OFFICE CHIC: Looking Professional Without Losing Your Style

As a young professional woman, you’ve likely had enough time in the working world to realize that a tube top, flip-flops and ponytail aren’t appropriate office attire. But how can you express yourself without giving up your sense of style? Houston experts have weighed in with their style tips to spruce up your 9-5 appearance that won’t result in a call from HR.

Your hairstyle is one of the most attention-grabbing statements you can make. But styled in the wrong way, your mane could catch the negative eye of your employer. Michael Kemper, hairstylist and Highland Village salon namesake, knows a thing or two about being professional. This entrepreneur has been cutting and styling the coifs of Houston’s inner-loopers for more than two decades.

For the office, Michael recommends smooth, sleek hair that is away from the face.

“Your eyes convey a lot of expression and influence,” says Michael. “Untamed hair that covers the eyes can hurt your professionalism.

To add a bit of personal flair to your do, Michael suggests pulling one side of your hair up with a barrette or embellished bobby pin. It’s important to maintain a boardroom-ready style but feel free to mix in your individuality with minimalist hair accessories. When hair is pulled up, Michael says a classy way to add in style is by wrapping a strand of hair around to hide the rubber band. This strand can also be braided to add youthful panache.

“Save your care-free hair styles for the weekends where products can be used to create a wilder look,” says Michael. “Weekends are the perfect time to explore the many ways your hair can look.”

Stylist and owner of River Oaks’ Muse Boutique Lindsay Mousadakis has transformed the closets of many professional Houston women. Lindsay recommends using accessories to add more “you” to a suit or business casual outfit.

“Shoes, bags and jewelry are a great way to add  personal flair to your work wardrobe with color, ruffles, textures and unique style that you love,” says Lindsay.

She suggests selectiong one item as your main attraction and keeping others minimal. Accessories should complement your style without overpowering your overall workplace motif. 

“Jewelry should be simple without fuss or glitter,” says Lindsay. “Follow the rule of three; wearing a bracelet and earrings, or necklace and bracelet, but not all three at the same time.”  Be aware of jingling jewelry that could be distracting in a meeting. 

One way to take a plain gray or black suit from drab to fab is with colored accessories like a distinctive handbag. Lindsay says, “Every young professional woman should own a bag that can carry you through the year that looks great with your suit and can double for after dinner drinks.”

In business, it’s important to put your best face forward. An overly bold choice in makeup application could have you missing the mark at your next corporate conference. 

Rome Salon and Day Spa at West Ave. offers the latest in beauty services including makeup application. “Workplace makeup should always have a conservative, more natural look,” says Rome’s Executive Director Zahira Coll.

For daytime, Zahira recommends wearing a mineral makeup foundation, mascara, lip liner and lip-gloss. To add more glam with eye shadow, choose a product in a flattering color that is multipurpose and can double as a highlighter and blush. This will keep your overall color cohesive and save you time by only taking a few steps to apply your entire look.

“Smokey and shimmery eye shadow, heavy eyeliner and dark lipsticks should be left for nighttime or cocktail hour,” says Zahira.

For a weekday-ready face, consider Zahira’s three rules of workplace makeup application: 1. Use colors appropriate to your skin tone, 2. Enhance your features by covering imperfections and 3. Always wear makeup to work because it gives you a more professional polished image. 

As a young professional, adhering to workplace standards of dress is a must but that doesn’t mean your individuality has to be mute.  By applying these simple tips to your Monday-Friday wardrobe, you’ll be on you’re way to a look that’s both professional and chic.