Ladylinx feature from Real Simple

Getting to dress down for work is supposed to be a perk, but sometimes figuring out what safely falls within the guidelines of “business casual” feels more like a chore. Always ask for your company’s specific policy: Some garments (like cotton chinos and linen skirts) are universally acceptable under the dress code, while others (like jeans and open-toe shoes) are hit-and-miss. If your firm gives jeans the nod, fashion stylist Joseph Williamson says, “they should fit well and not be too low-cut or have holes in them. And they should be dressed up with a nice shirt or even a jacket.”The prevailing rule of thumb for business casual is dressed-down professional wear, not a wardrobe free-for-all. “Do a gut check with yourself before you leave the house. Would you be comfortable wearing this in front of a client, or does it feel like it’s for friends? Save the extremes for the weekend,” advises Peri Hansen, a senior client partner at Korn/Ferry International, an executive-search firm in Los Angeles. (That includes flip-flops, spaghetti straps, message tees, and anything tight, short, or revealing. On the A-OK list: casual blazers, knit blouses, tailored Bermuda shorts, trousers, jumper-style dresses, and denim skirts, if not short or frayed.

“You never want to try to ‘get away’ with anything,” says Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute. When in doubt, says Kim Mains, manager of legal recruiting for Cozen O’Connor, a law firm in Philadelphia, “take cues from what your female colleagues are wearing — especially those women whom you admire. And remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.” The big payoff for all this strategic censorship? When done right, business-casual attire can score you points with colleagues and higher-ups. Says Paul Howalt, the owner of Tactix Creative, a branding firm in Mesa, Arizona: “Just as long as it’s not sloppy, we encourage well-executed individuality.”

Ladylinx feature from My Fashion Life

In this climate of accounting for every penny and mending and make do, clothes purchases have to be that little bit more considered. So, if you only invest in one item of clothing right now, make it this Bodycon cup corset from Topshop.

A little bit old Hollywood, a little bit electro kid and a little bit Madonna circa the Blonde Ambition tour, this top has it all.

The sweetheart neckline makes for a crisp but classic silhouette whilst the emphasised boning in the cups makes it luxe and edgy.

Why is it so great? Well, it goes with virtually everything that is on trend right now and is a simple way of updating any old outfits you have. Team it with bubble, bodycon or tulip skirts, leggings, jeans or even circle skirts. Circus or gothic trend you name it, it goes.

However for me, its weak-point is the sheen on the polyester fabric. Over accessorize or team it with anything else too shiny and you could end up looking like a Daily Mail poster girl for binge drinking. Just make sure you buy some bunny ears to complete the look.

So keep it matt, keep it dark and above all keep it classy.

Ladylinx feature from My Fashion Life

With all the Christmas parties ahead it’s time to ditch your trusty LBD and embrace the new ‘it’ colour, yes I’m talking red! Bold, sexy and conveniently festive red is a glamorous and stylish alternative for this season’s gatherings

An a-list fave from the start of the year with Heidi Klum and Anne Hathaway stealing the limelight at the Oscars in their stunning scarlet gowns, the colour is surprisingly accessible with some beautiful party dresses on the high street like this gorgeous strapless dress by Rachel Roy.

If you’re hooked on your LBD however, killer red heels or a slick of red lippy work can liven up an LBD and add a little sassiness.

Need I say it…avoid white faux fur accessories unless you are intentionally channelling Mr/Mrs Clause’s style. $1,150 $805, available at net-a-porter.