Most of the clients I work with are professional women. Despite the differences in careers, they all have work lives that require different types of looks. Some days they need to be dressed more professionally and other days a more casual look is appropriate. Inspired by this, I created five days worth of work looks that are all equally professional but differ based on what the day will look like. Take a look below for some ideas.
Five Days of Work Looks For All Types of Work Days
Outfit #1- For a business casual day
I created this outfit for the days where you need to look professional and work appropriate but when corporate attire isn't necessary. These can be days where there won't be client interfacing, you will be hiding out in your cubicle most of the day or on a casual Friday. It all depends on the level of corporate dress that is required at work.
I styled these plaid pants from Theory with a white button down that I layered with a bright orange sweater from L.K. Bennett. I finished the look with tan flat loafers from Steve Madden, an olive bag from Lodis and necklace from Stella & Dot.
Outfit #2- When you need to look professional but can't muster the energy to wear anything tailored
We all have days where we just want to stay in our pajamas and the idea of putting on anything too tight or tailored gives us a headache. Yet, your dress code at work stresses professional appearance and you just have to get it together. I put this outfit together with all this in mind. I selected an easy pair of wide leg cropped pants and tunic top, both from Eileen Fisher and Morandi cardigan from MM. Lafleur in almond (it looks better if you wear it open and tie it in the back). To give the look some polish, I added these tan heeled booties from Kenneth Cole (if you can bring yourself to wear heels), a pair of gold drop earrings from Halogen and colorblocked handbag from Leith.
#2- When all you can do is zip up the back of a dress and go
Women gravitate towards dresses because they are easy. One zip and you're out the door. How can you beat it? The key is to have dresses that can standalone without a lot of fuss, like this one from Hobbs. It's basic, simple and incredibly professional, plus the waist detail gives it the perfect amount of flair where a lot of accessorizing isn't necessary. I finished the outfit simply with mauve Cole Haan pumps, hoop earrings from Argento Vivo and burgundy bag from Brahmin.
Outfit #4- When you need to nail it
If it is once a week or once in a blue moon, the time will come where a more professional look is required. These are the situations where you need to hit it out of the park. Going with a basic suit is a no-brainer, but if you want to stand out while still looking professional, I created this look with a separate jacket and skirt. Alternatively, you could style this type of look with tailored pants or a dress, depending on your preference. I like this way of going about things because you still look corporate while standing out for the right reasons.
I styled this BOSS Hugo Boss jacket and pencil skirt with a light grey tank from Reiss underneath it. I finished the look with grey block heeled pumps from Marc Fisher, silver hoop earrings from Sophie Buhai and navy bag from Longchamp.
Outfit #5- When you have plans after work
For the days where you have plans after work to meet some friends for drinks or dinner, have tickets somewhere or even a date. These are situations where you want to look professional and updated at the same time so your look can transition from the office to whatever your evening plans may be. I styled these bootcut black pants with a plaid drape detail top from Halogen. Like the dress in the look above, this top has the ability to look finished without a lot of effort. To finish the look, I added this double layer pendant from Stella & Dot, red slingback pumps from Vince Camuto and black tote from Shinola Detroit.
Workweeks can be very complex as can the variety of looks that can be worn on any given day. I hope this post inspires some ideas.
