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When in doubt, err on the side of formality. Remember the phrase "dress well, test well"? is can apply in the workplace too. e more put together you are appearance-wise, the more prepared you'll feel and more productive you'll be. Consider your audience for the day. Will you be working with someone significantly older than you? Are you just meeting a potential business partner on a Saturday for coffee? You certainly do not want to distance yourself from making a connection with a potential client because you appear stuffy and uptight. However you also don't want to offend someone by showing up to a meeting dressed too casually, which can make you seem disinterested, sloppy or unprofessional. Learn the difference between casual and dressy jeans. Just because someone else in your office is wearing a nice pair of jeans on more casual days doesn't mean you can show up in your favorite, worn-in pair. Casual jeans tend to be a lighter wash, aren't as tailored, and can have some distressing (holes, rips, worn-in areas and the like.) Dressier jeans are nicely tailored, a darker wash and do not look worn in or old. Bottom Line: Never look more casual in the workplace than your coworker and certainly not your boss. Dress for the job you want. Keep in mind that your superiors and clients do judge you based on your appearance even if oen times they do so subconsciously. If you wear jeans in a business environment: DO wear a nicely tailored, dark, traditional pair. It is a great idea to get your nicest jeans pressed at the dry cleaners every now and then. e crease will last for a while and will make your life easier. DO stay away from denim that is too trendy. Jeans that have rhinestones or noticeable designs on the pockets are probably too trendy. It's a good idea to stay away from being too trendy at work in all areas of your wardrobe as a matter of fact. DON'T wear jeans that are skin-tight in the workplace. Skinny jeans are very much in style and look great tucked into tall boots in the fall and winter. However, wearing skin- tight jeans in the workplace is not a great idea. Your jeggings might be comfortable, but workplace attire isn't always the place for them. If you have skinny jeans that aren't terribly tight, they are fine to wear. Just keep this rule in mind as jeans can shrink over time also. DO dress up jeans by pairing them with more corporate-looking separates. Pairing your jeans with a blazer is one of the easiest ways to instantly dress up your look. Wearing a nice blouse, heels and blazer with your jeans is a great casual outfit that still shows that you are being professional and put thought into your appearance. M NEW JEAN TRENDS Printed jeans Printed jeans first made their big debut in the spring with tons of floral prints, and the trend is continuing now with a colder temperature vibe. Some of the prints you might see on jeans this season include animal prints, polka dots and stripes and different variations of Aztec-inspired prints. Colored jeans Currently on trend: red, army green, plum and different shades of brown. Waxed jeans "Waxed" denim is a very different trend that is catching on quickly. The idea with this trend is to get the look of leather pants but with the practicality and comfort of jeans. HOLIDAY ACCESSORIES YOU'LL NEED A versatile clutch Black or ivory wrap Nude, black or metallic heels Dangly statement earrings Make it Work DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013 MACON MAGAZINE I 53