Work Appropriate for Who Featuring Jennie, the PR Account Exec

Name

Jennie

Blog

Sincerely, Jennie

Age Range

Mid-20s

Job Title

Public Relations Account Executive

Job Description

I am a media specialist who helps develop media relationships, creates clients’ media materials, thinks strategically about client’s communications needs and manages some social media platforms. My days vary from sitting behind a desk, going to in-studio media opportunities and meeting with clients.

Organization Description

The communications agency I work at is a mid-sized firmed in Chicago’s loop. We have a variety of local and national clients, many of which are in the nonprofit or healthcare sectors as well as tourism and cultural.

What dress code was given to you when you began the job?

We typically dress business casual, although client meetings or in-studio media opportunities call for something a little more formal.

What do you generally wear to work?

I am a huge fan of dresses and skirts because they’re more comfortable for me than sitting in pants all day long. I often keep my outfits simpler and neutral and accessorize with colorful or trendy jewelry, shoes and bags.

Where do you like to shop for work attire?

My favorite stores for work attire are Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Express. For accessories and shoes, I like shopping Baublebar, TJMaxx and Nine West.

How have you developed your professional style?

When I first started out I’d fluctuate between what I thought was traditional business wear (a blazer and skirt) and dressing almost too casual (summer dresses). I’m still experimenting with what my professional style is, but I’ve found I like to stick with traditional silhouettes (pencil or a-line skirts, fitted blouses) and use colors or patterns to make the look my own.

In your specific office, what is one thing you would tell a woman to definitely NOT wear?

Don’t wear something so casual you look as if you could be running weekend errands instead of advising clients. As young professionals in public relations, we’re sometimes the face of our team both to the client or media. It’s important to look competent, and the right clothes can also help you appear more experienced and as if you’re taking the opportunity seriously.

What is the best “dress code” advice you have ever received?

“If you think it’s too short or too low cut, it probably is.” If you feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable in something while getting dressed, chances are that feeling will just grow during the day, so just change skirts. You don’t want to be sitting in a meeting pulling on your hem the entire time!

What advice would you give to women starting in her career about dressing for her job?

Invest in key pieces that will help you feel like you fit in your office. It’s good to look as if you’ve built up your work wardrobe, and not as if you’re still a college student playing dress up. Remember this doesn’t have to be expensive. You can catch plenty of great options on sale. (Express often has 40% their work attire and it lasts forever, and Banana Republic and Ann Taylor are also often holding 40% off sales!)

Anything else you would like to add?

Once you invest in key work pieces, don’t be afraid to have fun with your style! That black pencil skirt? Wear it with a blush colored leather jacket and you’ll immediate brighten it up. Pink suede high heels are also work appropriate, as long as they’re paired with something like a navy sheath dress. Office style is all about expressing yourself, as long as it still fits your office’s culture.

If you’d like to read more about office style or see examples, feel free to visit the professional section on my blog: http://www.sincerelyjennie.com/category/professional/.