My Imaginary Work Wardrobe
Can't you see the CEOs fainting in my path?
I talk about fashion all the time, but we relatively seldom focus on the place where most of us spend a painful amount of time: the office. To be perfectly honest, my real work wardrobe falls somewhat short. I do have a collection of well-fitting and perfectly serviceable suits, a probably inappropriate number of pairs of pin-striped slacks, largely from Banana Republic, and half a dozen shells and silk blouses in different colors. Beyond that, though, what I have in my closet for the workday is a collection of relics of shopping trips ten years ago when it had not yet occurred to me that fashion existed and that there was a distinction between things that looked good on the hanger and things that looked good on me. (Oops.) I finally just threw away a pair of baggy burgundy pleat-front wool pants that were at least one size too large, and possibly two. Let’s never speak of those again.
As I slowly replace the horrifying with the stylish, however, I find myself fantasizing about the wardrobe I’d have if someone gave me Sarah Palin’s campaign wardrobe funding. That wardrobe? Ooh. You know the kind. The wardrobe of clothes so mind-bogglingly sharp and fashionable that the women keel over out of sheer envy and the men can’t decide whether to be turned on by your gorgeousness or intimidated by your air of competence and power. My imaginary work wardrobe involves a lot of Hugo Boss, a lot of Armani, and a judicious selection of terrific work wear from other designers. Filling my imaginary wardrobe is nearly as much fun as stepping up the real one.
Here’s what would be in my imaginary work closet for this season.
First, of course, I’d need one or two fabulous pant suits. Simple, straightforward, but beautifully cut by someone who knows how to make a suit look hot like Armani or Dolce and Gabbana. For fall, it’d be perfect in black or charcoal grey. Once I had a couple of basic power suits, I’d branch out to pick up jackets, pants, and skirts with a little twist to keep things interesting. I’m loving this one for this fall:
Sharp but still feminine. From Armani Collezioni.
This delicately fringe-trimmed suit from Dior might have to join the collection too — perfect with a simple shell and just the right shoes:
Of course, to go with my wardrobe of fabulous suits, I’d need a few statement tops to go underneath. You know, for those occasions when you have to go buttoned down, but still want to make sure they know who they’re dealing with. I like this one from Jean Paul Gaultier; it has fabulous detailing while still remaining work appropriate with a jacket, and the color couldn’t be better.
This one from Oscar de la Renta is also a gorgeous color and has beautiful detailing:
A white blouse is also a work wardrobe staple, but this fall I’d go for this over-the-top ruffled number from Zac Posen:
Lavishly ruffled; perfect with a simple charcoal grey pencil skirt.
Of course, this would all need to be accessorized. A pump in dark plum-colored suede, exquisitely tasteful and yet still with a little interest:
From Salvatore Ferragamo.
And the perfect navy heel:
From Giuseppe Zanotti, natch.
To top it off, the Mulberry Bayswater tote in rouge noir. Businesslike, and big enough to bring along a file or two when called for.
Anyone else want to share their imaginary wardrobe?
