Dressed for success

MANILA, Philippines - When we talk about corporate dressing for women, jackets and suits frequently come to mind. But with today’s women becoming more comfortable with executive roles, and with more relaxed office attire rules, they are more at ease in expressing their softer, feminine side.

And they can literally be dressed for success with smart, structured work dresses from Max & Cleo and bcbgeneration available at SM’s Fashion Forum section. And the best part is that these clothes are great for the office as well as after-six occasions. Here’s how you can make a career shift in dresses that embody the new power dressing at the boardroom and beyond.

• The Sheath Dress. The work-worthy sheath dress has a classic appeal. Seamed or color-blocked, these sheath dresses with beautiful detailing will make work a breeze. Some are even fashioned from ponte material, a double-knit interlock fabric that has a subtle sheen and incredible durability.

• The Wrap. Why does Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress transcend generations of style? That’s because a wrap dress flatters any figure, and a solid or printed wrap dress in a subdued color can bring an interesting twist to work hours.

• The Jersey Dress. Light and comfortable, a jersey dress feels and looks good, and is perfect to wear to work as the temperature rises. This essential work dress is also a great travel basic that you can take out of your suitcase and top with a jacket.

• The Shirtdress. The shirtdress is the woman’s version of the button-down shirt. Perfect for navigating a busy day in the office, it flatters most body types and can be dressed up or down with the right accessories and shoes. The belt sculpts the waist, while the collar accentuates the face.

The dress collection is available at the Fashion Forum section of the SM Department Store in Makati, Ortigas, and the SM Mall of Asia.