Summer Work Staples: The A-line Skirt

Long time no blog, eh? Back today to continue the Summer Staples series with the A-line skirt.

Credited to the one-and-only Christian Dior back in 1955, the A-line skirt is great for summer because of its figure flattering and airy cut. These skirts are fitted at the waist and then flare out in a straight line away from the body. A-line skirts also tend to be a little on the longer side, making them great for the office. My A-line skirt is definitely an old favorite.

Some things to keep in mind when styling an A-line skirt for workwear:

• Length. As with any skirt, keep your knees in mind. For conservative offices, stay at or below knee length. If you have some freedom, an inch or two above might be okay.

• Fabric. A-line styles are popular for casual wear, too, but not all A-lines are created equal. Avoid clingy jersey and floaty chiffon, and look instead for thicker knits and fabrics with a bit more structure. What they add in heaviness, they make up for in the additional circulation you get underneath (you know what I mean).

• Print. A sweet floral can be perfect for a weekend picnic, but might not make the transition well to weekday wear. Solids are most versatile, but there are a lot of print options that are office appropriate, too. My personal rule is to choose either print or color—the louder the print, the more neutral the color, and vice versa.

• Slip/lining. As with any skirt or dress, if yours isn't lined, wear a slip. It not only helps with modesty, but it also helps most fabrics skim your body better.

• Width. There is a lot of variation among A-lines based on how dramatic they flare out. Some will stand out just wider than a pencil skirt, while others have enough fabric to drape and fold. Both can be office appropriate, so try them out and see what you like best.

• Styling. A-line skirts can be styled just like any other skirt. They tend to look better with heels, especially if your skirt falls at or below the knee.

Land's End skirt | LOFT top | Calvin Klein wedges | Forever 21 necklace

Think Tank skirt | Sonoma Life + Style top | Nine West pumps | Croft and Barrow necklace | Danielle Nicole Clutch

How do you style an A-line skirt for the office?

Summer Staples: The one-piece swimsuit

This isn't really a work staple, per se, but it's hard to go a summer without putting on a swimsuit at least once. We've touched on swimwear and business before, but what about purely social events where coworkers are present? Pool parties, lake sports, beach bonfires—what's a lady to do?

One-piece swimsuits tend to harken Speedo, but they are making a huge comeback with new and retro styles. As a child, I remember my mom always looking glamorous by the pool in a fuchsia ruched halter suit (almost exactly like the Eliza from Rey Swimwear). I took the plunge and grabbed a one-piece last year, which I've used for situations that need a little more coverage and that are a little more sporty (like kayaking).

Things to look for in a one-piece:

• Movement. Run in place in the dressing room, sit down, get up. Does your suit stay in place? Having to constantly adjust is more than just annoying—it can also draw unwanted attention to the uncomfortable areas.

• Coverage. When it comes to swimwear, you have to think beyond just covering the mid-section or too much cleavage. Make sure the color isn't light enough to see through, and that there is enough coverage on top if you're prone to fripplage.

• Rewearability. Have fun with your one-piece, and you may find yourself wearing it more often. Plus, confidence always looks good.

• Tankini. If you prefer, a tankini can mimic a one-piece in coverage. If your top and bottom are different sizes, or if you have a long torso, this is a great alternative to common one-piece problems.

Some fun one-pieces (and a tankini) from around the web:

1. Tommy Hilfiger, $48 — 2. Merona, $35 — 3. Gap, $30 — 4. Land's End Canvas tankini, $90

Do you keep a one-piece handy? What do you look for in a swimsuit?

Summer Work Staples: The Peep-toe

Continuing the summer style series, today we explore the peep-toe. Whether you like it in pump, wedge or flat form, we all enjoy a little extra air down there in the summer. I'm a fan—I have basic peep-toe pumps in brown croc, black leather and nude patent to keep me covered.

Uber-conservative offices are generally closed-toe year-round, but if you have a more relaxed dress code and can toss in a little toe here or there, here are some things to consider when shopping for and styling peep-toe pumps for the office.

