Ever wish you had your own personal shopping fairy godmother? Meet Erin Nadler, President of Better Styled. Specializing in fashion consultation, Erin helps women perfect and polish their professional look. She’s Canada’s own Stacy London but much, much nicer – there’s no 360 degree mirrors here.

As an expert in creating professional images, I wanted to know all of Erin’s do’s and don’ts for young women looking to make a splash in the workplace. The most common fashion faux pas at the office? “Weekend wardrobe pieces finding their way into the workplace. Leave your ripped jeans, short skirts, and low cut tops for the weekends, and please – flip flops are not office appropriate even if you work in a more casual environment.”

Office Don’ts

Mini Skirts – If any skirt goes above the knee, pair it with dark tights and test it out before buying it. Can you sit in it without exposing your upper thighs? Are you comfortable?

Cleavage – Leave your plunging, deep v-necks at home. Do a lean-over test in front of the mirror to see how much bosom you’re baring before heading to that business brunch.

Over accessorizing – Keep your accessories simple – the same applies to make-up. If you’re wearing a chunky necklace, skip the dangly earrings and bangles. Don’t wear anything that jingle-jangles when you move.

Career Wardrobe Staples

The Black Pant – Choose one in twelve-month fabric with a straight cut. You can’t go wrong.

Business Suit – A full suit in a classic colour (black, navy, gray, tan) will go a long way. Make sure you can wear the jacket and pants on their own to mix and match with other pieces.

White Blouse – Wear it under your suit, with a skirt, with jeans, with your black pants, you’re going to wear it so much that you’ll wear it out. An item that doesn’t require splurging, be sure it fits properly across the chest and replace it every season.

Dark Denim Jean – No rips. No holes. No faded whiskers. A dark, classic straight-leg is the perfect jean for work. And make sure it has a high enough rise to keep your derrière up to the imagination.

Coat – A good trench coat will last you forever. Throw it on over a turtle neck and black pants and you’re ready to go.

Black Turtle Neck – Like the white blouse, this is a versatile and inexpensive item that never goes out of style.

Little black dress – Of course. Choose one you can throw on and feel fabulous any season of the year.

Shoes – A black pump with a thin stiletto heel and a pointy toe is a flattering, leg-lengthening, career must-have.

Boots – A knee-high boot is a very important part of any wardrobe. Go for a small heel over riding-style for an elegant finish.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, building a professional wardrobe takes time. “Having good building blocks is a great foundation for a work wardrobe and an important place to start. Spend your money wisely when you are first starting out and do not be afraid to splurge on the classic pieces.” When shopping for work wear, think along the lines of practicality and versatility. And get to know your tailor – 90% of Erin’s clients have their purchases altered.

Erin’s final piece of advice? “The old saying – dress for the job you want and not the job you have still rings true. You always want to be looking at more senior women and watching their image for tips and tricks.”

Better Styled is located at 150 Eglingon Avenue East, Suite 806 in Toronto.

~ Caitlin Agnew