Sometimes, figuring out how to dress for a professional lifestyle can be challenging. Business casual is the most challenging dress code to try to figure out. If you don’t believe me, just Google search whether or not khakis are business casual. The debate is never ending. But if khakis aren’t business casual, why are khakis even a thing? So, to help you, I’ve put together a small list of people or characters who are almost always doing professional attire right! If you emulate the style of these women, you’re guaranteed to be safe.
1. Spencer Hastings from "Pretty Little Liars"
I’ll be the first to admit that the outfits from PLL are sometimes a little out there. Aria for one takes a lot of risks in fashion, something I can usually respect. Fashion risks tend not to be rewarded in the business world, however. Spencer Hastings is typically someone you can count on to always look poised and professional. A lot of her clothing is very preppy, so I’m comfortable saying you should head on over to J. Crew or similar stores. Want her look for less? Try Old Navy. They have a lot of the classic prep styles with virtually everything under $50. Plus they’re almost always having a sale.
2. Emma Watson
Hermione Granger has been my hero in more ways than one. Emma Watson, however, is my fashion hero. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Watson is fashion forward but always classy, which is why she easily makes this list. One definite tip budding professionals can take away from Emma is her ability to add a pop of color. When the rest of the outfit is just one color, such as black or gray. A pop of color is a nice way to stand out. As long as the color isn’t too harsh, like neon green, it’s sure to be a hit.
3. Olivia Pope from 'Scandal'
Let’s be honest, you knew she’d be on this list. Olivia Pope is the queen of neutrals, typically wearing taupe, gray, beige or black to offset the constant white in her wardrobe. Her style is so iconic, The Limited stores created a brief clothing line inspired by her looks. Although I know it contradicts what I said about Emma Watson's looks, wearing neutrals is almost always a safe bet. If coupled with the typical simple jewelry pieces Olivia wears, the look will always be classy and professional. Also, Olivia has taught us to never underestimate the power of a badass coat. Seriously, she looks like a goddess in the winter.
4. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez compares to Emma Watson with her humanitarian efforts. As the youngest UNICEF Ambassador, Selena Gomez has always had a level of professionalism that her other Disney counterparts haven’t. (You can say whatever it is you want about Miley Cyrus, positive or negative, but we can all agree that her latest style is probably not going to be praised by business professionals. And, while I think Demi’s style is awesome, it’s a little too punk rock for the workplace). Always bringing an air of class to the tasks she tackles, Selena Gomez is certainly someone to emulate.
5. Rhonda Lyon from 'Empire'
This is probably the one no one was expecting. I mean, when it comes to stylish characters from Empire, cookie Lyon is definitely the first person to come to mind. While her style is definitely powerful and packs a major punch, her crazy fur and loud leather outfits are not something you’d ever dare wear to most interviews. Rhonda Lyon, however, is almost always looking ready to rule the world in every scene. Though we saw most of her noteworthy looks in season one due to the pregnancy story line this season, I still put her as a noteworthy contender for style you should copy.
