Taking Trends to the Office
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Celebrities always look impossibly chic, don’t they? But since your job probably doesn’t involve posing on a red carpet, the celebrity look may not fly at your office. Here, we’ve taken five of the season’s hottest trends—as seen on your favorite stars—and made them office-friendly. Repeat after us: Professional doesn’t have to look plain.
1. Wide-Leg Pants
Just when we finally get comfortable in skinny pants, designers send super-wide-leg pants down the runways. Most commonly seen in denim (Eva Mendes donned a pair for the Grindhouse premiere), opt for khaki or linen trousers at the office. Try Banana Republic’s Martin Linen Wide-Leg Trousers ($88; bananarepublic.com). To balance out the look, pair your pants with a fitted double-breasted jacket or oxford blouse.
2. High-Waisted Pencil Skirts
Take note, Britney and Tara Reid—it’s time to say goodbye to belly-baring low-rises. No longer just a sign of “mom jeans,” the high waist is back with a vengeance. Here, Ugly Betty star America Ferrera shows off the easiest and chicest way to wear the trend to work—a fitted pencil skirt. Details like buttons or belts will make your waist look smaller and your stomach flatter. (And unlike low-rise styles, high-waisted wares camouflage unsightly “muffin top.”) Splurge on this Alvin Valley Wide Waist Skirt ($237; shopbop.com). It’s pricey, but so worth it.
3. Patterned Minidresses
Nothing says summer like bright colors. This season it’s all about purples, pinks, and whimsical patterns on minidresses, like the one Rihanna recently wore on the red carpet. For the office, stick to a slightly longer dress and pair it with a dark blazer and classic pumps. Try this Donna Morgan Matte Jersey Leaf-Print Halter Dress ($105; macys.com). It’s versatile and chic!
4. Platform Wedges
The return of the platform wedge doesn’t have to be painful. While stars like Mischa Barton show off their legs, wedges under wide-leg pants will work better for the office. Try a lower heel and metallic or patent leather for a dressier look, and stay away from cork during work hours. ZiGiny Ginger wedges have a cute tie detail and stacked platform heel, and they won’t break your bank ($67; zappos.com).
5. Peasant Tops
The loose peasant top is a must-have when the weather gets warmer. While Cameron Diaz wears her white linen top casually, belt yours at the waist or add a fitted vest to take it from Monday to Friday. Remember to keep bottoms fitted and straight and avoid wearing with a skirt. Pair this Anthropologie Honeycomb Eyelet Blouse ($98; anthropologie.com) with a Grace Sun Black Vest with bird inner lining ($202; shopatmilk.com).
