Work It

Emily Smith Of Lafayette 148 New York On Women's Professional Dressing Today

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When it comes to women's professional attire, long gone are the days of formal, masculine-inspired looks like Melanie Griffith's in "Working Girl." (Who can forget those shoulder pads?)

According to Emily Smith, creative director of Lafayette 148 New York - an upscale brand that designs sophisticated clothing for the modern woman - old-fashioned rules don't apply at work anymore. There's much more sartorial flexibility today.

So, she shared her expert advice for looking both appropriate and chic at the office - and how to dress if you're going from the boardroom to the bar.

Remember the classics. Blazers remain a wardrobe staple for working women, Smith says. In Florida, for example, they're great for layering when you step out of the heat and humidity and into a chilly, air- conditioned office. Try one over a silk tank, a floral dress or a white dress shirt for a timeless yet modern look.

Keep day-to-night simple. Because people don't go all out for occasions anymore, she says, simply remove that aforementioned blazer, swap out your work flats and jazz up your jewelry when you're going from the office to cocktail hour. In particular, Smith recommends strappy heels or pumps to elevate an outfit as well as statement earrings. (They're much more en vogue than statement necklaces, she says.)

Feel cool when it's hot. Linen is one of the best fabrics for hot weather, and she says it doesn't have to be perfect and pressed - some wrinkles are OK. Smith also suggests garments in breathable stretch cotton and viscose, which can be worn year-round. If your office allows shorts, she recommends wearing them fingertip length, or try a pair of culottes.

It comes down to confidence. No matter what you're wearing to work, believing in yourself is always fashionable, Smith says. "If you feel good in what you're wearing, people feel that energy off of you. It's partly loving who you are and knowing what looks good on you."