Oy! The questions that whirl around this question each year – and the gossip that happens afterward! For work parties, I follow two simple rules:

1. Remember that the first word in ‘Work Party’ is work. Yep, this is a test of your ability to combine a fun, festive attitude with your professional reputation
2. Simple and elegant are King (or Queen)!

How to Dress:

Aim for an outfit that upholds your professionalism while express a bit more of your personal spark than you might on an every day basis. Choose rich jewel tones, tastefully shiny textures, luxurious fabrics, and special touches (clothing or accessories) that can mix in well with your best suit or office wear to ‘pump up’ the holiday spirit while remaining work appropriate. 

How Not to Dress:

Avoid obvious cleavage (excess of 2″) and plunging necklines, super short hemlines, super jangly/noisy clothing or accessories, and any clothing item or accessory that might also be found on a Christmas tree, holiday pet costume, car, Santa’s elf, or exotic dancer. Guys, though the dress code may be social, avoid your weekend or Club wear.

*Remember: this is a prime time to shine in a social context!  At the forefront of your mind should be the opportunity that the party presents to strengthen your personal connections with colleagues and managers, so take advantage of  this party as a chance to continue to build network and build business relationships! Have a fun!

 Earrings: Ziba
Watch: Swarovski
Shoes: Andiamo Sublime
Top: Warehouse
Skirt: Nina Ricci
Blazer: Topshop
Glasses: Cutler & Gross
Clutch: Marc Jacobs

Polo: Peacocks
Socks: Boss
Gloves: Cumbria
Shoes: Church’s
Sweater: Old Navy
Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren
Blazer: Moschino
Scarf: Ted Baker
Bag: Burberry Brit
Watch: Raymond Weil

The Business Casual dress code is the norm for super casual offices.  At this level, denim can be worn and even more colours and fabrics can be used compared to the Professional level of business attire.  This level of business attire is also known as “Casual Friday” for Corporate and Professional executives.  This look is seen as relaxed and friendly.

• Bottoms: Pants can be cotton, corduroy, or denim.
• Hosiery: Socks should match the shoes or outfit.  Cotton and opaque socks are ideal.
• Shirts: Shirts can be of any colour and pattern, including plaid.  They should not have large logos or any slogans on them.  Sweaters or cardigans can be worn over the shirt.
• Shoes: A variety of shoes can be worn, including sandals.  Leather shoes are preferred.
• Belts: If a belt is used, it should coordinate with the shoes.  The belt can be leather, metal, and/or textured.
• Accessories: Jewelry should be kept simple, but there is no strict guideline for the types of jewelry that can and cannot be worn.
• Bags: Messenger bags are allowed, but briefcases may be too professional. Backpacks are not recommended.
• Grooming: All hair (including facial hair) should be well-groomed.

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shoes: Billy Reid
Shirt: Robert Graham
Sweater: Topman
Jeans: Bottega Venetta
Socks: Paul Smith
Watch: Nixon
Scarf: Robert Graham

The Business Casual dress code is the norm for super casual offices.  At this level, denim can be worn and even more colours and fabrics can be used compared to the Professional level of business attire.  This level of business attire is also known as “Casual Friday” for Corporate and Professional executives.  This look is seen as relaxed and friendly.

• Bottoms: Bottoms can be suede, leather, corduroy, or denim.  Shorts, skirts, and jeans are allowed.
• Hosiery: Socks should match the shoes or outfit.  Cotton and opaque socks are ideal.
• Shirts: Shirts can be of any colour and pattern.  They should not have large logos or any slogans on them.  Sweaters or cardigans can be worn over the shirt.  Neckline shouldn’t be any lower than 3″ to 4″ from the base of the neck.
• Shoes: A variety of shoes can be worn, including sandals.  Closed-toe shoes are preferred.
• Belts: If a belt is used, it should coordinate with the shoes.  The belt can be leather, metal, and/or textured.
• Accessories: Jewelry should be kept simple, but there is no strict guideline for the types of jewelry that can and cannot be worn.
• Bags: Women are free to use any handbag of their choice, as long as it coordinates with their outfit. Backpacks are not recommended.
• Grooming: Hair should clean, neat, and away from the face. It is not necessary for the hair to be put up.

