I’m doing it again. Wearing all black. Sometimes with a pop of grey….or navy, if I’m feeling particularly adventurous. Why is it so hard to break out of a style rut? Readers, I promised you we’d grow together, and I hope you’re wearing plenty of cobalt tailored pants, experimenting with fabric and sporting some dangly earrings. But now it’s time for your advisor to follow suit! So I’ve put together my summer wish list, comprised of four amazing pieces that I promise you I will buy and, more importantly, wear.
1. Non-Traditional Blazer.
The streets of Toronto are alive with splendid-looking girls in orange and turquoise jackets — and I still reach for my trusty black topper. No longer! My next jacket purchase will be the Fantasy Fabric Blazer from Zara, a nubby, textured fabric in a gorgeous creamy vanilla or aquamarine. Office-appropriate with a neutral sheath dress, taupe pants and a cream blouse or a navy skirt, this jacket won’t let me down. Generally, I spend more on blazers than other pieces — not only does it pull together your whole look, it coveys professionalism and “lawyerliness.” Plus, you need something that will last through all those late nights at the office…anyone who’s ever worn out the elbows of their blazer knows what I’m talking about.
2. Patent Pointy-Toed Pumps
Embarrassingly, I got really excited for my first office job — back in the summer of 2001 — primarily because I got to buy nice work clothes. By “nice,” I mean no faded jeans or hoodies. My very first purchase that summer was a pair of pointy-toed black heels, and they instantly made me feel office-ready. And now they’re baa-aaack! (Did they ever leave?) My dream pair this season is from Town Shoes: Anne Klein iflex pumps in gold (really more of a taupe or muted beige), topped with a fabulous structured bow that has an Art Deco feel. I am simply obsessed with these comfortable and versatile shoes — they are chic and sophisticated and go with absolutely everything. (Okay, maybe not a bikini. But if you’re wearing a bikini to work, you have bigger problems that I can’t address in this column. It’s also possible that you have my dream job.) On Friday, I will wear my new shoes with dark rinse jeans, a checkered collared shirt, a skinny brown belt and a navy blazer.
3. Something Striped.
An indispensable classic, stripes are always in fashion. This summer, I’m coveting the Allegra Boatneck Dress from Anthropologie. Such a sweet dress with an interesting shape that isn’t too bold for legal workplaces, and a banded middle that shapes and flatters any body type, from the curvy to the boyish. The length is perfect, as is the sleeve length, and the dress is multipurpose. I’ll wear with a cropped navy jacket and my new pumps during the week, then switch to gladiator sandals and a bright clutch for barbeques and patios.
4. Short-sleeved Blouse.
I know I said to stick to cotton in the summer, but it is so hard not to experiment — even in the heat — with all the amazing choices in stores right now. I am torn between several options. There’s Anthropologie’s Trove Top, a fantastic blouse that resembles a Paul Klee watercolour painting. Like I said, fashion is wearable art! I’m also a fan of Forever 21’s Colorblock Tie Neck Top in black and peach, a cool piece that’s wearable and comfortable. Either piece can be worn throughout the week (including Fridays) with various skirt, pant and suit combinations in a range of colours, and also work for your after-work life (and here’s hoping you have an after work life this summer!).
We reach for the same old clothes every morning because it’s easy, and because we have other things on our mind. But notice the difference in your step, your confidence and your attitude when you head to work wearing something bright; something different. Whether you shop the stores or shop your closet this month, it’s always fun to keep a wish list — after all, fashion is fantasy!
What will you be wearing this summer?
Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at FMC. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Have questions or a column idea for Emma? Send them to tips@lawandstyle.beta-site.ca.