Yesterday, I started a list of some of my business casual work basics. These are the pieces that can act as the core to your office wardrobe, and then you can build upon them with color, print, and accessories. I'll finish this list with just a couple more pieces and suggestions that hopefully inspire you!
Sunnies: Tom Ford | Necklace: c/o My Name Necklace | Dress: BCBG | Tights: Target | Heels: YSL
1. The jersey dress - bonus points for being a wrap dress. I love me a good jersey dress. They're so low maintenance - no wrinkles, easy fit, not constricting. Definitely a work staple. I've seen many people struggle with weight gain or loss and not knowing how to dress. The wrap dress is pretty perfect for this scenario because it can loosen or tighten as your weight fluctuates. BCBG is great for jersey dresses, and you can always find them on sale for under $100, if not well below that. If you want to splurge one day, then try a DVF wrap dress. They're luxurious and figure flattering.
SHOP JERSEY/ WRAP DRESSES:
2. The perfect pump - I changed into more of a conservative heel for my meeting, but I couldn't help but reach for these YSL pumps just for fun. My idea of the perfect work pump is about 2.5" to 3" heel, almond toe (not too pointy, not too round), neutral color. Kenneth Cole Reaction is awesome because of the rubber sole (read: easier to walk.) But even if they aren't 100% comfortable right out of the box, don't forget to refer back to my old post here about how to make your shoes walkable!
SHOP PUMPS:
3. The pant - I will admit that pants are the most difficult thing for me to shop for. And not only that, but it gets even more complicated when you talk about hem length. I am only 5'-2" so when I buy pants in "short" or "petite" length, that normally means I can only wear them with flats. And that's fine if I need pants for travel or for when I know I'll be doing a lot of walking. Otherwise, I'll just buy pants hemmed at the "regular" length - barefooted, they drag on the floor, but with my heels on, they end up falling just where I like it - barely grazing the floor. Pant hemming should really be dedicated to a post by itself, but I will just say that for me - the skinnier the pant leg, the more shoe I feel is acceptable to be seen. Skinny jeans - completely fine to see your entire shoe/heel. Straight leg pants should touch the top of your foot, so the majority of the bottom half of your shoes can be seen. Bootcut or wide leg pants - I should only see your shoes peeking out of the bottom. I'm generally in agreement with these images here. So, that's my advice to you - I've given some suggestions on reputable pants below, but please just keep the hem in mind when you're buying and wearing!
SHOP PANTS:
That's all I have for you right now! If there's ever a topic you'd like me to touch on - please let me know! Likewise, if you have a piece you are not sure how to style, I would be happy to help, so feel free to email me or simply comment below and I'll see what I can do!
Linking up for:
Tres Chic, Three-fer Thursday with Bethany and Meghan,
What I Wore to Work, Working Girl with Style,
Spotlight Weekly Linkup with Elle and Jacqueline, Look What I Got
Tres Chic, Three-fer Thursday with Bethany and Meghan,
What I Wore to Work, Working Girl with Style,
Spotlight Weekly Linkup with Elle and Jacqueline, Look What I Got
I love a good wrap dress. Someday I'll have a DVF. I don't work in an office anymore (Yay!) and don't need business casual clothes, but this is a really great post for those that do!
ReplyDeleteYes I'm very glad I can dress business casual if I *wanted* to but that it's not mandatory!
DeleteI thought for sure this dress would be Bailey 44...dang. As you know, I will email you and text you alllll day long with my questions of "can I buy these shoes?" :) So for anyone else reading this comment, she means it when she says she will help you and she never leads me astray when it comes to shoes!
ReplyDeleteAwww! Well I'm happy to offer my opinion whenever I can and hopefully that helps! And hmmm. I have another bailey 44 dress I haven't worn on the blog yet. Perhaps that needs to make an appearance next week!
