Help Wanted in the Fashion Department

Here's an old post from when I first got to the City and landed my first real job. Even though I had my dream position, I wasn't quite sure I had the clothes to match. Read on...

In true New York fashion, my life has changed more dramatically in the past three days than it has in the entire four weeks since I’ve been here. Here’s the breakdown: on Tuesday I interviewed for a job, got it on Thursday, and start on Monday. To say my life has been a whirlwind the past few days would be quite the understatement.

The transition from student to intern to professional is pretty daunting, especially when factoring in the wardrobe. Being taken seriously in your career is obviously important, but at what style-cost?

Lately I've been wondering if one must sacrifice their fashion sense in order to obtain success in the workplace. For instance, must I be forced to set aside the Vogue, put down the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, and deny all knowledge of anything having the least bit to do with fashion if I want my new colleagues at a New York City literary agency to respect me? Let’s hope not.

One thing is for sure, I know that a complete fashion makeover is out of the question. No matter how badly I want to succeed in the literary world, everything has its limits.

Luckily, there are tons of great finds out there that can let you have your fashion cake and eat it, too. For example, this Helmut Lang would be perfect for the office. The avant-garde print juxtaposes the traditional cut brilliantly, making it a piece that can easily go from work to drinks with a few extra swipes of mascara and an added clutch. And these Lanvin pumps have longevity, which completely justifies the spending splurge.

And once I’ve proven myself enough, these daring harem trousers are definitely going to have their moment. Paired with a blazer, white tank, and amazing heels, this Topshop find screams SUCCESSFUL AND CONFIDENT IN BOTH FASHION AND BUSINESS!

Office style doesn’t have to be an oxymoron, and with a little restraint and strategic shopping, I’m sure I’ll be able to keep my love for fashion without losing my job, even though I may have to leave my Vogue-reading for at home and not while I'm at my desk.