One of the things that was hard for me when I started working was figuring out what to wear. You know when you’re a kid, and you see all those women in power suits on TV? When I first started working, I thought I had to be one of those people… and as a result, I had a steady rotation of suits in my closet.
But you know what? Suits get boring after a while, and after working in a corporate environment for the past 5+ years, I know that they’re not necessary for every day. In fact, I don’t think I’ve worn a suit to work once in my current job. A suite doesn’t automatically equal business attire, and in my case, it would just be overkill. That said, I do believe it’s really important to dress professionally, regardless of your role.
I work in administration for an accounting firm. That means that even though I don’t work with clients directly, there’s a chance that I’ll be greeting them and interacting with them on behalf of the people I support. I may be the first face they see, and it’s so important for my work wear to present an impression that’s friendly, approachable, and professional.
I tend to follow a simple formula for office outfits. If I pick a pattern, I generally keep it only on one piece. I nearly always wear a cami under blouses, just in case, and I try to just mix and match the tops and bottoms in my closet. This outfit is one I wear fairly regularly – my pants are my beloved Emers from Stitch Fix and are so comfortable – they seriously feel like I’m wearing yoga pants to work. (I do often wish they had pockets though.) The top is one I snagged at Nordstrom Rack a while back. I really like wearing a bright, saturated color close to my face since I think it brightens up my skin tone. I typically round it out with my ever expanding collection of cardigans, since my office temperature can vary. I nearly always wear flats, and these Michael Kors ones are my favorites.
The best thing about this outfit is that not only is it professional, but it’s also comfortable. I can take it straight from work to playing with Abbie if I want to. Versatility is one of the things I look for most in my wardrobe, and while I wear these pieces to work often, they’re great on the weekends too.
What do you wear to work? Do you follow a general formula like I do?
12 Responses
Great outfit and love the pink on you! I was an accountant in my former life and while I never needed to wear a suit (other than on interviews) I did need to “dress up”. My husband gets to wear jeans to work, but I always wore dress pants and a nice blouse. And cardigans were often worn even if just to keep me warm in a chilly office. I do remember liking to buy fun shoes to add some personality, but I also was only 23 at the time ;).
Thanks! I do occasionally do fun shoes… But only if they’re flats. No way am I wearing heels anymore if I can wear flats instead! And call me crazy but some of my pairs of dress pants are my more comfortable ones!
You look gorgeous! Oh, my GOODNESS, I am in LOVE with your new site! I clicked over from Facebook and it’s so clean and professional looking. In love, in love!
Oh thanks honey! And I’m so glad you like it – I actually changed it about six months ago but still love it as much as the day it was installed! Have a great week, hope all is well over there!
You look beautiful! Love your outfit and that shirt becquse it gives a pop of color.
The pop of color is exactly why I like it too!
Nice outfit! You look great in pink! I can’t do it because I naturally have pinkish skin, so it just draws attention to it. I’m a teacher, and I wear dark jeans almost every day with an open linen shirt w/coordinating tank underneath. I’m on the perpetual diet and always put off buying clothes. I really need new clothes! I like this series …
Susan
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying it! I actually have pinkish skin too, but if it’s a dark pink like this, I can do it. Blush is s no-go for me though – I would almost disappear!
Love the outfit, Jess! You look so pretty 🙂
Blessings,
Edye
Thanks so much!
This is such a great work outfit! Professional, yet comfortable. My current job is SUPER casual and I thought I would like it (I mean, I DO like wearing flip flops to work) but I do kind of miss the business casual from my last job. I need to figure out a way to wear jeans and still be cute, although it does open a lot of new doors in terms of outfit choices for me.
Thanks girl! We actually have jeans Fridays, so I’ll be tackling that eventually too!