The month of May celebrates moms and women! I want to highlight fashionable women here in Phoenix and how they present their best self and look stylish. Please meet Skyler Scott. I’ve known Skyler for almost 4 years. Her style is feminine and modern. She has a great style and her day to day looks transition well from work to going out. I was so excited when she agreed to be interviewed and share her style tips. Enjoy her interview.
1. Tell me about yourself and a little about your business.
My name is Skyler Scott and I consider myself to be a culture, arts and design enthusiast. I’m a Phoenix native and absolutely love all the city has to offer. I work on the Public Relations team at Mountain Shadows and Hotel Valley Ho. Two well-known historic and mid-century modern resorts in the Valley.
2. Can you tell me about your current style and how you dress for the office, clients and/or meetings?
My colleagues poke fun at me because I wear so much black—and I’m proud of it! Black is the most versatile hue. From daytime to evening, it transcends well and it can be paired with just about any color, fun pattern or design. I actually pull a lot of style inspiration from my mom. She has worked in salons her entire career and black became a prominent staple in her wardrobe. When I was growing up, she shopped a lot for me especially when my first job was also working in a salon and our dress code was all things black, so it stuck with me. It’s sophisticated, professional and honestly, so easy.
3. Do you have a work uniform? Do you tend to buy/wear the same color suits, jackets, dresses, etc? or no?
Our dress code at work is business professional but with enough flexibility where we can tie in our own distinct style. As I mentioned previously, I do lean towards the same color dresses, blazers, blouses etc. and will often incorporate other neutrals like gray, white and tan since each of those colors goes so well with black. But lately, I have been trying to branch out and add little pops of color to my wardrobe, even if it’s with a fun accessory.
4. What advice do you have for women who are building their business wardrobe? What key articles of clothing should they have? What should they always keep in their office?
I believe that it’s important to dress for the job you want to have and not necessarily for the job you currently have. That mindset will always do you well. Showing up at work feeling confident and highly professional is key and it plays a huge role in where you go in the company and in general with your career.
My suggestion for essential items to have in your wardrobe includes a black sophisticated blazer, appropriately fitting dress pants, classic black heels(that might require a little splurging or a successful shopping trip to Last Chance) and a crisp dress shirt. The no-iron dress shirts are the best, you can run out the door looking great and not have to worry about pulling out the iron before you leave the house.
I would suggest keeping a pair of flats in your car or in the office at all times. Nothing quite beats the feeling of taking off uncomfortable heels and changing to flats at the end of a long work day.
5. What do you usually wear to business events or social event? Suit? Dresses? Heels?
I typically wear a professional looking dress and equally as professional flats. I feel like you can’t really go wrong with a dress. You can easily accessorize a dress and make it more formal with a belt or add a more casual flair to it with oversized jewelry.
6. What are your thoughts on pantyhose? Heel height? Skirt/dress length? Undergarments?
I never wear typical pantyhose and I feel as if most people my age (Millennials) don’t wear them either. I suppose it depends on the job and what’s required but it’s definitely not something that I notice too often. Tights in the winter are a different story, I wear those all the time. For heel height, I believe it’s important to go for a heel height that suits your personal height but if you’re on the shorter side, don’t go for sky-high heels. There has to be a level of conservatism no matter what. Skirt/ dress length, no more than 2-3 inches above the knee and for undergarments, never let them show. It’s essential to have a t-back bra when wearing sleeveless tops.
7. Do you ever dress casual and if so, for what occasions? What are some casual looks you like to wear?
Absolutely! You’ll find me in casual attire all the time on the weekends. I’m in love with my high-waisted jeans. I feel like they complement my body type so well because I have high hips and not to mention, they are super comfortable. My casual go-to outfit is either solid black or light-washed high-waisted jeans and a black long-sleeve shirt or tank top with ankle boots. As usual, very simple and easy to accessorize but also very versatile and so “me.”
8. How important is the handbag you carry? Does it have to be a designer bag?
For work, I believe it’s important to have a stylish, professional and clean-looking handbag. Whether you’re going to important meetings and interacting with clients or simply walking into your office/ place of work, people notice your handbag as much as they notice what you’re wearing. It’s a significant part of your outfit. It does not have to be a designer bag, there are so many brands out there that are affordable and good quality. I have a Halogen handbag that has lasted about three years so far and it was only $50.
9. Anything women should avoid wearing in a business and/or client meeting?
A blouse that is low cut. Even if you think it might be too low, it probably is. I believe it instantly takes away from any sort of professionalism and it becomes a distraction for all people involved.
10. How do you dress differently when the temperature gets so warm here in Phoenix? Do you keep an extra blouse at the office if you sweat?
That’s a great question! It’s amazing how much more often clothing needs to be dry-cleaned in the summertime. Luckily, at work, we can wear sleeveless professional-looking tops and nice sandals in the summertime. Sandals over flats make a substantial difference alone. I also always travel with deodorant and body spray in my purse. Just to continually stay fresh and feeling good.
11. Any advice or style tips you would like to share?
Don’t be afraid to experiment every once in a while! Try a new color that you don’t usually wear or embark on a new trend and see how it fits you. Receiving compliments on your outfit can be the perfect confidence and self-esteem booster, turning your day from average to amazing.
Photos by: Jonathan Puente
