In The Zone

What you wear to work is important. Your wardrobe reflects your professional persona and influences others’ perception of you, including your boss. If you rotate a few collared shirts and trousers, and occasionally mix in the one suit you own, consider what kind of image you are projecting to your colleagues. Sure, you look presentable, but without an occasional wardrobe boost, you also look like you’re stuck in a fashion rut, which may translate into others perceiving you as inflexible or boring. This week's In the Zone will focus on some items you can incorporate to shake up your work wear.

THE V-NECK SWEATER

A classic preppy item is the V-Neck Sweater. This will keep you warm and fashionable and will become one of your wardrobe staples for years to come. Wear it with a white collared shirt underneath for extra warmth to create a streamlined and orderly appearance. They are very versatile, classic, and elegant. Throw it on in the morning with jeans or black trousers when you’re late for work and you’ll look instantly polished and put together.


THE MILITARY COAT

A military-style coat will be an impressive addition to your work wardrobe. These full-length coats are right on trend and will make you look like you mean business. Remove the belt and leave the buttons undone during the fall and spring months to show off lightweight layers underneath your coat. In the winter, belt the coat and add a colorful scarf to show your playful side.



TARTAN SCARF

The tartan print is hugely important for 2007 trends. Just please make sure you don't overdo it. Confine this trend to an eye-catching accessory, such as a scarf, and you’ll look fetching great. The wool tartan print scarf is a perfect example of how to wear the tartan trend in a sophisticated way. Due to the clever selection of primary colors and bold dark stripes, this scarf can be paired with pretty much any dark coat or blazer and will give others a glimpse of your fun-loving side when paired with more somber work clothes.

Keep your outfit tasteful and work-appropriate, though, by folding the scarf in half around your neck and pulling one side through the loop for a preppy European look. If you plan on wearing this scarf with a sweater or long-sleeve shirt in a chilly office, avoid brightly colored tops as too many bright hues will make you appear disorderly and erratic, not exactly the qualities likely to land you a big promotion.

GRAY SUIT

For those of you that have to wear suits to work, a gray suit is sleek and versatile and right on trend. The slim-fit and flat-front trousers ensure this suit will see more than one season of use. Since nothing exudes confidence and an I’m-in-control attitude more than a suit, wear this piece fearlessly with anything else in your work wardrobe and all your "hard work" will most certainly be noticed around the office.