Women’s Professional Style Cues from TV Characters

Amy Poehler in Parks and Recreation

According to the New York Times, women occupy a record number of private sector jobs, and girls are ready to go out and earn their fortunes. However, dressing for success in business is not always easy. Your goals may be to be yourself, reasonably comfortable, respected and on-trend. Surprisingly, you can look for inspiration in a few characters on TV.  Some of the women who know how to look the part of the office rock star:

Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation

Leslie Knope

Creative Commons image by letsgoeverywhere

As the sixth season of this quirky NBC hit kicks off in September, audiences will be rooting for woman-in-charge Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler. Though she may not always have it together, Leslie doesn’t feel pressure to be sexy or on-trend at work, instead she’s all business. However, we can all take a page from her knack for personal style. She decorated her wedding gown with important work documents, proving that she lives for her job, but it doesn’t keep her from finding love. With a lace neckline, side-swept hair, and Hollywood makeup, Leslie is a great example of keeping it subtle in the office and glamorous for a night out.

Jessica Pearson, Suits

The costume designer for  Suits claims to keep 100 three-piece ensembles on set for the men. But to give the women that perfect combination of the wealthy elite and successful executive, with just a pinch of scariness for Jessica Pearson, played by Gina Torres, the actresses are dressed in modern, designer label clothes. Contemporary cuts, bold edges, and sleek fabrics give this managing partner a look that exudes confidence. Her clothes are one thing that don’t need straightening out.

Claire DunphModern Family

70 percent of married moms who are over 25 years of age work outside the home, according to More.com. Whether part-time, full-time, or just temporarily to whip the city council into shape like Claire Dunphy, played by Julie Bowen, it is difficult to make the transition from functional mom clothes to more professional attire. Around the kitchen she seems most comfortable in a bright button down and slacks, or active wear, when Dunphy decides to enter the election she pulls out a black suit jacket and skirt reminiscent of Julie Bowen’s Boston Legal days. Instead of changing her look completely, she ups the formality and professionalism for public interviews and council meetings.

From career girls to working moms to high-powered executives, these TV women prove that you can be cute, comfortable and even a little sexy. According to http://www.direct.tv, it’s now even easier to keep up with these career gals without slowing down; new technology makes it possible to watch recorded shows at home or on the go.