SUCCEED WITH STYLE: What to Wear in Sloppy Winter Weather

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Thursday, January 13, 2011

margaret Batting, Image Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist

The weather outside is frightful, and your yellow rubber rain boots are delightful – but not professional looking or appropriate for the office. There’s nothing more annoying than waking up to snow or rain, especially when you have already picked out a fair-weather outfit the night before. It happens to me more often than I care to admit. Dressing for slushy, sloppy weather is always a challenge for the professional who wants to maintain a polished, pulled together, and regardless-of-the-weather stylish look. Here are my recommendations.

Invest in a fantastic pair of black all-weather boots. They can be flat but don’t have to be. I wouldn’t go higher than 2 inches as you might have trouble maneuvering in the snow. Avoid a rubber, or clunky boot. Keep the style streamlined and feminine. Make sure you choose an all-weather fabric and have your boots treated. You can wear them to and from work and carry your shoes in your tote to change into once your reach your office or final destination.

Forget about hat head. Wet, frizzy, un-tamed hair is worse. Buy a stylish winter hat and a rain hat. It’s the best way to stay dry while still looking good. You may even be able to lose the umbrella if you find a great rain hat.

If you still need an umbrella, find one that complements your style. Avoid anything too cutesy or novelty. Replace it when it starts showing wear and tear.

Purchase a raincoat in a unique color or style. Who says you have to look boring in khaki. These days, there are so many styles and colors to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.

Buy a tote bag made of weather resistant material. This way you don’t have to worry about ruining your nice leather handbag or tote and you’ll still look pulled other.

Stock up on great accessories in fun colors and patterns. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to make a classic black, brown or camel coat pop. Even a boring raincoat can be jazzed up with a colorful scarf and gloves.

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder and serves as the style advisor liaison for Dress for Success Rhode Island, which will be involved in Styleweek Providence this month. For more information, http://www.eleve-style.com">visit www.eleve-style.com.

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