How To Work Fall's Hottest Trends at the Office

By InStyle.com
Aug 19, 2011 @ 10:35 am
How To Work Fall's Hottest Trends at the Office
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Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for IMG, Courtesy Acne, Courtesy Roland Mouret, Courtesy Madewell
Most of us spend the majority of our days at a desk-in an office full of standard 9-to-5 designs and little opportunity to try out fall's dramatic trends in the hallway or at the morning meeting. Think again! Check out our smart styling tricks to transform those high-fashion runway styles into polished, work-appropriate looks.

Chunky Knits
Tone down the drama of Prabal Gurung's interpretation of the chunky knit-full of voluminous details-with a slimmer weave and a minimalist version of the ultra-feminine flowing skirt.

Wool sweater, Acne, $380; barneys.com. Rayon skirt, Madewell, $78; madewell.com. Suede belt, Roland Mouret, $140; net-a-porter.com.
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Colorblock

Courtesy Giambatista Valli, Courtesy DKNY
Giambatista Valli's expert pop-bright colorblocking makes us want to skip the office entirely in favor of a night out (but not really an option.) Instead, add a dose of black to bring the intensity down without losing the graphic effect.

Silk pleated dress, DKNY, $345; dkny.com.

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Full-On Sporty

Imaxtree, Courtesy TopShop, Courtesy Zara
While Phillip Lim fully committed to the sports-luxe feel via high-shine, textured pieces, it's a little too flashy for the morning meeting. Make this look work-friendly by harnessing the trend in a varsity tee and a sleek pencil skirt.

Leather sleeve sweat shirt, Topshop, $90; topshop.com. Polyester skirt, Zara, $59.90; zara.com for stores.
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Bold Prints

Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images, Courtesy Paul & Joe, Courtesy Warehouse
An all-over print in a rich palette-like Pucci showed this season-is great for fall, but look for a neutral base color for in-office hours. A cardigan that picks up the hue gives your look day-to-night versatility.

Wool-blend cardigan, Paul and Joe Sister, $280; net-a-porter.com. Composite dress, Warehouse, $97; warehouse.co.uk.

Find the hottest pieces and unlock exclusive styling tips with Shopkick!

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Imaxtree, Courtesy T-Bags, Courtesy TopShop, Courtesy Tibi
Ladylike Tomboy
Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld topped a slouchy suit and chunky oxfords with a boxy jacket. Leave the "tomboy" aspect behind for the office and go in the "ladylike" direction by tucking a tank into slim-cut trousers.

Jersey tank with beaded necklace, T-bags, $195; net-a-porter.com. Cotton jacket, Topshop, $90; topshop.com. Wool-blend crepe pants, Tibi, $265; net-a-porter.com.

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Sheer

Imaxtree, Courtesy Adam, Courtesy T by Alexander Wang, Courtesy Zara
The sheer trend looks amazing on the Alexander Wang runway, but avoid an awkward call from human resources by layering a pretty blush cami under your airy top and reign in the billowing fabric with skinny trousers.

Jersey-trimmed silk-blend chiffon top, Adam, $230; net-a-porter.com. Silk-charmeuse camisole, T by Alexander Wang, $135; net-a-porter.com. Polyester, cotton trousers, Zara, $79.90; zara.com for stores.

Find the hottest pieces and unlock exclusive styling tips with Shopkick!
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Head-To-Toe Red

Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images, Courtesy Reed Krakoff, Courtesy YSL
Reed Krakoff went for a smoking monochromatic look on the runway. For the office? Not so much. Recreate the trend for your cube by breaking up a shift dress with a wide, neutral belt to soften the overall look.

Wool ponte knit dress, Charles Henry, $391; 704-817-9440. Leather belt, Yves Saint Laurent, $395; net-a-porter.com.
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