Here is our take on this dress code:

Cardigan: Miss Selfridge
Shirt: MQ Alexander McQueen
Earrings: Dannijo
Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bag: Victoria Beckham
Cuff: Dannijo
Scarf: Etro
Shoes: Brian Atwood
Glasses: Cutler & Gross

Here’s our post for the men’s version of the business casual dress code.

The Professional Dress Code is the most commonly seen level of business attire.  At this level, suits are optional, the rules loosen a bit more, and it’s possible to inject more personality into your daily dress.  Overall, the look should give off a comfortable vibe but still remain professional and maintain a ‘down-to-busines’s attitude.  As an aside: If your office is Formal Corporate during the week, this level of attire is your perfect ‘Casual Friday.’

• Pants: High-quality wools, like a gabardine or Super 120, are great choices for this level, though you can also take some liberties with fabric blends and high-quality twills.  A suit isn’t necessary at this level of dress, though you might consider it for a big presentation or interview.
• Hosiery: Socks should coordinate with your pants – I know it seems weird but if you coordinate with your pants, your leg looks longer and seamless. Coordinate with your shoes and when you sit down you’ll have a big block of foot. Not elegant. 
• Shirts: Of course you can wear your regular white, light blue, or sedate stripe, but here colour either dark or bright are a go.  A Third Layer can be added over your shirt to create greater professional impact. Consider a cardigan, pull-over sweater, or sports jacket in a rich texture like corduroy, moleskin, or linen (in summer).
• Shoes: Leather loafers or oxfords look sleek and appropriate, particularly in black, brown, Oxblood or cognac.
• Belts: Coordinate your belt with your shoes in this case. It keeps your overall first impression sleek, thoughtful, and coordinated. 
• Accessories: Jewelry should be kept to a minimum with white, yellow, platinum, or gold colours.  A maximum of one ring per hand is ideal.  Glass frames should be neutral with non-reflective lenses.  
• Bags: Leather and neutral briefcases are ideal.  Choose a streamlined case to ensure your look remains professional, no matter where you are. Nothing is less appealing than an overflowing bag of papers!
• Grooming: All hair (including facial hair) should be natural and well-groomed.

Curious about what your female counterparts might be wearing to the office? Check out the women’s version of this dress code.

The Professional dress code is the most common dress code in business wear.  At this level, suits are optional and the rules are less strict.  Women can have more fun with different fabrics, textures, patterns, and tops.  This level of dress has a comfortable yet polished look,  and gives the impression of a down-to-business attitude.  If you’re in Formal Corporate/Corporate business attire from Monday – Friday, the Professional dress code will be the perfect interpretation for “Casual Fridays” at your office. At this level of dress, personality starts to become appropriate as a part of ‘playing by the rules.’

• Bottoms: Hooray! This is the first business dress code where either skirts or trousers are appropriate.
• Third Layer: A layer over your top is required here, a jacket or tailored sweater would work well, and in this scenario, jackets aren’t required to match the bottom.
• Shirts: Blouses, shells and tops in a variety of colours are all acceptable and smaller patterns are welcome! Fabrics and silhouettes should still be refined and polished. Necklines can start to deepen just a bit – around 2″ lower than your collar bone max.
• Hosiery: Sheer black hosiery or nude hosiery that matches your skin tone is required as the legs should not be bare.
• Shoes: Black or neutral pumps or trouser shoes are ideal, but different textures can now be introduced. Leather, suede, and elegant, minimal details are appropriate too. 
• Belts: Coordinating with the shoes is still à propos at this level of dress.  The belt should be classic smooth textured leather.
• Accessories: Jewelry can take on a bit of personality, with white, yellow, platinum, or gold metals still being the thing to do. Show a bit of personality with eyewear, but save your truly fashion-forward pairs for your off-time.
• Bags: Leather and neutral bags are ideal.
• Grooming: Grooming can make this look stand out. Modern, well-styled hair and neutral, fresh makeup or even a great red lip are perfect.  Keep your manicure neutral and soft, and at a classic length to polish your look.

Here is our take on this dress code:

For our take on the men’s version of this dress code, click here.

Now that the Ladies are settled, it’s time for a bit of guidance for the Men.

