Now in its fourth season, Drop Dead Diva is the hit TV show about a plus-size lawyer whose body is inhabited by the soul of a fashion model. Margaret Cho plays paralegal assistant Teri Lee, a sassy and outspoken character who’s always one step ahead of her boss. Although her personal life has an downtown-alternative vibe, Teri’s professional life is mainstream, upmarket and conservative. Her wardrobe reflects all of these qualities. Cho’s character blends tailored suit separates with bright colors and funky accessories, to give her professional wear just the right amount of edge. Here is how you can get her downtown-chic look. Image of Margaret Cho as Teri Lee via IMDB.com.
In real life, Cho is tattooed on 40% of her body; therefore, having Teri wear long-sleeve shirts at work is an absolute must. A traditional tie front blouse like this one by DVF (available at Flannels) in a fun colour is well-suited to Cho’s sharp-witted personality.
2. Tailored vest
Teri is almost always wearing some kind of vest. Consider a tailored black vest with lace detail, like this one by Dolce and Gabbana (available at Farfetch) — when layered over top of a blouse, it creates a pulled-together look that’s both professional and edgy.
3. Patterned blouse
Show some personality, in a boldly printed silk blouse like this one by Tory Burch (available at Farfetch). Wear it alone, or as a pop of color underneath a dark blazer.
4. Leather cuff bracelet
A classic Hermes-inspired cuff bracelet, like this one by Aqua Skye, adds just the right amount of edge to a conservative outfit.
5. Black carry-all bag
We imagine Cho’s character would enjoy carrying a structured black purse like this one by Alexander McQueen, which offers the perfect blend of traditionalism and urban edge.
6. Long, beaded necklace
Never one to shy away from accessorizing, Cho’s character loves to jazz up her work attire with long, boho-inspired necklaces like this one by Mango.
7. Edgy clutch
On an after-work date? Show your wild side with a fun animal print clutch like this skull-detailed number by Alexander McQueen (available at Ssense).
8. Loafer pumps
Embracing a fashion-forward take on the traditional loafer, Teri tends to sport heels like these ones by Alexander Wang (available at The Outnet).
9. Striped blazer
A fun spin on the basic blazer, a striped jacket like this one by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania (available at Repertoire) is both professional and cutting-edge.
10. Black wide-leg trousers
A work-attire essential, you can never go wrong with a pair of well-tailored, wide-leg trousers like these ones by Dolce and Gabbana (available at Farfetch). Besides, what else are you going to wear to cover that ankle tattoo that you got last weekend?
Simone Paget is a freelance writer and the author of Skinny Dip, a cheeky blog about love, sex, relationships and everything in between. When she’s not writing her heart out, she loves wandering around her city, large cup of coffee in hand, in search of the next great story.
