The clothes we wear to the office has changed considerably in the last decade. Most men are not wearing suits on a regular basis to work and women are not in suits and stocks anymore either! And we here at The Style Duo think that it is great not to be required to wear a “uniform” to your place of business. We believe expressing yourself through style is just as important at work as it is everywhere else. BUT… there are still some trends and styles that you should tread cautiously with when deciding what to wear to the workplace.

For example, before wearing fur or even faux fur to the workplace, you must think about whether or not it it appropriate for the environment you are in.
Just like other styles, think before you wear. For example, if you are a third grade schoolteacher, you are not going to show up to the classroom in leather hot shorts and tights. However, if you are a booker at a cutting edge modeling agency that outfit might be really cool! Different looks are appropriate in different environments. Same with fur. Since fur can sometimes give off a sexy, glamourous vibe, you should put away your statement fur and faux fur pieces for date night and parties. But some designers are making short trimmed vests and using fur on collars and cuffs. You will feel more comfortable in these subtle versions of the trend from 9-5.

If you are in sales or will be on your feet most of the day. make sure you wear comfortable shoes. There are no two people who embrace the high heeled trend more than us! BUT, that being said, even we wore lower heels and alot of wedges when we were working as personal shoppers at Neiman Marcus and had to be on our feet all day. So if you are on your feet for a good portion of the day invest in alot of cute wedges and jeweled flats so you stay stylish AND comfortable.

A trend that is really big this season is cut out shoulders. We have embraced that trend and you will see the two of us wearing this style alot this season. It’s fun and flirty and if you are in the fashion, music, or entertainment business go right ahead! But if you are heading up a meeting in the boardroom, leave your cut outs at home and instead don peplums, colored blazers and lace trimmed cardigans for an on-trend but appropriate look.

Leather is everywhere and we are seeing some fabulous polished, conservative ways to wear it to work. But be careful not to show too much skin and instead keep it loose and sophisticated. Too tight and you are sending the wrong message! And leopard is popping up on clothing this season. But keep it to an accessory or just a small detail for day.

Here are some Duo and Don’ts for trends in the workplace. We’ve come a long way!

With our sandals, halters, and bikinis put away and Fall in full gear, we have many of our clients asking us how they can dress sexy while staying weather appropriate. Of course, most people think dressing sexy requires showing lots of skin. But we all know that showing lots of skin and cooler temperatures don’t mix very well. We here at The Style Duo have some good ideas and fashion tips to help you look unbelievably hot without feeling unbelievably cold!

A great way to embrace sexy styles for Fall is to look for clothes with longer sleeves with cutouts in unusual places to show glimpses of skin. We absolutely love the very trendy cold shoulder tops that many designers are showing this season. Popping up as long sleeve tees, sweaters, and even button down shirts, we have already become major fans of this sexy silhouette. Also many designers are showing long sleeve tops with cutouts on the back or on the waist. Cut outs are even being shown on different styles of dresses. Paired with the right tights and edgy boots, this can be a great option for a Saturday night out on the town.

Another way to stay “hot” not cold is to wear certain fabrics and patterns to add sex appeal. By incorporating leopard prints, metallic sheens, leather and fur into your Fall wardrobe, you will surely be a fabulous fall fashionista.

With Halloween just around the corner, many of us are throwing or getting invited to costume bashes. Now we all love a good old dress up party, where we can be a little wild and silly but sometimes costumes can be costly to buy or rent. And seriously ladies, aren’t we getting a little tired of showing up as the sexy pirate, slutty police woman or trampy referee?? With a little creativity and a stop in your own closet, you too can save money and be “Chic or Treat” this year!

THE STYLE DUO believes that you can find money-saving costumes in your very own closet. You can finally re-invent those dresses you never thought you’d wear again!! Here are some fabulous (and some stylishly spooky) options:

1. Remember those bridesmaid dresses you saved collecting dust in the back of your closet? Why not add a sash and a crown and go as Miss America??

2. Or wear a gown you already own (and probably never have a chance to wear), throw on some big dark shades and grab a gold trophy from your kids room and voila, you are a starlet at the Emmys!!

3. If you want to go a little spookier, wear a gown (preferably red) and cover your face and neck with red halloween makeup. You are now Carrie from the 1970′s horror film!

4. And what a great time to re-wear your wedding dress. Have your hubby wear his tuxedo and you are a bride and groom.

5. Or wear the wedding dress but cover yourself with spooky makeup, tease and spray your hair and you are the Bride of Frankenstein!

6. Wear a strapless gown with a sexy sweetheart neckline (preferably red) and add a long cigarette holder, fake long lashes and old hollywood curls and you are Jessica Rabbit!

7. If you own a white halter dress, you can be Marilyn Monroe in minutes. Just add a fake beauty mark, tight curls and alot of red lipstick.

Here at THE STYLE DUO, we always love to look fabulously fashionable but also try to maximize what we have in our own wardrobes. And Halloween is no exception!