For this week’s post in this series, I want to tackle adding style to conservative pieces. On their own, basic pants, dresses and skirts can quickly get stale if you don’t add some flavor (a.k.a. a chicken outfit), yet, if you work in a more buttoned up work environment, you may feel like you can’t swing out and take a few risks.
The truth is, no matter how conservative your workplace is there is always room for play and fun in your outfits. It’s all in how it is done. Like I always do on Sunday night posts, I have three looks below using basic and classic work pieces styled in ways that bring in some spice while keeping the outfits on the conservative side.
Adding Style to Conservative Pieces for Work
Look #1
To change up a basic gray pencil skirt, I chose one with patch pockets by J. Crew. The style remains classic but with a twist, however, I don’t recommend this skirt for anyone with a tummy or who doesn’t want to draw attention to their mid-section. If this is you, swapping this skirt out with a basic gray pencil is certainly a suitable alternative.
Next, a classic bow blouse is incredibly conservative, yet gets updated with this conversational eyeglasses print by Modcloth. To finish the pops, I added a cobalt pump by Steve Madden and a multi-colored handbag by Buxton. Lastly, instead of basic hoops I chose a more modern Zina Kao version on this classic style along with a simple Blu Bijoux silver bracelet. Can you see how all the pieces are more conservative and classically driven but in interesting print and colors they look more modern and updated?
Look #2
I love this classic camel dress by Boden, however on its own it can get really boring really quickly. By just adding this Vince Camuto strappy pump in olive, a teal handbag by Cole Haan and earrings by Roberta Chiarella that tie all the colors together, the dress simply becomes a clean canvas for all the other pieces to pop off of. However, at the same time, the outfit remains classic and totally appropriate for a conservative work environment.
When updating your work looks, go for color and find classic accessories that have a twist to them
Look #3
Nothing is more basic than a black pair of pants, like these from Max Studio and a charcoal cardigan from Mango. When updating classic pieces like this even the subtlest of pops can make a huge difference. Because these pants are cropped, I added this funky, yet still classic, python and gold ankle strap flats by Seychelles and paired the outfit with a metallic bag by Perlina Cassidy. While you could add color through the way of of a necklace, even a subtle one, like this necklace by Kenneth Cole finishes the outfit in an interesting manner and all it takes are some Oak stud earrings and grey tank from Lord & Taylor to look basic and stylish all at once.
