 3/4-sleeve jacket over it.

When you are strolling around outside, take off your cardi (or jacket) and upon entering an air conditioned building, simply put the sweater back on. During the cooler months in spring, wear cashmere and during the warmer summer months, wear silk/cotton blends (this don’t stretch out as much as 100% cotton.)

As for bottoms, stick to lightweight fabrics such as this lightweight wool pant by Theory.  You can also do skirts if that tickles your fancy. To complete your outfit, throw on your favorite pair of pumps (open toe in the summer if allowed at the office). For some added style, accessorize with a nice tote.