Let's be honest: There are some summer experiences that, well, suck. For example, we've all had those moments when it's early in the morning, but it's already scorching hot outside, so we spend an almost obscene amount of time putting together an outfit for the office. In those moments, we may think the solution to our styling woes can be solved by scrolling through social media for inspiration, but sadly, that's not always the case. While there's no denying that social platforms can influence our style, some of their popular advice doesn't always apply to professional settings. For example, the rise of the "office siren" aesthetic may seem work-friendly, but in reality, there's no way that embracing that trend won't get you some flack from your HR department. Therefore, one must tread very lightly when taking advice from TikTok.
If that leaves you wondering where you should turn to for advice, don't fret. To help make choosing an outfit for work a bit less stressful, we decided to turn to experts in the matter—ahem, stylists. More specifically, we reached out to the celebrity fashion stylist Mickey Freeman. Luckily, he was kind enough to share his expertise on adhering to corporate dress codes. Ahead, you'll learn more about his career, his approach to workwear, and some of his general dos and don'ts for dressing for the workplace. Plus, we've also shopped out a list of work staples worth adding to your wardrobe to make dressing for the office less work (excuse the pun).
Our Expert
For those who aren't familiar with your work, how did you become a celebrity stylist? And what do you love most about your job?
My extremely humble beginnings to establish myself as a fashion stylist kicked into high gear after deciding to move to New York from my hometown of Philadelphia several years ago. I was pounding the pavement on an everyday basis, which included interning with iconic fashion designer Anna Sui styling during fashion week and routine editorial shoots with fashion photographers to showcase my talent, all of which led to securing editorial and cover shoots with the likes of Keke Palmer, Peyton List, McKenna Grace, Dascha Polanco, and Azealia Banks, to name a few. Today, as one of the industry's highly sought-after fashion stylists, my diligence ultimately led to a fulfilling career that enables me to be a curator of not only art but also of the most joyous moments in a person's life and work.
How has being a stylist informed your approach to getting dressed for work (both personally and for your clients)?
Working in the fashion industry involves daily exposure to so many external perspectives that one can get lost. This has pushed me even further into this surrealistic dimension that lives only in my mind. My idea of escapism permeates my work and personal style.
How to Dress for Work
How, if at all, do corporate dress codes differ from others? What should people consider when trying to dress for more conservative work settings?
Corporate dress codes can tend to be more rigid and a bit limiting as far as the opportunity to express one’s individuality is concerned. However, the fit and overall proportions that garments can make are just as important as the garment itself. Make sure to equally balance the attention given to each attribute to ensure that not only are you dressed appropriately but also unconsciously admired for your attention to detail.
As a stylist, what mistake(s) do you commonly see when it comes to dressing for corporate environments?
One of the most common is when women make the mistake of investing in ill-fitting dress shirts, which can easily prevent any look from looking put together. It is a great idea to invest in wrinkle-free shirts to maintain tidiness throughout the day.
What are some general dos and don'ts you recommend the readers follow when dressing for the office?
Here are a few general tips for dressing for the office during the summertime…
Don't Wear: Sheer Pieces
Do Wear: Textures
"While opaque textiles may seem perfect for the sweltering heat, try to steer clear of any sheer fabrics altogether for office settings. Even if they happen to be not too revealing or are simply overlays meant to add dimension to the garment. Avoiding this type of fabric will eliminate any association with lingerie. If you want to add visual interest to your work outfits, utilize texture through fabrics and materials, such as bouclé tweed jackets, ostrich or crocodile-stamped bags, and satin mules. Incorporating high-end textured pieces is a great way to push the envelope without coming off as a provocateur." — Mickey Freeman
Don't: Ignore the Importance of Textiles
Do: Opt for Light-Weight Materials
"When it's incredibly hot outside, you must pay attention to what textiles your clothing is made from, as they can impact your comfort level. Even the most 'appropriate' office staples (e.g., blazers, trousers, and so on) can become untenable for work settings if they're made from heavier materials such as wool, polyester, cashmere, and nylon. If you want something that works for the warmer weather and work settings, look for separates made from silk, satin, cotton, and linen." — Freeman
Don't: Hide Your Personal Style
Do: Play With Accessories
"Just because you're trying to adhere to a corporate dress code doesn't mean you can't show off your personal style. Rather than opting for a clean-cut corporate look, consider making adjustments to your outfit through accessories. For example, you can bring attention to a necklace by using an undone button to showcase the piece. It's the perfect way to show off your personality but in a more demure way." — Freeman
Investment-Worthy Work Staples
What's one fail-proof outfit idea you swear to wear to the office in the summer?
A pair of long and flared trousers can go such a long way and effortlessly flatters women of all shapes and sizes. Paired with a crisp short-sleeve dress shirt, this look will easily create a chic and slightly elongated silhouette.
Are there any staples you feel should be a part of any woman's work wardrobe?
Yes, there are quite a few staples that I feel are essential to effortlessly building outfits for work…
1. Structured Work Tote
"A structurally durable and classically designed large leather tote bag. I'm obsessed with bags designed by Hermès and Schiaparelli." — Freeman
2. Statement Accessories
"A statement accessory in the form of a necklace (or earrings, rings, or belts) is the ideal way to make your work staples shine. More specifically, I'd recommend investing in a pearl necklace with a length conducive to the desired slope of the necklace." — Freeman
3. Button-Down Shirt
"It may seem obvious, but a well-tailored button-down shirt is one of those undervalued items that will get you through the summer (and really year-round)." — Freeman
4. Tailored Trousers
"A well-tailored pair of pleated trousers will never fail you. Whether you style them with a button-down shirt and slingback heels or with a waistcoat and sneakers, they'll make getting dressed for work a breeze." — Freeman
5. Stylish Flats
"During the summer, if you can't be bothered to wear heels, it's essential to have a pair of chic and conservative flats that you can wear to the office. I recommend either a closed-toe ballet flat or a more sophisticated sneaker." — Freeman
6. Timeless Timepiece
"When you're dressing for more conservative work settings, you can't always go too flashy with your accessories. However, you can always embrace timepieces as a way to show off your style. Whether you opt for a classic timepiece, luxury watch, or bracelet hybrid, this accessory will add a bit more flair to your work ensembles while still fitting the dress code." — Freeman
7. Tailored Suiting Separates
"A tailored blazer is a must-have for any work wardrobe. Additionally, a tailored vest can be a very effective layering garment when worn under the blazer or alone with a shirt (preferably white) and tie, especially during summer months." — Freeman
Pair with the matching Pinstripe Blazer ($545) and Pinstripe Wide-Leg Pleat Front Pant ($385).
Pair with the matching Generation Linen Blazer ($238).
8. Modest Dress
"Lastly, you can't go wrong with wearing a dress during the summertime—it's always going to be that staple. The key to styling this item for work settings lies in opting for a modest dress, ideally with a longer hemline and coverage around the neck. If you invest in this item, you'll never have to worry about deciding what to wear to work again." — Freeman
