Fall Acquisitions: Part 2

The "Professional" wardrobe.

As an Arts Administration student, who is about to begin looking for full-time internships and jobs, I find myself constantly evaluating what is or is not a professional wardrobe for the Arts. I've had this conversation many times over the summer, with friends and acquaintances, and find myself amazed at what perceptions of those outside of the field think, as compared to those inside the field.

Interestingly, this topic came up in my Capstone course yesterday. I couldn't have been more pleased, and honestly wished we had had more time for discussion of it. As an Arts Administrator, there is a fine line in what we can wear. If working in a top, multi-million dollar arts organization, you can't expect to approach potential or repeat donors with tattoos and torn jeans on. Likewise, when working with an artist, you may make them feel uncomfortable if you're in a four-piece suit. The response I most often receive from those outside of the field is, "You're working in the arts. How much can your outfit really matter?" My professor made an interesting, and valid point about wardrobe in the arts: "Increasingly, the arts are under attack. This means that arts administrators have to dress more professionally to be taken seriously, and to show that the arts can be run like a business as well."

Regardless of field though, I'm always surprised and sickened by this conception of what the professional wardrobe and style consists of, and it's lack of flexibility and individuality. It's not unusual for me to see discussions on interview and job clothes, where the "uniform" is a navy or black suit, hose, low-heels, and a neutral blouse. It's adamantly opposed to wear color, accessories, textures, and more. That's nonsense! If you think you can't maintain a sense of individuality, while maintaing an air of professionalism, you're watching the wrong television shows! It may seem silly, but there are several television shows I use as inspiration on ways to maintain my own sense of style while still looking presentable and professional.

Sex and the City: I doubt that one could argue that the women in this show are professional, smart, saavy, and well-dressed. While they all encompass various fields (law, PR, Arts Administration, writer), they all manage to look professional for their field, while looking distinct and true to themselves. Carrie's style is the most whimsical, easily done as the "artist" of the group; Charlotte's profession most resembles where my own experience lies, and she often adopts a high-class 1950-60s style to wear to wear to work. Samantha's outfits are simply cut, but in bold, solid colors, often relying on accessories to make and change the outfits. While Miranda has the most conservative position of them all, she again relies on accessories to distinguish herself from her colleagues.

The West Wing: You'd be hard pressed to argue that the characters in the West Wing do not have to maintain the highest sense of professionalism in their wardrobe-- afterall, they're the highest form of political office there is. Yet, if you watch throughout the seasons, all of the women manage to look incredibly professional while still looking fabulous. CJ Cregg often wears dramatic jewelry coupled with bold silk shirts. Margaret wears vibrant suits in bright colors with textures and lots of flair. Annabeth often wears feminine colored suits that play up her girlishness and hide the tigress beneath. Let's not forget Janeane Garafalo's character, who reveals near the end of season seven that she has shoulders and upper arms covered in tattoos, and bottoms out her suits with Converse sneakers.

So, after all of this thinking and babbling about the professional wardrobe, where does it leave me? What have I determined about my own sense of business chic?
- Accessories are key. I think a textured tight under a skirt and knee high boot adds a flash of something fun, as does a vibrant scarf, bold earrings or pendants. It's always a matter of proportion and design, like anything else.
- Modernized-Classic pieces. This falls back to my Fall Must Have, the fitted, short-sleeved women's shirt. Under a blazer of business coat, these add a hint of an extra something, especially when in a pattern, lush fabric, or with a quirky detail.
- Shoes! God forbid, if I am going to wear some 80s 1.5 inch heel in navy or black only! I think shoes are the one place we can really let our personality shine through and add some spunk to our wardrobe.
- Splashes of color. One thing I love about Jennine's style at the Coveted is how she incorporates vintage slips under her dresses, so there is a vibrant splash of color. Under the right dress, and at the right length, I think this can be a classy way to incorporate color in to a very muted color palette.

It's something I'm personally still trying to work out, the details, pieces, and putting together of it all. Any suggestions or feedback you have on it, I'd love to hear!