When the interns are allowed to come to work in Keds, your tweed, high- waisted pencil skirt may make you appear more like the principal than the boss. Knowing your environment comes before all things. Match the Zac Posen pencil skirt with a funky, printed tank and youthful jewelry. Skirts can now be worn short with the evolution of leggings (and yes if that’s your thing, you do need the leggings, unless there’s something extra about your job we don’t know, bare legs up to your panty line are not appropriate). 

More often than not professionals are opting for the A-Line cuts as an alternative to the traditional pencil skirt. There once existed a time when the jacket didn’t exist without the skirt and vice versa. Then came the 80’s and pantsuits were the name of the game. It was the only way women felt they could be taken seriously and not as sexual objects.

Today, sexual appeal is intentional and it is used as fashion leverage. We have adjusted our sense of style to include our sexuality as a positive feature of womanhood, in every aspect of life – including our careers. The very best part of career ensembles in the millennium is mix of old school, new school and making pieced together look pulled together.

The most traditional power piece that is just as fresh today as its ever been is the blouse. It can be the centerpiece of the entire ensemble. There are the obvious blouses, pretty and frilly usually silks accented with beadings or with lace. Worn best with tough streetwear, typically not suitable for work, the blouse allows you to “pretty up” a casual ensemble. Accessories should still be kept to a minimum, 9 times out of 10 it makes a more fashionable statement to have a star accessory – your investment Jimmy Choo bag, the art deco inspired bib necklace or the patent leather corset belt.

One at a time, to offset an ensemble can make you a star. All together can make you look like the Riddler from Batman. Offices, particularly in creative industries, have become  a lot more lax in terms of large jewelry. Do not think you can make partner at a law firm, channeling Carrie Bradshaw (who was channeling Salt n’ Pepa) with doorknocker earrings, believe us they will not get the irony.

Rule above all rules – stay on top of your game. It’s 2008 and Armani everyday isn’t the safe way out anymore. Truth be told, you will probably find a lot more Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney in the most fashionable office buildings today. The designers who have captured the youth of their own generation but earned the respect of the most traditional of authorities. It makes sense to vary your choices and base them on the nature of your environment.