In tonight’s post in this series, I thought I would change things up and put together work dress outfits for three different work environments: casual, creative and corporate. Each environment has a different set of dress code standards as well as varying philosophies on what is considered appropriate for the workplace.
Also included are some style tips for each workplace environment.
Casual Workplace Style
The casual work environment presents the greatest danger of just letting yourself go. While it is perfectly okay to wear pieces to work that you would also wear on the weekends, this does not mean that a weekend look is always acceptable. For example, a skirt that you might wear with a tank top and flip flops on Saturday needs to be a bit more polished for work, regardless of how laid back the dress code is. In addition, items like jeans need to be well-maintained and not the same pair that you would wear to do lawn work or household chores. Accessorizing can therefore be a great solution when you are trying to successfully transition weekend pieces into a workplace ready wardrobe. If a pair of jeans and a t-shirt is acceptable at the office, consider finishing the look with a nicer pair of shoes, even a dressier pair of sandals would work, add some colorful jewelry and complete the look with a casual blazer or cardigan.
Work Dress Outfit for Casual
What am I going to wear to work tomorrow? Look 1 by bridgetteraes (click the image above for more shopping information)
Dresses are totally acceptable for a casual workplace and can be accessorized with pieces that you also wear on the weekends. With this easy Jessica Simpson dress, I chose an orange sandal, a more casual bracelet and finished the look with a black cardigan and handbag.
Casual Style Quick Tips
- Borrow from weekend pieces and pair them with more conservative accents for the workplace.
- Dress up casual looks with jewelry and stylish shoes.
- Casual in the workplace does not mean sloppy. Don’t wear the same basics that you would wear for yoga class, running errands or household chores.
Creative Workplace Style
When you work in a creative environment your style is like your calling card. If you’re being called on to offer creativity to a project or task at work, you will garner more confidence if you present yourself in a way that displays your creative side. Needless to say, people who work in the creative field have a lot more room to take chances, step out and be more playful. However, there is a delicate balance that needs to be struck when dressing for a more creative environment. If you go too far overboard, you run the risk of not being taken seriously or having your style speak louder than your skill set.
Work Dress Outfit for Creative
What am I going to wear to work tomorrow? Look 2 by bridgetteraes (click the image above for more shopping information)
The best way to describe the style in a creative environment is classic with a twist. The twist is what will make the creative outfit look well-thought out as opposed to hodge-podge.
There are a few twists happening in this look that I want to address. First, this dress, by Modcloth, is in a funky print that looks like an exploded houndstooth. The edgy print takes the classic shape and makes it infinitely more interesting. Next, the color combination. While this dress would be appropriate in a variety of work environments if paired with a more traditional pair of shoes, for this creative environment, I added a twist by choosing a bold, teal shoe. Lastly, the accessories. The tote bag and starfish rings are both great examples of bringing a creative sensibility that is smart, yet, whimsical at the same time.
Creative Style Quick Tips
- Look for classic pieces that have smart design features, like interesting seaming or creative prints.
- Creative accessories can put a creative spin on more basic pieces.
- While this is the most acceptable work environment to take risks, be careful not to go overboard or to allow your style to speak over your work.
Corporate Workplace Style
The corporate work environment clearly has the most restrictions, yet this does not mean that you can’t embrace your style or that you must look dull from 9-5, Monday through Friday. In fact, most of my clients work in a corporate environment and love their style. Style often means status in the corporate arena and this is therefore not the place for risky fashion choices, fast trends or cheap accessories. If you want to be taken seriously, you have to take your style seriously.
Work Dress Outfit for Corporate
What am I going to wear to work tomorrow? Look 3 by bridgetteraes (click the image above for more shopping information)
Dresses, like this one by J.Crew, are an easy no-brainer for the corporate woman. Although the dresses can’t be too flashy, they also don’t have to be boring. Look for labels that marry classic sensibility with modern appeal. This stylish dress is appropriate for a corporate environment due to its conservative length and unique neckline, that, while visually interesting, still offers full coverage.
Color is a great way to bring some excitement to a more conservative look. Here I paired this cornflower blue dress with a classic, yet feminine, navy shoe and finished the outfit with yellow pops. While the look remains appropriate for the conservative environment, it is still stylish and far from dull.
Corporate Style Quick Tips
- Keep the pieces more classic and play on creative color combinations.
- Earrings should not be larger than your eye socket or any longer than the point where your jawbone angles.
- Style often means status in the corporate environment. Invest in quality, even if it means having less in your closet. Fast fashion trends rarely fly in the super corporate environment.
