Smart Casual Tips

Hi Leyn,

Hope you can help me with my fashion dilemma. I’m 22 years old working for a multinational firm and I find it hard to mix and match clothes to look not so corporate yet not too casual. I also want to ask advice from you on a new hairdo/hair color that is easy to manage and maintain. I’m 5′3, 47 kgs and morena. Btw, I’m working on a budget Thanks and more power!

Hi!

If you’re really determined to organize your office attire closet, allot a weekend to classify your things: which of your clothes should be kept for a while and clothes that you can still use at present. Having several garments in your cabinet can just give you difficulties in mixing and matching. So keep aside the outdated stuffs, arrange some of the in trend pieces and shop for necessary ensembles.

Blazers

If you don’t want to look so casual or tipong “paparty lang”, then you should pick cotton blazers. Be particular with color and material. Black may look very corporate so off-white or beige is better. These styles won’t get obsolete so it’s not a waste of money if you buy a couple.

Sundresses

Sundresses perfectly match your blazers and coats. Choose dark colored-prints to maintain a smart-casual look.

Tops and Bottoms

There are times that we don’t have much time to think for a “fad look of the day” so we end up wearing plain blouses and slacks. Wearing the usual office clothing is all right but adding accessories can improve a boring look. If you have lots of solid colored tops, collect some accessories and elegant stones that can outshine your plain outfit.

Vintage Bags

It’s not because I’m currently collecting vintage bags but I’ve been seeing a lot of fashionistas with a classic bag for everyday use. It’s actually a safe style. Add them in your closet and buy in different colors.

Shoes

Closed shoes are usually required in corporate offices. I assume you’re not that particular with height so it’s okay if you’re in flats or low heels. If you’re allowed to wear open sandals, then ankle cuff style is in. You cannot just wear them during work but also appropriate with casual wear or laid back “shirt and shorts” fashion.

Hairstyle

In my opinion, I would recommend a down straight hairstyle. It seems that long hair is hard to maintain but actually, short-length hair is more prone to fly away ends. Have your hair relaxed at least every 6-8 months. Working girls don’t have much time to blow dry everyday so you need a treatment that will let your hair be in place as it dries by itself. You should practice the “brush-up” hairstyle because it looks neat, sophisticated and easy to do (yung parang pang-model na naka-tease yung bangs). Lastly, I would suggest chestnut for hair color (or any brown shade not close to orange or copper).

Of course, you don’t have to buy expensive clothes but choose the right quality. Always think that you will use a prospect dress for 5 years so check if the fabric may possibly shrink.

Happy shopping dear!

Love Lots,

Leyn