DeleteI love this dress! You look great! Question for you: Do you wear slips or anything that keep skirts from getting static cling or riding up when wearing tights? I am having problems with this issue, especially when trying to "winterize" my unlined summer skirts.
ReplyDeleteYes! I do a slip under all my skirts and dresses with or without tights. I have this in every color- and an extra one in black. It's the best!!
Deletehttp://m.dillards.com/details/?R=501583111
Thanks! I cut and pasted your link since it wasn't "linky" and it took me to a full slip. Do you wear a full slip with everything?
DeleteYes I sure do! It's very lightweight so the extra layer doesn't bother me at all. I've bought the half slip version of this, but I never wear it. I like the full slip better, even with skirt outfits.
DeleteThank you so much! :)
DeleteHappy to help!
DeleteBeautiful outfit, I absolutely love the print of your dress, it's so stunning ! :)
ReplyDeleteHayfa
http://londonloafers.com
Thank you! I love a good abstract print! And the jersey makes it so easy to wear!
DeleteThis look is perfect for work! I'd wear it anytime though! Love the YSL pumps, so chic and they make you look so tall!
ReplyDeleteNo one ever calls me tall! Haha! Thank you!!
DeleteThis wrap dress is lovely on you, babe! :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Thanks, Ashley! I love the slight tulip shape it has as well!
DeleteThis makes me feel so jealous! I wish I could wear my own clothes at work.
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Aww -I'm sorry!! I am definitely thankful that I can really wear what I want. It certainly hasn't always been that way!
DeleteI totally agree with this list! Only I would trade in wedges for pumps... I just can't do pumps for a 9 hour day! haha
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Yes, the only reason I can do it is because I spend the majority of the time at my desk! If I know I'll be walking around a lot, then it's super low heels or flats for me!
DeleteGreat work look! I love BCBG for dresses but of course for wraps nothing beats DVF; great choices there! I like the dainty necklace you paired with the look. Btw read all the comments about slips; do you wear them just for work; or everyday everywhere for skirts/dresses? Actually a great idea as some summer dresses are so see through! Perfect suggestions! XOXO, Elif @theboxqueen
ReplyDeleteYep - I wear them everyday, everywhere, all seasons, all year! Skirts, dresses, I can't NOT wear a slip. Because of these questions, I'm spending some time later in the week to talk more about it! Slips seem so old fashioned, but they're definitely a necessity in my wardrobe!
DeleteAnd thank you so much for the sweet note as always!
Oh I was having this conversation about appropriate heel length earlier. I am quite tall anyway, so heel length is a problem so that I don't look like a giant, and all the nice heels seem to be 4inches or more! I just can't run between meetings in those! I like these ones though :) the wrap dress is a fab staple, straight forward and easy. I love your heart necklace :)
ReplyDeleteThrifty Firecracker x
Yes, I can certainly see how that is challenging for you if you are tall! These heels are surprisingly comfy considering their height. The platform helps ease some of that - though, I certainly couldn't be on my feet for hours at a time in these. I wear heels when I can, but I'm definitely still practical and realistic!
DeleteSuper cute look!
ReplyDeleteI can never pull off wrap dresses, but this one looks great on you! Lovely outfit.
ReplyDeleteAww, well that's boo! They're so easy, I'm not sure what I would do without them.
DeleteBut thank you so much for reading and for the nice comment!
I totally agree with all these tips, especially about the Jersey Dress, especially if it is a Wrap Style. So many good brands come up with them each year. I own a bunch. Yours is beautiful and looks like a DVF. Also, Almod-toe Pumps go with a lot more. As far as Pants go, they are more difficult to shop I agree. I usually strike a miracle with my pants in these 3 stores: The Limited. Express and White House Black Market.
ReplyDeleteAnd you look at least 5.5 or 5.6 Carylee. =)
Yay for looking taller! haha!
DeleteI actually have never bought anything from WHBM although I always peek into the windows and see lots of things I like! Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check them out. And thank you for the nice note!