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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 a look on any old day to work. Forget the pedestrian khakis and buttondowns—these fashionable professionals take the office dress code to a whole other dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
All images by Porter Hovey
Today we take you to the Manhattan offices of Birchbox, the subscription-based beauty service that sends members a box of sample products every month. As leaders in the fashion start-up field who work with many of the best cosmetics and lifestyle brands around, office style it's no surprise that office style—both fashion and beauty—is a high priority for these folks. Here's how they work it when they're working.
Katia Beauchamp, Co-Founder: My style is almost always comfortable, while playful and bold. I am weak for textures and pops of color. And I basically never met an unpractical accessory I didn't love.
Style advice: Next time you are getting dressed for every day or for a special occasion, remember that beauty can be the cornerstone of the outfit, or the accessory that is just right. A bright, bold line of color at the lash line or a casual, teased bun at the nape of your neck.
Katia is wearing a Target sweater, Cos shirt, Anthropologie necklace, J Brand jeans, and Zara pumps.
Emily Van Meter, Operations Manager: My style is one part glamazon, one part wannabe goth girl.
Style advice: When you keep your color palette simple, you can create many different combinations even with a limited wardrobe.
Emily is wearing a Helmut Lang jacket, T by Alexander Wang men's top, vintage Levi's cutoff shorts, L'eggs tights, Balenciaga booties, all Lady Grey jewelry.
Mollie Chen, Editorial Director: My style is easy feminine. I love anything with a great print and flowy, silky tops and dresses in bold colors. I pull it together with heels or ballet flats and I couldn't live without skinny belts and cardigans.
Style advice: Its always fun to play up the edgier or more high fashion side but, ultimately, I think its important to wear the pieces that make you feel the most comfortable. I feel most confident in the items that make me feel like me.
Mollie is wearing a vintage dress and J.Crew belt.
Matt Field, Director of International Operations: My style is classic with a twist (when I can pull it off). Think colored laces or elbow patches.
Style advice: Simple and crisp can still be stylish! Don't mix too many different patterns or pair too many bright colors. Invest in good shoes; they're often overlooked but always the first thing that other people notice. Put your boxers on before your pants.
Matt is wearing Levi's 514 jeans, a J.Crew shirt, Brown Sound cardigan, Richer Poorer socks, and Jshoes shoes.
Hayley Barna, Co-Founder: I wear a lot of different styles. My closet is a bit schizophrenic. It would make it easier to get dressed in the morning if I just chose one style and stuck to it!
Style advice: Wear at least one thing every day that makes you smile.
Hayley is wearing a Zara top, Theory pants, a Nixon watch, a ring gifted by Birchbox co-founder Katia, a Hermes bracelet, a Ole Lyngaard necklace, Anthropolgie wedges, and Birchbox makeup.
Becky Case, Senior Software Engineer: I'd describe my style as feminine with a little edge—tailored dresses with spiked ballet flats or steel-toe Rebecca Minkoff boots with classic cigarette jeans, a white blouse, and a purple-sheen blazer. I'm quite obsessed with architectural clothing. The details make each piece a worthy edition to my closet. I also love accessories, but I keep them very minimal.
Style advice: I create my outfits around one eye-popping item. Some of my favorites include a purple satin bowed dress, python studded ankle-strapped stilettos, and a metallic bolero with a ruffled collar. Once I select a piece, it's easy to pull together the rest of the outfit to complement it. This ensures I always have some wow factor without looking too over the top.
Becky is wearing a Bensoni red ruffled dress, Sam Edelman spiked ballet flats, Joe Fresh glitter belt, Uniqlo heat-tech tights, AV Max python bangle, Norbu Bijoux cocktail ring.
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