Let's Ask Maggie!: I look 18 but I'm 30 - help!

Dear Maggie, 

I am blessed to look years younger than I am, and I promise I'm grateful. I'm also an artist, so I'm not terribly taken with corporate getup or investing in suits when I want to work for myself one day. But the consequence is that when I'm schmoozing at conferences and press events, I'm often treated as if I'm fresh out of college, rather than as the experienced, connected manager that I am. 

Can I update my wardrobe in cross-functional ways that will help me be taken seriously, without investing in a wardrobe I'll have to toss when I'm a full-time artist in a few years?

Help.

Charity, New York, NY

Dear Charity,

Congrats on EXCELLENT genes! I know being treated like an inexperienced newbie probably feels extremely irritating and dismissive. I absolutely believe that there are ways to update your wardrobe that you'll be able to use for years to come no matter your career. I also believe you can come across as that experienced kick-ass manager that you are without the antiquated power-suit of the last 4 decades. 

I would start investing in pieces that: 

  1. Fit Well. It's amazing how a well-tailored blouse, skirt, blazer, or slacks compliment your silhouette--no matter your size.

  2. Show a Bit of Individual Personality. Purchase pieces that when someone sees you in them they think, "THAT IS SO YOU!" Whether that be a vintage brooch that is paired with a velvet blazer or a hot-pink mini skirt. You know your personal style. OWN IT! (and if you don't know your personal style--allow yourself the freedom to experiment. It's fun!)

  3. Are of Interesting Color and Texture. Pair unusual things together. I am still in love with the furry leopard coats matched with a luxurious floral tapestry bodysuit--a look I mentioned in an earlier post. (I know this is an insane thing and if you wore that to a board meeting you would get some strange looks, but, it's currently my favorite example.)

  4. Classic Shoes and Handbags and a Trench Coat. Sometimes a classic pair of black heels, a sleek handbag, and basic trench add elevated elements to an otherwise casual look. With these simple accessories you can get away with so much--it's very easy to look "put together".

Or, you could simplify your life and do what I have done: wear all black clothing with statement jewelry and bold makeup. *YAWN* (I know).

I created a board for inspiration on Pinterest for you: Professional Looks for an Artist. Hope this helps!

Reader, what have I forgotten?! Let us know in the comments. 

With love,

Maggie

PS Send in your wonderful questions! Reviewing them is my favorite part of the week. The next post could be inspired by you! (Talk about bragging rights! :) ) and don't forget to follow @letsaskmaggie on Twitter!

 

Let's Ask Maggie!: New job. No time for fashion. Help?

 

Hi Maggie!

I'm writing because I just started a new job that has me up early in the day and exhausted (but happy!) when I come back at night. Sadly, I've found that I no longer have time to think through and put together outfits like I did in my unemployed days; in fact, fashion and presentation are pretty much the last thingson my mind when I'm trying to get out of the house in the morning. Is there any way around this? Or am I consigned to mediocre work outfits from now on?

Maria from Manhattan

Hi, Maria from Manhattan!

Congratulations on the new job! Those early mornings are the worst but YOU ARE NOT CONSIGNED TO MEDIOCRE OUTFITS FROM NOW ON! Promise. It will take a little pre-planning on your part, but with a few minutes of forethought at the beginning of the week, we'll have you back to fashion plate status in no time!

On Sunday afternoon (or whichever day you have off before the work week begins) I suggest you go through and pick out 5 work-friendly outfits from your wardrobe--everything--top, bottom, accessories, etc. and hang each complete outfit on a separate hanger. When you wake up the next work morning, you will have everything you need to quickly throw on your fashionable outfit, look hot, and crush the day at the office without wasting any precious time. For some inspiration, I created a Pinterest board earlier this month titled: Fall Fashion: Career Wardrobe Ideas for Women 2016 --check it out!

Good luck!

Readers, do you have any tips for Maria from Manhattan? Sound off in the comments below.

With love,

Maggie

PS Don't forget to send in those Let's Ask Maggie! questions. You can tweet me too @letsaskmaggie

Let's Ask Maggie!: What can a real human wear to her job this fall?

Dear Maggie,

Congrats on your site! My question is: what are some on-trend fashiony things for fall 2016 that a real human can wear to her job? I.e., there's no way I can wear cute shorts with a flowy bell-sleeved top to the office. Also, I'm not 19 and I'm not trying to look like the 19 years I work with.

Christine F., North Carolina


Dear Christine,

Thank you for asking this question! I believe a lot of women are at home wondering the same thing and asking themselves, "What the heck am I going to wear to work this fall?"

Let's get down to what is on trend at the moment. When shopping look for clothing with the following fabrics:  velvet, lace, silks and satins; palettes: soft colors, bright colors (think electric blue and lime green), pink and yellow combinations continue to rule (as they have the past couple of seasons); patterns:  gray plaid, pinstripe suiting, animal prints; and last but not least, navy overcoats.

This season's silhouettes are leaning towards flared trousers (not quite bell-bottoms), boxy long over-coats, and classic tailored blouses and blazers. Your slim cut pants are still on point too.

For visuals I created two women's fall wardrobe Pinterest boards to serve as inspiration for you. The first board is full of lovely pieces that are wearable for all body types and budgets. The second is full of fun off-the-wall couture and ready to wear items that serve as art. I include these images, even though they aren't something most could wear to the office, because they might just spark something in your imagination to create an outfit that only you could put together! (Let me see those pics! #letsaskmaggiefall2016 on Instagram and twitter.)

Besides your fill of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, tell me in the comments what you're looking forward to most this fall!

Come back next week when I will tackle Men's Fall Fashion.

With love,
Maggie

Warning: on the couture board I got a little over zealous pinning the animal print: specifically the leopard print paired with floral. I freaking love it and want to wear all of it. My friends already know this is going to be a problem for me this season--I was accidentally put on the "Pre-intervention for Maggie and her leopard and floral print obsession meeting" email chain. Wish me luck! :)