Style Profile: Jodi Timpani

Tell me about this outfit.
It’s an everyday work outfit. A basic black dress transitions well from work to meetings to social. This biker jacket is a blend of leather and cotton. You never know when you’re going to have to jump on a motorcycle. These are Diane Von Furstenburg heels. They’re my signature. I always say flats are for quitters.

What’s your personal style?
I like confidence and sass, but in an ultra-feminine way. I don’t think you need to put it all out there. There’s a line in between. My style is professional first, but I like clothes and jewelry.

August is a tough month to look professional and keep cool. How do you keep summer dresses work appropriate?

You have to do what’s comfortable for you. I don’t love arms out, but the First Lady has hers out all the time and it looks great. You have to be comfortable for yourself. To me, arms out is very athletic, and the last athletic thing I did was wait in a long line for coffee. You have to be comfortable in what you pull off. I like two pieces: simple dress and scarf, or dress and blazer. If you have a third piece, you’ve overcommitted in the hot weather. I think a t-shirt and a blazer is great – the right t-shirt and the right blazer can really save the day. Right now I’m really into high waisted, wide legged pants. Those with a blazer and tee are a great summer outfit.

Do you have your first day of school outfit picked out?
I dress every day like it’s the first day of school. I don’t understand why people want to dress down – I love getting dressed for work. I wear jeans all the time, but not to work or out to dinner on the weekend. There are so many other things I want to wear.