Changing dress codes for work...What even is 'business casual' ?

As post-Covid dress codes change even more formal businesses are asking employees to wear ‘business casual’ to work. But what even is this exactly, and who is coaching employees (and women particularly) on what to wear?

Hoping to make the majority of employees more comfortable in returning to the office, I see how this relaxation of dress codes can add a new source of stress for many. “Am I dressed too formal or too casual?” “Will I be taken seriously if I wear jeans to work?”

There is a general formula to apply depending on the culture of your particular office, and it can be applied to jeans and many other wardrobe staples. The fit, condition, and cut of the key pieces are important. You need to consider the industry norms or the reference point from where the change is coming. The company ‘vibe’ and your place in it. Are you meeting company executives or clients face to face? And finally, your personal brand as more relaxed dressing provides an excellent opportunity to express it in a favorable and authentic way.

If you need practical assistance navigating the new workwear landscape, and even how to style jeans for your office culture, please enquire to @issellstyle who has experience consulting on this topic.

Time to Shine!

Are you ready to shine bright like a diamond? Metallic fashion is trending and a must-have for any fashion-forward wardrobe. 

From metallic dresses and skirts to shimmering accessories, there’s no shortage of ways to rock this trend. Whether you prefer a subtle hint of shine or head-to-toe metallic flame, there’s a metallic piece out there for you.

One of the best about this trend is its versatility. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. For a more casual look, you might pair a metallic skirt with a t-shirt and sneakers. For a more formal event, you could wear a metallic dress with heels and statement jewelry. 

The key to pulling off this look is to not overdo it. Try one or two metallic pieces and pair them with more neutral items. This will help balance the look and avoid appearing too flashy or flinty as the case may be. 

Overall, the metallics trend is a great way to add some shine and glamour to your wardrobe. And surely Covid has ensured we need some of that?

Who wears the pants?

When I start a wardrobe session with a client one of my first requests is... “show me your pants!”. This essential and pivotal wardrobe item is ‘il primo’ when it comes to building the perfect wardrobe. 

Most women can attest to the fact that a pair of tailored pants, or well-cut blazer really does do something for your confidence.  Renewed excitement to wear structured classics is not limited to executive women. Even the flamboyant or avant-garde dresser is embracing these smarter tailored pieces. 

The desire to ‘smarten up’ is less about need and more about mind set. Recent world events like #metoo, #bushfires, #coronavirus etc, mean the feeling is not so much for show-off or notice-me fashion but rather a wardrobe in which we feel armoured and protected. Empowered and safe...yes please! 

Learn to mix structured and soft, masculine and feminine pieces together in considered outfits to give you a styling edge that makes you feel both strong and feminine. I specialize in ‘Executive Melbourne-Style’ packages to present the best version of you. 

Wear Buy Date

Rental dress businesses are booming !  Young girls with more designer awareness than cash are being socially savvy with a knock-out outfit they have for only a few days or so. In a digital world content is key. Once the look is captured on Insta or other social platforms...onto the next thing! 

Apparently the youth have attention spans of gold-fish these days. With communication and content coming at us from all directions the addictive nature of new visual stimulation, including fashion is undeniable. Just look at the overflowing recycle and opp shops as a result.

 Much like the ride-share revolution, I believe the rent, and re-cycle business is here to stay and our uncluttered wardrobe will thank us for it. As for the volume fashion chains...that’s another story.

Do you need help decluttering your wardrobe, clearing valuable wardrobe and headspace? Use my ‘Set The Stage - Wardrobe Review’ package to organise, edit and re-cycle your unneeded clothing. 

Packing for Paris

I’m always inspired to dress up a little more when shopping in Paris. Now to me, that does not mean the same as ‘dressy’. Who looks comfortable tottering along cobblestoned streets in stilettos...really? From the superbly located Hotel Bel Ami my regular base in Paris for over 10 years, your eye does get honed by the Parisian style aesthetic...a somewhat casual elegance that appears quite effortless to the outsider. Strolling along Rue de Four to Le Bon Marche on the fashionable Left Bank district, you want to feel at home and comfortable in the habitat of the native Parisian. This takes a certain nonchalant confidence and self-styled bravery, the clever mixing of plain and fancy styles, or maybe masculine and feminine styles. Beautiful artisanal pieces have as much value as high-end designer...perhaps more?  These formulas come quite naturally to the stylish Parisian. Finding your own style and not following fashion blindly is an art that I enjoy sharing with others and part of my ‘A Parisian Experience’ journey. A suggested Paris Packing List is provided on this exclusive small group tour.

The Humble Hanger

When I first meet a client, we spend quite a bit of time in their wardrobe. Literally IN their wardrobe. It can be a very revealing confessional as to the relationship they have with clothes, their personality type and just how they end up dressing each day.

The humble coat hanger from which most garments hang shows a lot about how we value our clothing and how we organise our dressing method. In the ideal wardrobe there is no room for the ugly wire hanger variety...they must go! As well as the hanger, ‘the system’ you have is so important. I’m talking accessory displays and storage, shoe-drobes and logical clothing category organisation. I’ve seen many a chaotic wardrobe space in my work and starting with the humble hanger, a wardrobe makeover sets the scene for a fabulous style re-fresh. So what hangers do I recommend? Ideally, the flocked hanger, available at Target and other retailers, with a reinforced centre. These hangers don’t take up too much space in the wardrobe, they are gentle with delicate clothes but sturdy enough for heavier garments.