LiveWorld Transcripts

macys.com presents

Sayareh Farsio, Norbert Sy, Sarah Johnson
Fashion for Business

October 18, 2000

Dressing for success has changed, and the stuffy, itchy business suit is out. But what to wear? Get free expert advice on your workplace wardrobe as professionals from Macy's By Appointment and Liz Claiborne reveal what works--so you can enjoy the relaxed rules and still look like a pro.

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Macys.com: Good Evening Welcome to today's chat where experts reveal what works. The professionals from Macy's By Appointment and Liz Claiborne are ready to help uncover what "business casual" really means - and what it doesn't. Joining us today are Sayareh Farsio and Norbert Sy from Macy's By Appointment and Sarah Johnson, our Liz Claiborne specialist.

Sayareh Farsio: We'd like to welcome you to our fall collection from Liz Claiborne.

Sarah Johnson: I'm excited to share clothes from Liz Claiborne that will work in today's casual workplace.

Patty: I'm a branch manager in a bank. Customers always compliment me on my attire, but I can't afford to wear a "wow" every day. What do you suggest?

Sayareh Farsio: The best thing is buy separate pieces, and mix them with what you have already in your closet. You can update your wardrobe that way. Definitely a leather jacket, because they're the hottest thing for fall.

Norbert Sy: Liz Claiborne has a wonderful seasonless crepe dress. Use that with a jacket, and you could go from day into evening.

Sarah Johnson: I would agree with the others. The important thing is to get away from complete outfit dressing, and really build a wardrobe around key pieces. That way you can intermix.

Norbert Sy: Also, don't be afraid to mix fabrication. That would really stretch your wardrobe. Last but not least, don't be afraid to use fun pieces like the Liz long skirt. You could mix that with a cardigan you already have, and that will stretch your wardrobe.

Esmeralda: Is there any one fashion item that we should have or should make sure we have in our closets this fall?

Sayareh Farsio: I'd go with the microfiber trousers.

Sarah Johnson: Yes, that's something you can wear with a jacket, a turtleneck, or a twin set. In addition, we have great stretch items that look crisp and professional, but add the extra ease of the stretch.

Norbert Sy: The holidays are almost here, and the one great item is that seasonless crepe dress again that you could really dress up.

Harriet: What styles from last year will still be acceptable this fall and possibly winter?

Sarah Johnson: Any basic items from last year, like basic black suits, turtlenecks, trousers, especially the microfiber. They really continue on from year to year, as they are classics.

Sarah: Not all styles work for each person. What is the most important consideration for each individual when deciding what in the new fashions might be most suitable for them?

Norbert Sy: What you really have to consider first is your body type, and dress accordingly, not according to what's the latest in fashion.

Sayareh Farsio: The other important thing is what works with your lifestyle, not necessarily what a model would wear.

Colorful Gert: I live in a warmer climate, and find it more difficult to be stylish with changes of season that are not quite so dramatic. Any suggestions?

Norbert Sy: Liz Sport has a wonderful solid long sleeve shirt that you could wear many different ways--out, over a trouser with the sleeves rolled up. Or tie it around your waist to get a different look.

Sarah Johnson: A lot of the stretch fabrics that Liz features are light enough to work in warmer climates.

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