Cardigan Empire

Casual wear is consistently one of the most poorly stocked sections of a woman’s wardrobe. I’ve found what should be extinct species of clothing: long crotched jeans, stretched neck t-shirts, and mousy nosed shoes. These items are subsisting miserably, worked unreasonably past exhaustion. Some good hearted soul should start a new PETA faction: People for the Ethical Treatment of Apparel. But clothing abuse aside, what are you doing to yourself and your figure? Simply tragic. Emperors around the world must invest in enjoying their everyday lives. Yes, your empires are busy enterprises, but make some time to procure a proper pair of pants and a stain-free top. Below is a step by step guide to exploring the casual side of clothing.

1. Fabric: There is a time and place for machine washable materials: broadcloth cotton, jersey knit, stretch denim blends. Even better if the fiber does not require the warmth of an iron to look respectable. There are few greater pleasures in life than grabbing a garment, hot and fluffy from the dryer, and enveloping yourself in it while it is sweet with the scent of fabric softener. This raw pleasure undoubtedly trumps pealing the sterile plastic from a dry cleaned return.

2. Figuration: Apply a pattern. Not only are patterns an excellent form of self expression, they are also a superior disguise for tiny finger prints and other results of everyday life.

3.Form: Soft, cozy, and yin. You should look forward to sporting your informal friends. Like a nostalgic bowl of mac & cheese, they should draw you in emotionally. And even better then a well-worn pair of sweats, they not only feel delicious, they look delicious.

Below is a comfy casual Friday ensemble:

In Between Seasons Cardigan: Keep one folded up in your purse, like a first aid kit for over air-conditioned restaurants
Helianthus V-Neck: Not a button or zipper to interrupt the pleasure of a pull-on top
Nights Adrift Crops: Comfy not schlumpy little short pants
Fine Fescue Hobo: Wet wipes or carpet samples, this will carry whatever you have need of with discreet efficiency
Rave Review Sandals: Turn that dirty old flip flop into a fly swatter
Double Swan Earrings: Like delightful dreams swimming around your head

Before establishing the empire, I was a Dr. Professional. My career spanned from secretarial mini skirt suits to vice presidential power slacks. And during this occupational orbit, I learned a few strategic wardrobing tactics which I am delighted to share with you fellow doctors of profession.

1. Cut: Nothing says casual like revealed skin. Following is an abridged inventory of stretches of flesh that should never be visible in the office: the midriff, the upper thigh, the chest crevice, the lower back and its continuum. Not only should these items be cloistered when standing demurely, but they should remain under wraps when you bend over, raise your arms, and lean forward. Also ensure that your clothing skims rather than clings; offer a smooth outline rather than a detailed delineation. It’s not that these areas are unappealing, quite the contrary, they are far more interesting than your annual budget report.

2. Color: Dark hues report in proper business tones. Unlike their flighty pastel counterparts, dark colors speak of grounded, responsible individuals. But that doesn’t mean you are limited to black, navy, and gray. You can have a pop of color, but make sure it’s a taste, not the entree. There’s a reason that the crimson power tie is a staple and the crimson power suit never quite caught on.

3. Class: Stay in good taste and excellent repair. If you look sloppy, people will assume you don’t spellcheck your e-mails. You might be an obsequious grammarian, but people are bound to make assumptions. As you enter the office you should be flawless from your scuff free shoes, to your properly hemmed trousers (breaking at your instep), to your cleanly pressed blouse.

Below is a sharp little banker formal ensemble:

Nordstrom’s Mac & Jac Linen Jacket: Wearing a jacket doesn’t require a matching suit. You’ll get more wear out of separates
JCrew Solid Silk Garland Cami: Keep a little bit of pretty and color close to you at all times
White House Black Market Sateen Pencil Skirt: Fresh for spring with appropriate feminine allure
Banana Republic Jefferson Medium Shoulder Bag: Because your lappy needs a proper home
Endless Luichiny Miami Pump: Black never has to be boring
Ann Taylor Black Diamond Studs: Your jewelry should not jingle nor jangle