The Formal Corporate/Corporate dress codes are the most formal and conservative levels of business wear. As for women, suits are mandatory and should be kept cool and dark (black, grey, or navy) for Formal Corporate or warm and neutral (brown, taupe, or beige) for Corporate in either solid or subtle patterns such as pinstripe or windowpane check. 

Understanding Dress Codes is almost like a branch of Semiotics. It’s the study of the common meaning of certain signs by an intelligent population…right? So, how will you know if you’re facing a Formal Corporate or Corporate dress code? Read the signs! As I mentioned in the Ladies’ post, the sea of suits and ties will be a dead giveaway. You may also notice that nary a pant suit will be found on any of the women. Why? In the most conservative dress codes, it is preferred that women wear skirts.

Literacy at these levels of dress means: choosing heavier and more refined fabrics such as wool, woven cottons, and leather. The unspoken message here is of serious bid-naz, professionalism, and authority. Here’s what you need to know to get to the advanced level class: 

• Suits: Suit up! Cool, dark neutrals for the most Formal business environments, with the possibility of warmer, lighter neutrals for Corporate business environments. Solids, pinstripes, or subtle tone-on-tone check patterns are great ways to add a little interest without going ‘Don Cherry’.
• Socks: Trouser socks should match the trousers  (surprised?) and should be mid-calf to knee length. Why? Two reasons: 1) Matching the sock to the pant elongates your leg. Matching it to your shoe cuts of your leg and elongates your…shoe. 2) When you cross your leg your audience will want to see more sock – no leg.
• Shirts: White is preferred and should have a collar and long sleeves.
• Shoes: Black or neutral dress shoes are ideal and should be in a high-shine polishable leather.  Slip ons, Oxfords and Brogues are great options. What’s a neutral beyond black, you ask? Deep Brown, Oxblood, or Cognac. 
• Belts: You should always wear a belt with a suit – unless you choose braces (suspenders). One or the other please. Belts should coordinate with your shoes which means: classic, smooth leather.
• Accessories: What accessories!? There are lots of choices: watches, cufflinks, a ring. But as these levels of dress are conservative, whatever you choose should be low profile and focused around classic metals in white, yellow, or platinum. Eyewear should be kept simple as well, with non-reflective lenses.  Carry a pen? Make it a nice, metal one.
• Briefcase: Neutral leather briefcases are ideal for these levels of business attire. Keep your bag streamlined, and looking well maintained. Ix-nay on the crazy overflowing bags.
• Grooming: Keep your complexion fresh and clear with your hair groomed and maintained in a shorter cut.  Facial hair’s not generally in the cards at these levels of dress. The smooth-shaven look is typically much preferred.

Facial hair has seen a resurgence over the past few seasons, with menswear designers selecting specific styles to punctuate their aesthetic. Admittedly, most runway styles are easier to wear ‘full beard’, but that’s the point of the current facial hair for a cause, is it?

Now that we’re mid-way through Movember and you’re past the ‘shadowy lip’ phase, you’ll need a strategy to wear it well. For centuries men have worn facial hair without the full-blown irony we see today, so please: don’t to fall into the ‘ironic hipster ‘stache’ trap. Understand how to use it, and  you can elevate your facial hair to make a personal style statement. In other words: with great moustache comes great responsibility.

The key to a good-looking moustache is understanding proportion. We’ve provided a few general tips in our previous Movember blog post. This time, we’ll focus on Face Shapes and Facial Features:

Oval: Considered the ideal shape, the features are well-balanced within the face, and the face itself is longer than it is wide, about 1.5 times longer than it is wide. In essence, when adjusting facial hair, hairstyles, or necklines, we are aiming to mimic this ideal.

Mo’ Choices: Since this shape is already balanced, you can wear nearly any moustache shape you choose. Think about how prominent your features are to select best. Larger or longer nose shape? Choose a fuller style moustache. Slender or smaller nose? A tapered or trim style will work best. *

Rectangular/Oblong: The most elongated face shape, features may be spread out or centered within the face, and the face itself is long and narrow. The face is over 1.5 times longer than it is wide.

