After working from home for nearly half a decade, I look forward to going back into the office full time. Furthermore I think I am a rare breed that actually enjoys the collaborative nature of an open workspace. An added perk to going into the office: putting together an outfit. Because to paraphrase Lo Bosworth on a 2004 episode of Laguna Beach, every day is a fashion show. Wearing a fantastic outfit truly makes my day.
I work in an A&E industry, one that is dominated by men. I will leave it to you to figure out which one. I know the guys in my office do not care about what I wear in terms of clothes or makeup; it was actually communicated as much by a past supervisor. And that is perfectly fine as I dress for myself. While I was in that office, I deferred to a uniform of Old Navy bootcut chinos, a cashmere sweater, and ballet flats.
For the past four years, my workwear has consisted of either a pajama set or a sweatsuit. Keep in mind, I was in cold Kazakhstan for two of those years. I am looking forward to doing a one eighty and using the office as my runway. What I want to wear? Set dressing, three piece short suits, wrap skirts, and pristine white.
five days of dressing for the office
This skirt reminds me of a suede fishtail Banana Republic Factory Store skirt that I splurged on as a senior in high school circa 2002. Rather than the clean pale blue color, the skirt I owned was an erratically dyed turquoise, and I loved it! I wore her to the last days of my senior year of high school, into rushing as a freshman.
Tuck in the sleeveless blouse into this skirt and add slingbacks. Well, don’t you look like you belong in an early 2000s romcom!
This combination is all about proportion. These nude heels are the perfect height for the lower hemline of the above dress. Sarah Flint heels are notoriously comfortable and nude is a staple wardrobe color.
Dress dressing is just so easy. I love this one for its pockets, necktie, and one hundred percent cotton fabric content.
Shorts are not appropriate for every office. I argue that a long length version can work while you work but only during the hottest days of the year. I want to undo the cuff of these shorts and give them a whirl, along with the matching vest and blazer.
This suit is to be strictly paired with a neutral flat or low heel in order to avoid a tart-ish look.
This skirt is the same wrap concept as the blue suede number, above. However this one is zhuzhed up a bit with a belt and front slash pockets. In order to balance out the outfit, I would pair it with a zip back blouse, over say, a button up blouse. The front bow adds detail.
Embellished sea foam green suede block heels that so happen to still be in my closet, complete the look.
For casual Friday, set dressing. Wear a rather modest crop top with a full, high waisted skirt, in pristine white one hundred perfect cotton poplin. Inject color into this outfit with a pair of blue and white slingbacks.
and mix!