Love fashion but not sure how to make it work in an everyday, office appropriate way? That’s where our friend Mary from The Classy Cubicle comes in! We’re so excited to share her tips today on how to make a fashion statement in the office without getting fired!
Name: Mary Orton
Blog: The Classy Cubicle
City: New York, NY
A lot of our readers are women who get up and go to work every day (just like us!) so we love how your blog is centered on office fashion! What inspired you to start The Classy Cubicle?
Funny enough, if you asked me two years ago what a “fashion blog” was, I don’t think I would have had an answer for you! I sort of stumbled into blogging in a rather unconventional way, due to the confluence of two distinct, yet complementary events in the past 18 months.
I’ve always been so inspired by the visual arts—fashion especially—but never understood what the blogging world was all about. A year and a half ago, I was working on a separate fashion-related project, and started researching trends in women’s accessories. In conducting this research, I was exposed to “fashion blogs” for really the first time, and began to understand what they were all about. I was fascinated by the fledgling industry and amazed by the influence bloggers had on the previously untouchable worlds of fashion and retail. But as I learned more, it struck me that there was very little content in the fashion blogosphere for real, working women.
Concurrently, I was starting my career in a male-dominated business-formal environment in New York City. I became increasingly aware of the myriad challenges faced by females in the workplace, in particular, the issue of workplace dress. Unlike our male counterparts, there is no corporate uniform for women like the suit and tie. Moreover, many of my female colleagues didn’t grow up with working mothers, and therefore didn’t necessarily have an example of how to dress for a professional setting. To me, it seemed like a workwear fashion blog could help women confront these challenges.
So in the end, it was the collision of these two events—the discovery of a major void in the fashion blogosphere and the sartorial challenges faced by myself and my female colleagues at work—that inspired me to start The Classy Cubicle as a fashion resource for professional women.
What’s the best way for you to make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the office?
I think it’s important to think really critically about your own unique office environment. At a basic level, of course fit is the first thing you need to consider—ensuring that hemlines aren’t too short, necklines aren’t too low, and everything else isn’t too tight. But beyond that, since professional environments vary so widely, there really aren’t many universal rules. You have to establish a framework for yourself by taking note of what your colleagues wear, and especially what your bosses wear. Once you’ve made this assessment, you don’t need to try to fit into that prescribed corporate cookie cutter, but rather use it as a frame of reference for your own style choices in the workplace. If you’re ever wondering, is this appropriate for the office? The answer could very well be no, and you should err on the safe side until you’re really sure.
What are some pieces that we might already have in our closets that office appropriate outfits can be based off of? How do you keep your personal style and stay fashion forward while still looking professional?
A major goal of mine on the blog is to show that an office environment does not have to suck out your sartorial soul and that personal style and professional dress are not mutually exclusive. Workwear does not have to be limited to gray, black and navy suits! You can stay true to your personal style and have a lot of fun with color, accessories, and seasonal trends in a completely professional, appropriate way. A lot of fun pieces that you may have automatically thrown into the “nights and weekends only” section of your closet can be styled in a way that looks completely polished and professional. Try throwing on some colorful footwear and a bright statement necklace with your black sheath dress, instead of the usual black pumps and pearls. Accessories, especially, can be an amazing way to bring classic workwear pieces alive in a new and personal way. Otherwise, you may have some cool chunky sweaters or embellished tops that could be paired with a black blazer and cropped pants for a fresh office look. Many, if not most fashion trends can be translated into workwear with a little creativity and most of all, you don’t have to abandon your personal style at the office. With a little imagination, it can all coalesce beautifully!
When we think of spring fashion we think of colorful dresses and strappy sandals. Most offices wouldn’t exactly deem that as “business appropriate”…what are ways we can transition to spring trends while still getting the approval of our bosses?
As long as you’re thoughtful about it, practically every spring trend can be made office-appropriate. For example, spring’s crop top trend may not sound work appropriate when taken at face value, but I’ve tried to show on the blog that you can wear the cropped silhouette in a really polished, professional way, without actually showing any skin. It’s really all about the vehicle you use to employ the trend. Of course you probably can’t sport that brightly colored strapless sundress, but find a blouse, pencil skirt, or shoe in a similarly-inspiring hue.
What are your favorite fashion trends happening for spring this year?
I’ve always been a huge fan of menswear, so I’m thrilled that it’s particularly en vogue right now. And, whether it’s wide leg trousers, loafers, or pinstripes, it doesn’t get much easier than menswear to translate into a professional setting! Otherwise, the obsession with color and prints this season—whether they’re floral, animal, or geometric—are among my favorites, especially head-to-toe print and monochromatic looks. As for accessories, I have always loved chokers, which are now very ‘in’ and am also really loving how pearls are being worn in new, modern ways this season.
Where do you find inspiration for your style as well as everyday life?
Literally everywhere! My style influences range from the set of a ballet, to a painting by Van Gogh, to a beautiful sunset, to a couture collection that recently graced the catwalk. I also draw so much inspiration from other fashion bloggers and the sartorially-astute inhabitants of New York City. While on vacation last year, I saw a little beach bungalow painted in an earthy olive green with gorgeous fuchsia flowers cascading from white-trimmed windows. I was enamored with the unexpected color combination and based a blog post on it the following week when I wore a pleated fuchsia skirt paired with a geometric olive green sweater.
Fashion trend you wish would come back: None! The fashion trends that I love, I wear! Whether they’re technically ‘in’ or not!
Beauty secret: Sleep
Celebrity style crush: Too many to count! Victoria Beckham, Poppy Delevingne, Anna Dello Russo, Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo… all for different reasons!
Secret talent: Classical Piano
I can’t live without: Indian Food