Mo’ Choice: If your features are spread out or you have lots of space between the nose and lip, choose a style with height. Features placed more centrally within your face? A trimmer style will work well. Either way, we also want to create some facial width. Grow your ‘stache wide enough to divide the width of your face into thirds. Too broad or too narrow a ‘stache will accentuate a long face.  

Square: A frequently seen facial shape amongst men, this is a very angular shape that is just about equal in length and width. It is characterized by having temples in equal width to the point of the jaw, paired with a sharply squared chin.  

Mo’ Choice: Since you have a strongly angular face, you’ll want to balance it out with a bit of curve. A linear shape with slightly curved edges or a slight chevron shape will soften your look just enough.

Round: This face shape is similar to the square in overall dimension (length and width are about equal) but differs in that the chin and temples are soft and curved.

Mo’ Choice: Your face is fairly softly featured already; a ‘friendly face’. A moustache worn solo isn’t the best, since what your facial shape really wants is strength added to the chin and jaw line. Pair your ‘stache with a goatee kept in uniform length – what a difference! 

Triangle: Classified by a broader forehead and sharp or pointed chin.

Mo’ Choice: This facial shape needs width at the chin and jaw line. Try wearing a full, slightly-shaggy beard to add width. If you are going ‘mo only, keep it straight and slightly angled downward, plus beard shadow/stubble.

Pear/Inverted Triangle: The inverse of the above, the Pear shaped face has a narrower forehead than chin. The chin and jaw are broad, and can be sharp or curved.

Mo’ Choice: This facial shape needs broadening from the temples up to the forehead, since the bulk of the face is below the nose. ‘Stache choices should be in proportion to the amount of space available between the nose and upper lip. Consider angling the ‘stache upward just a little and pairing with sideburns that stop above the broadening of the face.

Check out the Style Guide offered by the American Mustache Institute for ‘lower-nose accoutrement’ inspiration, and enjoy your dip into moustachioed waters!

*One of my all-time FAVOURITE moustachioed men is Joel Carman, owner of Toronto institution Over-the-Rainbow Jeans. Joel wears the most spectacular ‘walrus’ moustache on the planet – and has been for 44 years. HIS mission has been a Reverse-Movember. Not only has he exceeded his $25,000 goal for Movember, but for every extra $1,000 he will keep his trademark ‘mo clean shaven an extra day. In fact, Rainbow Jeans is hosting a ‘Shave Off’ party at the end of Movember, complete with barber’s chairs. Follow Joel’s Twitter updates for details, we’ll see you there! 

According to a Deloitte Consulting survey, 50% of Canadians will be on a strict budget this holiday season. When CTV News Channel asked for my comments as a Shopping Expert (they giggled when I suggested ‘Shopping Ninja’), I could only give a quick run-down of my Savvy Shopper Shopping Tips for the holiday season, but really, you need to know them all! As the Social Season drawers ever nearer, starting now is the best way to ensure you’re ready to celebrate. Here’s how: 

1. Make a budget: 

• Without a firm number, it’s guaranteed you’ll overspend. Keep one in your head, and you’ll be able to plan towards it 
• Include gifts, of course, but also wrapping, cards, decorations,and hostess gifts. All the incidentals that get forgotten.
• First line of defence: shop with cash only will help you maintain your budget – once it’s done, it’s done
• Second line of defence: If you prefer debit or credit cards, keep only the cards with the best terms in your wallet.  Leave the others at home for the season

2. Make a list:

• Include each recipient plus how much/what you intend to give
• For cash gift recipients consider lower ‘Cost Per Gift’ options like home-made care packages. They may seem ‘homey,’ but gifts like these are fondly remembered and perceived as extra thoughtful
• Rank your list  

3. Look for Promos

• Join email lists of your favourite retailers or the favourite retailers of your gift  so you can be in the know of any limited-time or pop-up promotions in advance of the holidays
• Know that retailers are also feeling the economic crunch and are doing everything possible to entice you to shop more, and more frequently. Pay attention to weekend or pop-up sales, even if they seem early. I have already seen ads for 20% off holiday decor, and it’s only November!
• If a retailer has a ‘gift-back’ promo, convert your gift card into more gifts for others, top them up if they are unusual amounts, or divide them into multiple stocking stuffers
• Shop the daily deal websites for lower-priced service based gifts like spa services, restaurants,  house cleaning – that is a GREAT  way to thank a hostess!

