Highlighted Skin
Seen at: Angelo Marani
Having a natural-looking glow under florescent office lighting is possible: Makeup artist Tina Turnbow recommends using By Terry Touche Veloutée, a highlighting concealer, along cheekbones and the bridge of the nose to enhance facial structure and make skin shine. For a royal flush, finish with Tarte Natural Cheek Stain, a dewy product that Turnbow uses on clients like Keri Russell and Jessica Szohr.
Sleek Hair
Seen at: Anna Sui
Straight, well-groomed hair is great for the workplace—and it's en vogue in the fashion world too: Backstage at the spring and fall shows, many hairstylists traded in their curling irons for flatirons. Just be careful not to use too much heat—though Kérastase celebrity colorist and stylist Ashley Javier says straight hair can be slimming, it can also appear "too hard" if you don't incorporate a bit of bend.
Purple Eye Shadow
Seen at: Versace
"A pop of color on the lid can enhance the eye," says Turnbow, who recommends the "universally flattering" shades of navy or eggplant for the office. A product that she especially likes is Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Victoria Falls, a soft blue-purple pencil that doubles as eyeliner and shadow. "Playing with products in the morning before going to work can become a mess—a smudgy pencil is effective and easy to use," says Turnbow.
Black Headband
Seen at: Margaret Howell
Bad hair day? A black headband is simple yet chic and instantly tames tempestuous strands. Wear over a clean, low chignon for a work-appropriate do.
Rimmed Gray Eyeliner
Seen at: Sophie Theallet
Striking black liner is a runway staple—and for an extra edge, many designers opt for a rimmed application. If taking this look from the runway to the office, however, temper your flair for the dramatic and choose a soft gray or brown over black.
Pixie Haircut
According to experts, runway model Tao Okamoto's sleek pixie translates well in the workplace. "It always seems that in a group, it's the girl with short hair who comes off as the most confident, youthful, fun, and flirty," says James Vides of Sally Hershberger Downtown New York. "It takes a lot of self-assurance to pull off a pixie hairstyle, but as long as you love it, you can rock it."
Honey-Hued Makeup
Seen at: Meadham Kirchoff
To add warmth to fair skin sans self-tanner, Turnbow says to go for a "creamy, honey-tone blush" like Stila Convertible Color in Camellia or Peony. Dab shimmering copper shadow on eyelids and rosy bronze gloss on lips and—voila!—say hello to a summery complexion.
Soft Bob
Seen at: Tuleh
Sixties-inspired tresses are back, so don't shy away from channeling a Betty Draper–esque bob. As long as strands look soft and not overdone (tease responsibly and avoid multiple coatings of Aqua Net) you'll be in tip-top shape.
Classic Black Liner
Seen at: Badgley Mischka
Black liner over a bare eye is timeless. Thicken the line as you work your way toward the outer edge and finish with a mini tick. Keep remaining makeup minimal to ensure a clean, unfettered appearance.
SIDE-PARTED WAVES
Seen at: Christian Dior
According to researchers John and Catherine Walter, if you want to be taken seriously in the workplace, hair should be parted on the left side. Thus, it would seem that Christian Dior's extreme left parts are picture-perfect. Add tidy waves for the proper dose of fun (experts say curly-haired women are seen as more carefree and approachable).
Smoky Brown Eye Shadow
Seen at: Chanel
Unless you're in a more creative field, a black smoky eye is likely too bold for the workplace. Choose earthy brown and you've got a winning look (see model Anja Rubik's smoldering eyes at left for proof).
Middle Part
Seen at: Costume National
Vides says a middle part makes a bolder, edgier statement than a side one, "but depending on how you style it, it can become much softer. For example, if you blow it out with soft layers or waves, a middle part is less harsh." The flyaway-free, center-parted waves at the Costume National spring 2010 show are Vides' "softer" vision brought to life.
Bright Pink Lip Gloss
Seen at: Moschino Cheap & Chic
"A glossy pink lip is feminine and eye-catching and not too over-the-top for work," says Turnbow, who favors Revolution Organics Freedom Lip Gloss in Truth.
Asymmetrical Crop
Seen at: Ermanno Scervino
Amid the sea of textured ponies and undone strands, one model at the Ermanno Scervino spring 2010 show sported a sleek asymmetrical crop. For those who want to go short while maintaining some length, this do could be a welcome alternative to Okamoto's blunt-fringe pixie—not to mention that the artsy, angular cut shows off your creativity (and your cheekbones!). When wearing this Rihanna-like do, just be sure to keep it neat and pin longer strands to the side if necessary: Social psychologist Midge Wilson, PhD, says shaking pesky locks away from your eyes or tucking them behind your ear "is very distracting and can send the message that you aren't task-focused."
Red Lipstick
Seen at: Jason Wu
If you're a red lipstick connoisseur, there's no reason why you should have to hide your red-hot passion while on the job. The classic color is completely workable, so long as you choose a tomato shade over a superdark Goth one and pair with neutral eyes and cheeks. Still shy about flaunting rouge lips at the office? Save them for the evening happy hour with coworkers.
