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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 her look on any old day to work. Forget the pedestrian khakis and a button downs—these fashionable professionals take the office dress code to a whole other dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Photos by Anna Fischer
This week, we take you to the New York HQ of Project, the bi-annual trade contemporary fashion trade show event held in both New York and Las Vegas. Since the staffers are constantly surrounded with trends before they are trends, they have a bit of an upper-hand when it comes to putting together a killer work outfit.
Andrew Pollard, President: My style is simple and classic with a touch of irreverence. I like to contrast sharp tradition tailoring with casual utilitarian dressing, and I enjoy the ritual of getting dressed every morning.
Andrew is wearing a Nudie jacket, a Tomorrowland vest, a Gitman Bros. shirt, Acne pants, a J.Crew tie with a Thom Browne tie clip, a Tanner Goods belt, Tricker’s Boots, and Acne gloves.
Style advice: Always keep it simple. Add a touch of detail that represents your personality.
Nick Wooster, Creative Advisor: I tend to go classic. With bursts of something. It's preppy with a twist. There has to be some juxtaposition of opposing ideas: Ivy with military; shades of grey and hot pink; tailored with vintage.
Nick is wearing a Simon Spurr sweater, an Eton shirt, a J.Crew tie, Michael Bastian pants, and Visvim boots.
Style advice: Always go tonal. When in doubt choose navy. If that doesn't work...choose grey. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Nancy Berger, VP Marketing & Communications: My personal style is a combination of downtown cool and uptown sophisticated. I like to think of myself as a bit of a fashion mixologist?nothing too crazy, but I definitely like to experiment.
Nancy is wearing a Cut 25 jacket, an ASOS sweater, R13 jeans, Alexander Wang shoes, a cuff by Dannijo, and vintage bracelets and a vintage ring.
Style advice: My style advice is simple. Tip 1: Wear what makes you feel good, always paying attention to what makes you look your best. Tip 2: I don't believe in style rules?break them at all costs. Most importantly don't be a conformist—fashion should be fun, so experiment, play, and never take it all too seriously. Tip 4: Be "ageless appropriate." In very simple terms, your age should not dictate your style choices.
Sharifa Cudjoe, Director Of Sales: My personal style is Glam meets Brooklyn. I am not afraid of bold prints and mixed patterns and of course the higher the heel, the better.
Sharifa is wearing a shirt from H&M, a Goldspun vest, an H&M skirt, and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Style advice: Always wear a super hot shoe—then you can get away with not dressing up as much. Colored tights are always a savior. They make any outfit trendy. And layering with a vest or a jacket always upgrades your look and makes it complete.
Edwina Kulego, International Business Coordinator: I try not to plan too much; I'm more of a "go with the flow" person when it comes to styling. I attempt to play with patterns and color but I always seem to stick with the basics. I love accessorizing and believe that the right accessories can upgrade any outfit.
Edwina is wearing an ASOS top, H&M shorts, Aldo boots, a Calypso necklace, a Michael Kors watch, and Topshop tights.
Style advice: I love people who dare to be different and really express themselves through fashion. My advice is to forget about always conforming to trends; ignore the price tag and set your own standard! I'm a big fan of vintage and could spend days thrift shopping for those one-of-a-kind items.
Sunni Spencer, VP of Sales: I tend to dress sensibly. Like a hairstylist, I have a good sense for cut & color. I'm attracted to flattering silhouettes and chic color. One of the joys of working for Project is that I can express personal style. A power dress and wedges one day and the next a blazer or blouse with a great pair of colored denim and ankle booties.
Sunni is wearing a Helmut Lang top and skirt, Theyskens Theory shoes, a Giles & Brother necklace, and a Melissa Joy Manning for Doo.Ri ring.
Style advice: Don't follow trends unless they make you look and feel like a million bucks. Experiment, yet have a point of view. Choose a focal point for accessories—don't over do it! And also, Ralph Rucci once told me that shoes should whisper, not speak. I've lived by that ever since.
Rachel Zimmerman, Marketing Manager: I try to keep it funky yet functional, throw some leather into the mix, and always a fan of black staples. Kinda Girl Interrupted meets downtown chic.
Rachel is wearing a Topshop dress, a J.Crew denim shirt, Zara shoes, a J.Crew bracelet, and Spitfire glasses.
Style advice: I have to feel comfortable to feel confident. My advice is to wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, if you're trying to dress like someone you're not the outfit ends up wearing you instead of the reverse.
Matthew Klein, Sales Manager: Here at the Project office, they like to call it "refined swagger." To me, it's about mixing elements of tailored classic looks with updated silhouettes. All in all, I try to stay timeless.
Matthew is wearing a RRL suit and a RRL shirt, a Vintage Curated by Bklyn Drygoods scarf, Florsheim by Duckie Brown, and Psycho Bunny socks.
Style advice: Don't be afraid to take chances and step out of your comfort zone. (Add a colorful pocket square or a great pair of socks to your outfit). Always overdress for the occasion. Remember that dressing the part will help your colleagues, boss, and others in your life take you a lot more serious. Take the extra time in the morning to think about what you’re doing that day and if the outfit is appropriate.
Gavin Logan, Marketing Coordinator: Day laborer with a desk job.
Gavin is wearing a John Varvatos shirt, Hartford Denim Co. Jeans, a Miner Hat Works fedora, Florsheim shoes, a Timex watch, and vintage rings.
Style advice: Get yourself some nice, high quality staples. This doesn't have to be expensive. Go to thrift stores, search on eBay. If something is still in good condition 30 years after it was made, it will probably last you 30 more. If you do spend a lot of money, spend it on something you’ll pass down when you’re dead.
· Project [Official Site]
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