This summer I have been going to the office five days a week for my marketing internship. While I am used to the anything — and I mean anything — goes dress code of college classes, I looked forward to a tacitly understood dress code of professionalism. I value outward presentation and consider it an art form, and it’s energizing to be around people who feel the same way. Working in the fashion industry asks for more creativity (and less formality) than the stereotypical skirt suit or neutral-colored shift, and sometimes the line between “fashion-forward” and “too casual” can be confusing. My strategy is to dress as vibrantly and adventurously as I like, as long as I don’t show much skin. Luckily midi skirts have been on trend lately, especially full or high-waisted styles.
XOXO top; Forever 21 skirt
I don’t often mix prints, merely because the majority of my wardrobe is solids, so I was excited to try it today. The sweater and the skirt don’t clash because: a) one print is small and the other is large b) one print is neutral and the other is loud and c) they are both florals.
White House Black Market cardigan
Okay, maybe their flowery similarity doesn’t technically matter, but piling on florals in an outfit never fails to make me happy. There is even a flower on the handbag!
Chateau tote bag
Yet my favorite part of the outfit is this pearl necklace from my mother.
Pearls are everywhere, but I think the baroque cut is more sophisticated. It has a look reminiscent of the pearls’ oceanic roots.
Pearl earrings from my mother, Macy’s cuff; Eton ring that tells the time; Vintage bracelet watch, vintage ring
BCBG heels
These super-feminine shoes are professional without being severe.
TREND — HIGH-WAISTED SKIRTS
Topshop, $48 Cacharel, $61 M. Missoni, $75
Lela Rose, $95 Paul Smith, $100 Kenzo, $193
Peter Pilotto, $220 Milly, $231 Rag & Bone, $245
Marios Schwab, $370 Stella McCartney, $395 Chanel, $470
Gianni Versace, $575 Versace, $750 Alexander McQueen, $780
Alaia, $785 Oscar de la Renta, $1,120 Pierre Cardin/Bonwit Teller, $2,600
TREND — BAROQUE PEARL JEWELRY
Majorica, $127 Vendome, $350 Vintage, $395
Miriam Haskell, $450 Schiaparelli, $450 Miriam Haskell, $975
Vintage, $1,530 Miriam Haskell, $1,875 Kate Wang, $1,995
Vintage, $2,930 M. Haskell, $3,250 Chanel, $3,800
Vintage, $3,800 Chanel, $6,500 Chanel, $6,500
Russell Trusso, $8,256 Vintage, $15,500 David Webb, $43,890
TREND — LEATHER TOTE BAGS
Juicy Couture, $100 Emilio Pucci, $245 Tiffany & Co., $245
Michael Kors, $360 Louis Vuitton, $385 MCM, $387
Yves Saint Laurent, $400 Loeffler Randall,$445 Sophie Hulme, $645
Valentino, $920 Bottega Veneta, $995 Chanel, $995
Fendi, $1,295 Valentino, $1,998 Chanel, $2,130
Alaia, $2,250 Celine, $2,800 Christian Dior, $4,000
Blissful Style 