Thrifting Queen

WIW: Corporate Approachable

August 19, 2014

I'm a participant on an interview panel later this afternoon so wanted to wear an outfit that was appropriately "corporate" in nature but also exuded approachability and a hint of fun. Being interviewed is a stressful situation and having been the interviewee, I know that being surrounded by a panel of suits can be incredibly intimidating.

My outfit started with my black EF drape front dress - this dress is like an enigma - it can change and look different depending on what you pair with it. Love that. I topped the dress with my pastel blue suit jacket to lighten the overall look and give depth to both the black and the pale blue due to the contrast. For shoes, I went with my animal print chunky heeled pumps. My plantar fasciitis is starting to wane and these pumps are very comfortable so time to bring them out again. Plus the animal print is my hint at fun.

For accessories I went with my black patent leather sleek fold-over clutch, silver/black bracelet watch, silver wedding band and black/white specs.

This might seem like an odd grouping - black, pastel blue and animal print - does it work? As always, all comment/suggestions welcome.

Blazer: Anne Klein Petite
Dress: Eileen Fisher (eBay)
Shoes: Cole Haan
Watch: Gucci (thrifted)

1
2
Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

24 Comments

  • replied 9 years ago

    Great look Shannon, I think you nailed it.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Love the unexpected mix of colors and the animal print. Works wonderfully!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    Sometimes it is the small detail that makes an outfit.  I like the little polka dots on the lining of the jacket and how they tie in the black of the dress with the lighter jacket.  The animal print shoe adds nice pattern to the mix.

    Good luck with the interviews.  Hopefully you will find the right candidate for the position.

  • Thistle replied 9 years ago

    You look terrific. You nailed the look you were going for.

    That EF dress has really been a workhorse for you. Great addition to your wardrobe!

  • Tanya replied 9 years ago

    I think you nailed it Shannon.  The shoes add a playful touch.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Love this, Shannon. You look cool, professional, yet fun. 

  • catherine replied 9 years ago

    Perfect. You look great. I wish you had been on my interview committee ;).

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Wow stunning! The pale blue and black is so beautiful together. And no kidding, perhaps we should be calling this the "magic dress"! You really nailed what you were going for Shannon. You exude confidence and warmth in this outfit.

  • Alexandra replied 9 years ago

    Beautiful! It all works well together. And what Suz said.

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    You are a sweetheart Shannon to think about the interviewee :). I wish all interviewers were like you!

    Although black, pale blue, animal print doesn't sound like a regular combo, this outfit is a perfect 10! The clutch bookends the shoes beautifully. Love it!

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    It's not odd, at all. Each piece is dressy enough to be thrown in there fearless. The black dress pulls together all the ends(the pastel blue, and the animals). I like it also because it's not  too sober and still summery enough  for spreading  a bit of ease to the candidates. Great job!

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Professional Chic, darling. The shoes add an element of Shannon-Fun. xo

  • Marian Rothschild replied 9 years ago

    If you want to project approachability, light colors will do that. Dark colors send the message of uninviting. A way to soften black is to add the light jacket, so great choice there. Classic is always the way to go for corporate or business appropriate. You can still show some individuality with accessories and shoes like the animal print pumps, which I love. 

  • replied 9 years ago

    Very nice!  Love the unexpected light blue - and I like that polkadot lining- lightens the mood :)  An animal print shoe is always great , isn't it?

  • Zibbets replied 9 years ago

    Perfect mix of approchability and corporate dress code. YLF!
    …P.S. I'm swooning over the shoes. Gorgeous.

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    You nailed it, Shannon. I'm glad that your foot issues are resolving. The pumps are nice.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Thanks all - finished the first two interviews. The rest are on Thursday.

    I felt completely appropriate for the occasion and the first candidate actually mentioned my shoes! Sadly Shedev, my feet are quite sore from these shoes now so will be glad to get them off when I get home and stretch/ice for my PF issues.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Oh I really like this! The shoes are just so unexpected, yet understated, yet fun. What a versatile dress... :)

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    What a great outfit, Shannon! Simple, polished, not stiff.

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous classic business look Shannon! I adore the pairing of light blue and animal print with the black; I'm planning on pairing my black with loads of pastels this winter, it's my current favorite way to wear black. The leo print adds some extra interest and texture, and the contrast sleeve cuff adds a great additional light element.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, your outfit is crisp, with the soft touch of the light blue blazer. Perfect for the occasion. The shoes are a great choice. Sorry to hear your feet are sore, but I bet your icing and stretching will have you back in shape again by morning. Some serious arch support is in order for tomorrow, I'm guessing. ;)

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Just perfect for the occasion or anytime you need an interesting corporate look. I hope your tootsies feel better.

  • Debbie replied 9 years ago

    Love this! An idea for the same black dress. Thank-you!

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    I really like it! I always thought that pastels do not look good with black but this is stellar!

You need to be logged in to comment

Categories

Blogroll

Archives

About

I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.