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No more dress codes? Take a look around any workplace. Sneakers are the new pumps, midi dresses are the new suits, and jeans are kicking pants to the curb. Boundaries between work and weekend are blurrier than ever. Whether you never stopped working, are jumping back in the game or seek a new opportunity, it's time to rethink your look. Here are nine ways to fit in and stand out, starting now.
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![Viola Davis, Sharon Stone, Sherri Shepherd Viola Davis, Sharon Stone, Sherri Shepherd](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2019/the-new-dress-code-for-women/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par1/articlecontentfragmeImage1/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2019/08/1140-dress-for-work-blazer.jpg)
1. When in doubt, throw on a boyfriend blazer.
It's still the pivotal piece that pulls together basics. But don't grab been-there-done-that oldies from your closet. You need a notch-collar boyfriend style now that doesn't look vintage to dial up all your T-shirts, jeans and pants. The best blazer is slouchier and relaxed in a soft all-seasons stretch fabric — like the Old Navy Jacquard Boyfriend Blazer for Women ($50, oldnavy.gap.com), or a knit like the Ava & Viv Plus-Size Knit Blazer ($35, target.com) — that won't pull across the bust or belly when buttoned, or look stuffy. Cross your arms in front in a body hug to test for a comfy fit at the back. Then scrunch up the sleeves for attitude, and you're in business.
![Bo Derek, Ines de la Fressange, Annette Weber, French Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt Bo Derek, Ines de la Fressange, Annette Weber, French Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2019/the-new-dress-code-for-women/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par3/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2019/08/1140-dress-for-work-jeans.jpg)
2. Pick jeans that do the job.
Want a raise or promotion? Don't wear your comfy “boyfriends” or distressed denim (even if everyone else at work does). Jeans have become an everyday pant in many workplaces, but unless you're a tech CEO or work in entertainment, skip rips and even frayed hems. To look professional 9 to 5, choose a black jean — which always looks dressier — or a dark wash blue denim. The real secret at 50 is to always elevate jeans with a blouse, blazer or glam shoes for work instead of keeping the look casual.
![Marcia Gay Harden in teal blue pantsuit, print blouse; Julianne Moore in pink pantsuit; Norah O' Donnell in yellow pantsuit Marcia Gay Harden in teal blue pantsuit, print blouse; Julianne Moore in pink pantsuit; Norah O' Donnell in yellow pantsuit](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2019/the-new-dress-code-for-women/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par5/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2019/08/1140-dress-for-work-pantsuit.jpg)
3. Power through in a pantsuit.
So, you vowed never to wear a suit again? If you're in a conservative field like law or finance, starting your own business or calling on clients, a pantsuit looks authoritative and trustworthy. But not any old pantsuit. Have you checked Instagram lately? Pantsuits — in jelly bean hues, plaid and Rolls Royce gray — have returned as the new-again uniform for women who wish to look snappy and don't want to think about how they sit, stand or move. Wear one with the same savoir faire you do jeans and a biker jacket. Your boss will think you are job hunting, and your coworkers will think you're marked for promotion or just got one.
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