Workwear 101: Casual Chic

Kidada Jones hosts the “Kidada for Disney” couture party on 31 May 2007.

Genevieve Jones in the front row at the Alexandre Herchcovitch Spring 2008 Show at The Tent at Bryant Park on September 5, 2007 in NYC and Heather Headley stars in “New March of Dimes Campaign, I Want My Nine Months Fights Growing Crisis of Premature Birth” at Harlem Hospital on November 2, 2006.

This edition of Workwear 101 is for those women who work in relaxed environments but still want to look stylish. You need to feel comfortable to carry out your day-to-day tasks but don’t want to dress like an old matron. School teachers, writers, etc. are the type of professions that fit this category. Knee-length dresses that allow you to move easily, knit seperates and long pendants should be staples in your closet. Also think about adding high-waisted pants (below) to next season’s wardrobe. They’re still big for Fall and very practical.

Left to right: Pintuck Detail Tunic Dress, $53.39, www.asos.com; Steve Madden Printed Charmeuse Dress, $188, www.shop.nordstrom.com; Knit Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Minnie Rose Hooded Cashmere Dusters, $182, www.shopintuition.com, Long Sleeve Ribbed Top, $15.50, www.wetseal.com, Dori Skirt, $128, www.frenchconnection.com

Left to right: Aventura, $99, www.ninewest.com; Vera Shoes by Pedro Garcia, $284, www.my-wardrobe.com; Feud Boot by Steve Madden, $139.95, www.endless.com; Sterling Ballt Flat by Volatile, $54.95, www.endless.com

1. Opaque tights, $15, www.victoriassecret.com; 2. Knit Sweater, $19.99, www.charlotterusse.com 3. Antoinette Lee Besa Stitch Hobo, $425, www.ravinstyle.com 4. Xhilaration Metallic Silvertone and Goldtone Hammered Discs Pendant Necklace, $9.99, www.target.com 5. Leather Twist Lock Holdal, $90, www.topshop.com 6. Tigereye Teardrop Ring, $40, www.guess.com 7. Infinity Print Tunic Dress by Catherine Malandrino, $425, www.net-a-porter.com 8. Glimmering ankle bootie, $129.95, www.ninashoes.com

Read My Lips: Berry Delights

Rihanna, Jessica White and Heather Headley show that berry lips can provide retro, modern and classic looks respectively.

1. No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in “Sugar Muave” available at www.cvs.com; 2. Almay Ideal Lipcolor Lipstick in “Berry” available at www.drugstore.com; 3. No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in “Velvet Kiss” available at www.boots.com; 4. Sweet Jelly Lip Gloss in “Delicious” by Rimmel; 5. Color Perfection Lipstick in “Chianti” available at www.maxfactor.com; 6. Lip Tint SPF 15 in “Black Cherry” available at www.bobbibrown.com; 7. Iman Luxury Moisturing Lipstick in “Bewitched” available at www.walgreens.com; 8. Lip-Liner Pencil in “Salsa” by Nars Cosmetics

Plum to berry shades suit all skin tones and add a sensual look to any made-up face. A more subtle statement than red, plum shades are a great way to go if you want to experiment with color. Be sure to use a primer on lips before applying any lip color to condition your lips and help color last longer. Primers are also excellent at preventing lips from drying out and cracking. Try Smashbox’s Lid & Lip Primer, $24 from Sephora.com.