Pencil Skirts & Bow Ties

Sitting at work and walking around the streets of DC for lunch I've noticed that a lot of us young folk seem to put more effort into rolling out of bed and going to work.. That’s not to say all adults don't dress well for work, but I think we were exposed more to how we should present ourselves. We have grown up with shows such as Sex and the City, The OC, and now Gossip Girl which flaunts classic styles with modern twists of pop color.

The days of schlumping around in and out of the work place are over- of course it depends on where you work. Now more than ever your appearance DOES make a difference. People notice what you wear, whether you think they do or not. Of course we'd like to think how we present ourselves doesn't make a difference, but it does. Why do you think there are dress codes? It's your jobs way of making you uphold a certain reputation. You are a direct reflection of the job you perform whether it reflects you personally or not- but it should so start to dress fun :) Balls isn't it?

So what are the trends that make us look sleek, sophisticated, and in my opinion, down right attractive? Pencil Skirts & Bow Ties (at least for a corporate work environment)

High-Waist Pencil Skirts- These lovely things give the appearance of a longer leg and thinner torso. They also provide curves in all the right places, whether you have any or not. Pair this with a high collar to bowtie blouse or a tucked in cotton tee with a sweater and belt. If you ever need a reference I suggest looking through the JCREW catalog- this is how you should dress for work.

Obviously you don’t have to buy JCREW as there are many other options that are less expensive/ cost-effective, but the general idea is there. Girls flourish in feminine structured garments that leave much to the imagination for anything underneath. Subtle, tailored, and classic is the way to go. Ladies should know that subtlness and secrecy is very attractive, and you don't have to look like a librarian either!

Bow Ties- I have a crush on bowties. If you are the right person you can pull them off without getting weird looks and whispers from people. I’m not talking about looking like Steve Erkyl or someone who popped out from the Lilly Pulitzer catalog (ew). I am talking about wearing a real man’s bow tie. If you can pull off suspenders bravo to you.

Some people can do one or the other, never both, unless you are an older gentleman, like the one seen here, who is awesome also sporting vintage eyewear to match is drobe.

PANTS SHOULD FIT AND NOT HANG OFF OF YOUR DERIER. Guys- we all remember 6th & 7th grade where oversized skater pants were in,but it's not anymore. We shouldn't see any type of boxer, brief, or a combo of the two- pull 'em up!

I’m sick of regular polo shirts (Lacoste style). Great it’s a cotton shirt. If you want to be casual fine, or go out to a bar fine, but be a man and wear a button- up. Roll the sleeves up half way to show your fore arms- this is a very attractive part of the male anatomy Hello Channing Tatum.

Also gentlemen... PLEASE DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR HAIR! I don't care if it's long, short, buzzed or bald. Please just don't grow it out and house it under a hat. I guess in a way a hat is a "mancessory". And don't just leave your locks to do whatever- you don't have to use any sort of product, but unless you look good with bed head (and a lot of guys do) try to style it in some way with your hands. Facial hair is personal taste, but please look groomed.

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I'm also not asking you to spend the kind of money celebrities or characters on TV do- case and point: My friends Lucas and Michael were nice enough to let me use a picture of them as superb examples of what I'm talking about. These two fellas have displayed excellent judgement in their fashion choices. Bravo to both of you!

They both have chosen to incorporate a variety of colors and patterns that aren't dull, but look polished without compromising their individual sense of style or personalities.

Consider This: Just because you wear pink pants , a powder-blue button up and yellow flip flops does not mean you have style- it really is only appreciated by others who inhabit the nest :)

FOR BOTH PARTIES: Experiment with colors. Don't just stick with black, white and grey. Mix up brow

n and yellow, red and navy, orange and cream- this applies to both sexes. You don't have to look like an easter

egg, but experiment with colors, textures, layering and patterns. Have fun, but make sure it works. No one just throws something on an looks fabulous- it takes a lot of thought and effort. If you are so lucky to have that ability, hats off to you.

Everyone notices when someone is dressed to the 9’s- even if it’s during the day. Perhaps the choices are bold and something that may only be considered appropriate for the streets of NYC, but consider this: The world is always watching you never know who you may inspire.