4. Keep Your Receipts & Tags ON!

• First, make sure to ask for a gift receipt to include when you give the gift (it’s good etiquette)
• Keep your originals in a single envelop, and take them with you whenever you shop. Many stores offer a price adjustment on merchandise that’s been marked down from regular price (within a certain timeframe, usually 14 days from purchase date). 
• If you miss the price adjustment period, but the tags are still on your new, untouched, tagged gifts, you may be able to purchase a replacement and return the original.

5. Shop with Strategy

• Wear comfortable clothes & shoes, you don’t want to ditch shopping efforts because your feet hurt or you’re too hot.
• Leave your coat in the car – why schlepp extra weight if you don’t have to? Besides, the lines at a mall coat check are insane (and carry a cost).
• Carry only what you need (including that list) so you’re unencumbered, but include some trail mix & a bottle of water just in case. Shopping can be hungry/thirsty work. 
• Go Early – early in the year (best selection), early in the week (lower mall traffic), early in the day (best selection, lowest mall traffic, plus bright-eyed & bushy-tailed staff!)

It might hover around 15C this week, but with the surprise snow storms surrounding us, winter truly is just around the corner and the cold weather is on the way.  I’m often asked whether it’s ok to wear the same winter coat for every occasion. The first thing that pops into my head is: “Would it be ok to wear the same outfit for any occasion?” Unlikely, right?

The short answer is ‘No.’ Not only is it unnecessary to wear the same coat every single day for 6ish months, but it makes it hard to be occasion appropriate. I’m careful about using the words ‘investment’ and ‘clothing’ in the same sentence (and don’t get me started on ‘investment’ as it refers to mascara), but in the case of winter outerwear, investing in a well-edited selection of jackets, coats and winter accessories will not only put you in good stead for any occasion from walking the dog to a formal affair, but having options will also lift your spirits when the depth of February hits. *shudder* 

To give you an idea of how to gauge what’s appropriate when, think of your winter outerwear as an outdoor outfit OVER your indoor outfit. Sound strange? I bet you can think of times when the only thing other people have ever seen you in all winter is your winter coat! (Your fave coffee barista, the CEO you only see in the parking lot, your commuter friends, that cutie in the dog park). Here are the basics for a Winter Coat Wardrobe, that will guarantee you have options for any occasion or temperature: 

• Transitional pieces such as vests, ponchos, leather jackets, and jackets with removable sleeves are great for layering with long sleeved sweaters and shirts underneath.  These pieces are generally comfortable when the temps are between 12 – 18°C.
• Mohair/cashmere/wool coats are great for work and evening wear.  The better the fabric composition of these coats, the dressier and more of an investment they will be.  This said, they are well worth it when you consider the Cost Per Wear. Depending on the weight and quality of the fabric, these coats are generally comfortable temperatures in temps between -5 – 12°C.
• Short parkas hit around the hips to the mid-thigh.  Perfect activewear, they are a go-to choice chilly days with lots of outdoor activity like playing with the kids, weekend warrior activities, any winter sport).  Try to find a parka that has a detachable hood so that you’ll have the option of using it when you wish.  A perfect winter wear option when the temp is 0°C or below, and when there is a windchill.
• Full-length parkas that are knee-length or longer, and usually with a removable hood, are great for blocking out frigid weather while remaining lightweight.  These are ideal for for activities from being out with the dog, waiting for transit, or long walks on chilly winter days. They can be sporty or chic, so depending on the one you choose they can even be work-appropriate!  I find these to be ideal when the temp dips below -10°C, and when there is a serious windchill.

Winter is often the longest season, so building a great selection of jackets and coats is a good investment in keeping you warm, fashionable, and in good spirits in the cold weather.  Now that you can navigate the main building blocks for building a Winter Coat Wardrobe, you’ll want to have some supporting pieces in place too. Boots and accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves can provide extend the variety within a well-edited wardrobe and complete the ‘Outerwear Outfit.’ Stay tuned for our upcoming post about how to choose winter accessories to go with those coats!