Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Welcome to the latest edition of Working It, where Racked takes street style to the next level—the office. The litmus test of the true style-savvy is how she (or he) rocks a look on any old day to work. Forget the pedestrian khakis and button downs—these fashionable professionals take the office dress code to a whole other dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Photos by Porter Hovey
This week, we take you to the New York HQ of LaForce + Stevens to see what the representatives of some of the top brands in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle wear to work. With clients such as Milly, Tracy Reese, Vena Cava, and more, the team behind the firm has mastered the art of dressing for busy days in the office that lead into equally busy nights event hopping around town.
Olita Mills, Vice President: I would categorize my personal style as timeless. I like to wear classic items that fit well and never go out of style. I experiment with bold colors and patterns for an extra punch. I also believe that interesting accessories can spice up any outfit.
Style advice: Mix-match your wardrobe. It's never a waste of money to invest in key classic pieces such as a tailored blazer, nude pumps, jeans, and classic dresses. Then, mix in accessories and items that are on trend for the moment.
Olita is wearing a navy full sleeve shift by Tracy Reese, Rachel Leigh bracelet, and Vince Camuto pumps.
Cristy Turner, Digital and Social Media Supervisor: My style is sweet and salty. I like fun, flirty pieces (hello, polka dots!) but I need a bit of a rugged edge, too. I always wear one piece of jewelry that I love—whether it's my mom's cuff bracelet (which I am wearing now) or a special necklace from my best friends or an heirloom ring that's been passed down in my family through the generations. Those personal pieces make me happy and remind me of the people and places I love.
Style advice: I am a big fan of playing with opposites—mixing girly with tough, vintage flair with sleek minimalism, denim with an ornate jeweled collar. I need that balance or else I feel like I'm trapped in a period piece. With the right mix, you're ready for anything, from a business meeting to a lunch date to a dinner party to a dance party!
Cristy is wearing a Vena Cava sweater, Leyendecker Los Angeles T-shirt, vintage polka dot skirt, Belle by Sigerson Morrison boots, vintage belt.
Lisa Frank, Account Director: My style is a mix of classic silhouettes and modern accents. I like pieces I can dress up or down, wear to work or on the weekend. When a silhouette works for me, like button-down shirts, I tend to buy MANY variations—silky, chambray, sleeveless, you name it, I own it. I am also a big believer in mixing high and low, perhaps from all my years working on Target's design collaborations.
Style advice: Flatter your figure. Wear what works for you and don't get sucked into trends that don't. Invest in the pieces that you'll wear forever. Don't be afraid of prints!
Lisa is wearing a Sandro blazer; Ruby and Jenna gingham button-up; Seven for All Mankind black legging jeans; Prada heels; a mix of bracelets from Bauble Bar, Hermes, and an unknown designer; a Rachel Leigh necklace, a vintage ring passed down from her grandmother on her right hand; and a Dubey and Schaldenbrand watch.
Emily Garbaccio, Senior Vice President, Partner: My style is streamlined, professional, classic. I had two daughters close together, so you won’t find me in stretchy knits or jersey anytime soon.
Style advice: Splurge on classic pieces you will wear over and over; you can justify anything if you think in terms of "cost per use." To keep everything in great shape, find a dry cleaner you trust. (I was devastated to leave our cleaners/tailor when we moved three years ago, so I still trek to our old neighborhood to drop off/pick up on Saturdays—totally worth the extra effort.) I'm a planner in every sense of the word, so each night I think about what I'll wear the next day. I don't go as far as laying things out, but having an idea eliminates the morning panic when you are staring in your closet convinced you have "nothing to wear!"
Emily is wearing a Rag & Bone dress, Milly belt, Christian Louboutin shoes, Scully & Scully locket, and Hermès bracelet.
Brooke Hilton, Vice President: My personal style can be best described as conservative, but also chic and timeless. I like to wear clothes that are not only in line with current trends but also fit my personality and present a professional appearance. My job can have me meeting with fashion insiders and corporate executive teams on the same day, so I have to try to balance. While I err on the conservative side, I always like to wear one statement piece that's a conversation starter—whether it's a color, accessory, etc. I also love to travel, and own many unique items from around the world, so it's fun to mix and match those rare finds with the rest of my wardrobe.
Style advice: My style advice is to know what you like, which styles fit you the best, and to dress with confidence. Dress for yourself, not for others or just to follow the trends. Each season features enough variety that there will always be an opportunity to incorporate new trends into your look without going overboard or compromising your personal style. No one wants to look back at old pictures and say "what was I thinking?"!
Brooke is wearing a J.Crew blouse, Theory pants, Hermes belt, Manolo Blahnik shoes, Cartier watch, and a necklace she bought in India.
· LaForce + Stevens [Official Site]
· All Working It posts [Racked]
Loading comments...