• Peep a little, peep a lot. Even among peep-toes, there is a lot of variation, from a tiny cut-out vee to an entire exposed toe-area. Try a few styles on to see what you're most comfortable with. The more conservative your office is, the smaller your peeping area should be.
• Coverage. Keep the rest of the shoe more conservative in coverage. I recommend saving the peep-toe d'orsays or slingbacks for events rather than office wear. Peep-toes in open lace (unlined), crochet, or other open fabrics are also not for the office.
• Color. I'm a big fan of working color into your work wardrobe, and shoes are no exception. Keep the look balanced by pulling a single color from the rest of your outfit into your shoes, or by accenting an otherwise neutral outfit with a pop. Leave the ultra bright neons at home unless you're in a very creative environment.
• Embellishments. Add a little pizzazz to an office shoe through texture or try something with a little embellishment (buckles, bows or cut-outs are pretty easy to find). A mary jane, t-strap or ankle strap are also fun spins on a classic peep-toe pump.
• Perfect the pedi. A messy or unkept pedicure can make even the chicest peep-toe look bad. There's not need to go out and spend money on regular pedicures (unless you're into that kind of thing), just make sure your nails are clean and clipped. If you do go with a color, make sure it is office appropriate—you have a little more leeway on your toes than your fingers, especially in summer, but don't go totally crazy.
• Wear with...anything. Peep-toes are pretty versatile in the office. They look chic with a knee-length dress (any shorter and it can look like too much skin) or with a pair of floor-skimming pants (or some skinnies on Casual Friday). 

Some fun office-appropriate peep-toe styles:

Pumps
Platforms

Are peep-toes part of your summer shoe collection? How do you keep them office appropriate?

Summer Work Staples: The Shirtdress

I don't know about where you are, but it is not spring anymore in Miami (it's not full-on summer yet, either, so I'll enjoy the 88 degree/70% humidity weather while I can). Summer in the office can be a touchy balance, but it's no excuse to let your style wilt. I'll be focusing on some summer style staples over the next few weeks (months? We'll see how many I find) and offering some tips to make them appropriate for the office.

First up: the shirtdress.

I've harped on shirtdresses before, but I'd like to add some special summer notes:

• Length. It is tempting to go a little higher in the hem for summer, but your skirts and dresses should be office-appropriate length year-round. For the most part, this means no more than an inch or two (max) above the knee. 
• Fabric. Structured fabrics are always chic, but I do think you can get away with a nice silk for summer. Avoid anything too clingy or synthetic (breathable is best). Fabric makes a huge difference and can make a modest dress bearable in hot weather.
• Sleeves. Depending on your office, going sleeveless may be a year-round thing or a never thing. When in doubt, I'd choose sleeves. To avoid having to take a jacket or cardi on and off all the time, try a cap sleeve or short sleeve. Three-quarter sleeve dresses in a light breathable fabric can be super-chic, too.
• Double-sided tape. I'm a huge fan of wearing a slip under my dress at all times (or at least a half-slip) but I don't overheat easily. If you absolutely cannot bear to wear a full slip in the summer, make sure to double-stick tape between the buttons. If you choose to go slip-less completely (again, not recommended), I'd double-sided tape the whole way down.
• Pattern and color. It's summer, I get it, you want to lighten up. Have some fun and bring in some lighter colors and basic patterns, but keep your loud prints and colors for the weekend.
• Accessories. When wearing a more casual dress, accessories can take the look from one end of the spectrum to another. A structured bag and closed-toe shoes will ensure you don't look like you're on your way to a summer picnic.

Some ideas to get your creativity cranking...

Pumps
Day Dresses

Love a pop of color in the shoe and the light fun print of this dress.

Day Dresses
Flats

A rosy pink is feminine without being too sweet, and flats are the ultimate practical shoe.


Does your work wardrobe change in the summer? What staples do you rely on in hot weather?