On-the-Job Style

Alexandra Willinger, associate buyer at Intermix, is essentially paid to be on-trend. It’s her job to know what the high-end boutique’s customers want before they do, which means test-driving the latest—often edgiest—pieces. “I’m always taking risks,” she says.

“A moto vest pulls an outfit together just like a blazer—but it’s so much cooler.”

“A wild outfit needs a classic bag. I’m a Virgo—I can’t take too much chaos.”

“Ideally, I’d dress like it’s Coachella all summer. A stretchy printed dress is the next best thing.”

“I hope the wedge-sneaker trend never ends! I’ve gotten used to wearing high-tops to work.”

Melissa Thompson, cofounder of TalkSession, a tech start-up, is all business. Meeting with venture capitalists and programmers requires chic, minimalist outfits that look totally profesh (but
make her feel pretty).

“The fastest way to get amped up for a big industry event: Put on a red dress. You can’t help but feel optimistic, and you’ll definitely get noticed.”

“A tailored dress is my canvas. Then I just swap out my shoes and bag—and add smoky eyeliner!—to take it from day to night.”

“Don’t spend a ton on black dresses. Even cheap ones can look expensive with the right accessories.”

“A well-tailored blazer exudes authority. Working in a male-dominated field, that’s essential.”

Corin Minier, financial analyst at Apollo Global Management, may work with a bunch of suits, but she wouldn’t be caught dead in an oxford shirt. (“They’re too boxy!”  she says.) Softly tailored feminine pieces define her pretty—but polished—style.

“You don’t need a zillion pairs of heels. Nude ones match everything.”

“If I can cinch it, I will—a belt makes any outfit look more put-together.”

“Fellow petites: Make your life easier by buying mostly skirts. You don’t have to get them hemmed as much as pants.”

“So many of my clothes are ‘handwash only.’ To save time, I put them in lingerie bags and throw them in the delicate cycle.”

Lizzie Crocker, reporter at thedailybeast.com, is free to express her own breezy, colorful style—such are the perks of  covering arts and lifestyle for a buzzy news site. But to keep things from looking too laid-back, she sticks to classic silhouettes.

“A knotted button-down is just a little sexy and not too over the top for work.”

“Equipment blouses are my number one splurge! But they wrinkle easily, so I hang them in the bathroom while I take a hot shower.”

“My rule: If you can’t walk in heels without wobbling, don’t wear them.”

“Carry a structured bag and a playful outfit looks legit enough for the office.”