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Update Your Professional Style!

Was just settling in nicely at work—had ordered oh-so-chic crochet sandals (one of this season's must haves) as well as exquisite goddess thongs (anything that can stay in style for 4,000 years has my vote) and was still surfing for the perfect straw tote. Had replied to email from Shop Girl informing her that yes, I was actively searching for the perfect pair of white summer pants and yes, I was aware that it was très passé to wear a pair with visible pockets. Also, her suggestion of flirty dress is perfect for this weekend's dinner date with Seth, but am now in a quandary regarding appropriate footwear—wedges are a bit too beach-y and I wore my sassy new slides last weekend. (Boys may not notice these things but we girls do; better drop by the shoe boutique after work—spied a darling pair in the window just this morning.) Was able to read first chapter of fun novel—am thanking my lucky stars that I have never (to my knowledge) made a $50 million mistake! Had updated my celebrity trivia infobase from www.people.com (are we ever going to see pictures of the little Cruiserette? BTW, The Donald and Melania's bouncing bundle of joy is absolutely darling! As is little Moses Paltrow-Martin. Still on the lookout for a peek of Brooke's baby Grier—what's with the Hollywood baby-demic? Apparently pregnant is the new black) but I digress.

Anyhoo, was about to get down to some serious project research (i.e. Neiman's Spring Catalog) when I received the following email from Scott in accounting:

"Hey She She, word on the street is that you really know your way around the system. In fact, they're calling you the new IT girl."

Moi? And IT girl? (And who, exactly, are "they"? And on what street is this supposed word?) Naomi Watts is an IT girl. Sienna Miller is an IT girl. Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, all IT girls. A bit perplexed here. While I must admit to an unerring (most of the time, and usually with a sign-off from Shop Girl) eye for what is chic, stylish and trendy, as well as the innate ability to coordinate separates and accessories to make it appear that my wardrobe is endless (how I miss having access to Shop Girl's closet!) not to mention my nose for a great bargain. I was, however, unaware that said talents and abilities had come to the attention of "them". I read on.

"In fact, we could really use your expertise tomorrow. We have a video conference with the Santa Monica office and wondered if you could put together a short demo? You know, give everyone an idea of the inherent growth opportunity available through general and/or specific upgrades. Just a quick overview; twenty minutes tops. Conference room. Ten o'clock."

My moment to shine at last! I've always felt that my coworkers could benefit from general and/or specific upgrades. I mean some of the girls here take Casual Friday just a tad too far—flip flops, denim, halter tops. Which is fine and dandy for the company BBQ but not exactly a chic professional look. I mean it's a well known fact (well, it should be) that your innate fashion sense (or lack thereof) speaks volumes about you—would Anna Wintour show up at the office in flip-flops? Would Katie Couric hide her gorgeous gams in a black polyester pantsuit to interview George Clooney? I think not! My head began to swim with ideas: a slide presentation on Tod's vs. Coach. A Powerpoint on Sassy and Sophisticated Footwear—Beyond the Black Pump. A question and answer session on the correlation between au courant fashions and the upward mobility of the young chic executive. Tips for dressing like a Fortune 500 executive on a girl Friday salary.

As I sat at my desk, furiously making notes, jotting down ideas and tearing pages from my Neiman's catalog, I heard a knock at my office door. Fiona (my immediate superior) poked her head in and asked if I had the proofs ready for her sign-off. I explained that I had gotten caught up in planning for my IT girl presentation tomorrow, but would get the proofs to her post haste. At her bewildered look, I showed her the email from Scott.

"She She darling, I think there's been a bit of miscommunication here. I believe the IT that Scott is referring to is 'Information Technology'. And while we all appreciate your ability to surf umpteen fashion sites at once, answer email, update blogs, bid on designer goods from eBay, all while simultaneously purchasing extremely stylish shoes online, I have the feeling that it's not exactly what the Santa Monica office is looking for."

Hmmm, well girls, looks like you will be the beneficiaries of my temporary "It Girl" status and subsequent fashion frenzy. Disclaimer: unless this is your first day of work, you already know the basic acceptable style of your workplace—some are über-casual (like mine, think Gilmore Girls) others a bit more staid (think Boston Legal).

Tips for Updating Your Professional Style:

• Don't be cheap with your feet. Buy quality shoes and keep them in tip-top shape. Stay away from too-high, too strappy, or too casual.
• Choose your handbag wisely. Nothing too slouchy or casual—you aren't headed to the county fair. Same deal as with the shoes—go with quality over quantity—it truly is an investment! Your shoes and handbag define your style.
• Keep the hemlines near the knee. Too short and you look like a tramp (did anyone seriously believe Ally McBeal was a savvy attorney?) too long and you look like a frump.
• Fit is key. Pants should be fitted, but free of visible panty lines. If they are low-rise, be sure to wear a longer blouse, cami or jacket. Nothing is more unprofessional than exposed midriff. Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably. Jackets should be able to be buttoned. And blouses shouldn't never gap open (no one really wants to know what color bra you have on).
• Underwear as outerwear is a no-no. Keep that cute camisole covered with a cropped jacket or lightweight sweater.
• A polished image is in the details: manicured nails, run-free hose, scuff-free shoes.
• Remember, less is more when it comes to jewelry, hair and makeup.

Looks to avoid in the workplace:

• Too sexy: sheer tops, see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, flimsy sundresses.
• Too casual: jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sneakers.
• Too sloppy: wrinkled clothing, too many layers, baggy-fit clothing.

Best tip of the day:

• Emulate the higher-ups. Look to the girl at the top of the corporate totem pole and take a page from her style sheet. Remember the old adage, "Dress like the person whose job you want to have."