Many people consider "dressing for work" and "dressing for fun" to be two totally different things. Luckily, there's plenty of fashion blogger work wardrobe inspiration around to help us to make a fun work wardrobe. Yay for shattering those 9 to 5, working stiff sartorial norms!
For real though, guys. Dressing like yourself and dressing like a professional adult who has a real-life job aren’t mutually exclusive. If ever you’re lacking a plan for how to unite the two, turn to Instagram. Let’s be honest: You were probably already on it right before reading this article. No need to be ashamed. You're about to make all the mindless perusing productive. After all, the 'gram is just crawling with bloggers who have mastered the art of looking sleek, but not stuffy. As a result, they generally look like all-around bosses all the time. Coincidentally, you too are boss in all areas of your life. You should dress like one.
Now that it's fall, you're probably looking at your work wardrobe, agonizing over how to update it for the chillier months. Never fear! We’ve teamed up with Nordstrom to round up some of our favorite work-friendly fashion blogger looks and how to get them.
1. Rock A Culotte
Next time you're in the mood to make a statement, take a page out of Brooke Testoni's book and rock a black culotte to the office. Balance the wideness of the leg with a simple tucked-in tee. Also, don't be afraid to add some further height to that crop with a pair of heels.
Vince Camuto Side-Zip Leather Culottes, $129 at Nordstrom
A pair of leather culottes gives the look further edge, and it's sure to keep your bottom half toasty. It's basically the cool girl's answer to the basic black work slack.
2. Wear Shirt Dresses That Are Adorable & Professional
Any stylish working girl knows the value of owning a bunch of shirt dresses. They're classic, allow for self-expression with whimsical prints, and don't require you to match your pants to your shirt. With its lovable print and pussy bow, the black printed shirtdress that Courtney Halverson of Pretty Little Fawn is rocking is essentially #shirtdressgoals. (Those are a thing, right?)
Caslon Three-Quarter Sleeve Print Shirtdress, $68 at Nordstrom
If you're a fan of the kaleidoscope prints, this dress will quickly become one of your workaday staples. P.S. I'm adding this to the binder of #shirtdressgoals. (Note to self: Make #shirtdressgoals happen.)
3. Put A Twist On Your Pencil Skirt
The pencil skirt gets a bad rap. For too long, people have thought of it as "yawning at your desk" in clothing form. But in this writer's mind, that's simply an unfair sartorial prejudice. Consider shaking up this office classic with a statement fabric or funky accent. A quilted leather skirt, like this one on Rachel Issan, works like a charm.
Vince Camuto Double-Sided Tweed Skirt, $99 at Nordstrom
If leather is a bit too rock and roll for your tastes, try an updated bouclé skirt like this one. The side-zipper says "party animal," but the tweed says "pro."
4. Mix Slouchy And Sophisticated
Traditional workplace attire is generally more tailored than relaxed. That said, you don't need to be a slave to the tailored skirt suit. In an oversized sweater and a slim-cut midi skirt, Brooke Testoni is a living example of how to perfectly marry slouchy and sophisticated in your work attire.
Halogen Mock Turtleneck Sweater, $78, and Sweater Knit Pencil Skirt, $68 at Nordstrom
Bring the look to your own life with a matching sweater two-piece sweater set. You'll basically be a comfort nut in professional's clothing. You fooled 'em all!
5. Work The Work Cape
Office spaces are usually super cold. It's a thing. Capes are a great safeguard against the polar office chill. The classic one above is great if you're in the mood to serve a '70s Martha's Vineyard vibe.
Caslon Cape, $128 at Nordstrom
This cape is another great option. In addition to being a pod of warmth, it goes with everything, and will make you look like a super sophisticated art gallery owner. No biggie.
6. Build Up An Archive Of Cozy, Relaxed Sweaters
Not to sound like your mom who's always warning you about catching a cold, but you should bring a sweater to work. After all, we've already established that all offices are the North Pole, temperature-wise. Courtney Halverson shows us how to bring something warn and stylish with a nubby cardigan, a flirty skirt, and a simple tee shirt.
Nic + Zoe Convertible Long-Sleeve Cardigan, $98 at Nordstrom
This flyaway cardigan is the perfect combination of relaxed, breezy, and professional. Not only that, but you can wear it four ways. Hope that makes you happy, Mom.
This post was sponsored by Nordstrom.
Image: Brooke Testoni; Brooke Testoni (2), Courtney Halverson (2), Rachel Issan, yychic / Instagram; Nordstrom (6) Photo Research: Jenna Wexler
