4 Style Habits That Will Make You Look More Professional

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While it's true that in this day and age, office attire is more approachable and casual than ever, greater wisdom holds that dressing professionally still pays off in the long run. Your bosses take you more seriously, you possess a more formidable presence, and you might even do your job better—all because of how you dress. Figuring out how to dress professionally can be a little intimidating, but with a few style habits to keep in mind, you won't even have to think twice about it the next time you're choosing appropriate office attire.

To help us overcome our growing tendency toward business-too-casual attire in the office, we enlisted street style maven, entrepreneur, and businesswoman Caroline Issa to share her wisdom with us. Not only has Issa built several businesses from the ground up, but she also manages to maintain a wardrobe that successfully straddles the line between professional and modern. For these reasons, we think she's the perfect person to guide us in this area.

Keep scrolling to learn Issa's tips for dressing more professionally and to shop some of our favorite office-ready pieces.

1: Invest in a Classic Suit

Invest in a classic suit that will take you through any season and any job. Add a bit of flair and elegant charm with a silk blouse.

2: Have a Go-To Pair of Stilettos

A simple pair of stilettos (think Jimmy Choo or Paul Andrew) is a great staple to have for work. Ditch your party shoes and go for something simple, comfortable, and elegant.

3: Find at Least One Good, Simple Day-to-Night Dress

Day-to-night dressing is made easy with a simple dress. Add a blazer in the office; remove it and accessorize for an after-work cocktail event.

4: Stick to Understated Accessories

Understated and minimal is the best way to go when accessorizing during work hours. If you are all about bold statement jewelry, pair it with a simple, clean outfit for contrast.

Next up, check out five outfit combos successful women swear by.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated by Allyson Payer. 

Meghan Blalock
Managing Editor

Hailing from the heart of the South and cutting her teeth on the mean streets of New York, Meghan has six years of experience covering fashion, style, celebrities, culture, and human behavior. A longtime devotee of rap music, tacos, and generally perfect weather, she is excited to put down roots in Los Angeles. Her top three style staples are a good pair of cutoff shorts, virtually any kind of colorful digi-print, and a solid set of shades.