5 Professional Style Tips – According to a “Less Young” Professional

Happy almost Mother’s Day! My mom has always been a huge fashion inspiration for me. She is a lawyer like myself and growing up I remember loving all her beautiful suits and heels. You may remember seeing my mom & her style in this post. In honor of Mother’s Day I decided to ask my mom for 5 style tips she thinks that every young professional should know.

As a fashionista who has been in the professional world for nearly 40 years (..sorry to age you there mom.. oops!) she has some great advice. So, without any further ado, here is a “guest post” from my mom. Enjoy!

Top Five Fashion Tips From An Older Professional:

1. Be well groomed
Whatever your level of self care (naked nails or bright red gel) be consistent. Touch up your makeup, stay on top of roots and trims, practice good oral hygiene and make sure your hands are immaculate and your clothing is clean. Who cares what you’re wearing if your mascara has run and you’ve got food stains on your shirt ?

2. Find a signature scent
Experiment with different scents but once you have found your signature one, wear it everyday. It doesn’t have to be expensive it just has to smell good on you. These days certain workplaces are “scent free” and of course you must respect those who are overly sensitive or allergic to strong scents but absent that restriction, indulge yourself (and remember to reapply as needed). My personal signature scent is this one, and Lee’s is this one.

3. Make it fit
From thrift shop finds to high end fashion nothing looks good if it doesn’t fit. Find a seamstress and treat her like gold. Sleeves that end where they’re supposed to, hems that hit just the right spot to make your legs look amazing, a waist that follows the unique curves of your body, will set you apart. An inexpensive suit can look stunning if it fits you like a glove (that in part is what haute couture is all about).

4. Invest in a full-length three-way mirror
Have a good look before you head to work every morning. How you look leaving a room is just as important as how you look arriving. If you can’t afford a three-way mount a second mirror on a door opposite a wall mirror. By moving the door you can get a 360 view!

5. Have a “style emergency kit”
Carry a small emergency kit with you at all times. You know what’s vital to you but my list is below. You can also read Lee’s 10 Things Every Woman Needs in Her Office post for some “must-haves”.
– bandaids
– tape or safety pins for fast repair of a fallen hem
– an emery board to fix a broken nail before it tears further or catches your clothing
– an extra pair of earrings if they’re a staple in your wardrobe. I have a bad habit of removing mine for phone calls then leaving them on my desk. When I get to meetings I then discover them missing and can make do with my emergency pair. It’s easy to have a (cheap) pair that you leave in your car for those days when you forget!
– an extra pair of pantyhose if you wear them

6. (I know she said 5 but this one’s a bonus) SMILE!
A sincere and radiant smile is the best fashion accessory going!