If you couldn’t tell, I love my fellow DC bloggers! I had met Alicia a few times and chatted over twitter, but I think our real bonding during post-barre brunch. Because doesn’t most blogger bonding happen over brunch? Okay, maybe just in DC. Anyways, back to Alicia’s work style. I think I would refer to this as “style I love and wish I could pull it off.” In case that wasn’t clear, I’m a big fan. Read on to learn more about her work style and don’t miss her advice at the end-I love it!
Name
Alicia Chew
Blog
Age
24
Job Title
Marketing Coordinator
Job Description
Plan and execute events, develop marketing campaigns,
Organization Description
I work at the North America headquarters of a global software company.
What dress code was given to you when you began the job?
Business Casual and Casual Fridays
What do you generally wear to work?
Shift dresses, fit and flare dresses, midi skirts, tailored trousers, jeans on Fridays. I always go for dark denim or black jeans on Fridays; darker denim always looks much more professional!
Where do you like to shop for work attire?
I love ASOS, J.Crew, Ann Taylor and South Moon Under for timeless yet super stylish work pieces.
How have you developed your professional style?
My company’s dress code isn’t super strict, however, whenever I go shopping now I try to buy pieces that I can wear to work, casually on the weekends and out to happy hour/date nights.
In your specific office, what is one thing you would tell a woman to definitely NOT wear?
Leggings cannot, I repeat CANNOT, be worn as pants to the office! It’s somewhat acceptable to wear leggings underneath a dress and boots, but a short shirt or a tunic? No, no, no!
What is the best “dress code” advice you have ever received?
This is a little cliche, but dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I see a ton of people in the office wear jeans on weekdays, but my boss would never come into the office wearing denim unless it’s Friday. I mimic the things that she wears to an extent while staying true to my own style, because I know I want to be as high up as my boss one day.
What advice would you give to women starting in her career about dressing for her job?
Really look inside of your closet and see what pieces you own that you might already be able to wear to work. As a college grad a few years ago I thought I would need to buy a lot of new pieces, but in reality, I had a lot of great items in my closet that could be dressed up for the office.
Anything else you would like to add?
Have fun in the office! My professional style is really just a more grown up, polished version of my college style. Don’t be afraid to rock prints, color and unexpected textures. Just say no to a black pant suit!
