If you are required to wear business casual for work, allow me to introduce a new source of inspiration. Demi Lovato wore chic, business casual outfits to promote mental health awareness while in Washington, D.C. It's an important, serious cause that is close to the singer's big and beautiful heart, since she went through hell and back while publicly dealing with her own bipolar disorder. Therefore, she dressed the part.
Her clean, streamlined, black and red outfits were appropriate for the task at hand, which was to bring the cause to light.
Lovato recently broke up with her usual rocker chick look, which consisted of leather, studs, patent leather heels, and lots and lots of black. She has been showing off super sexy, body conscious ensembles as she promotes her new album Confident, all the while exuding the very quality after which she named her record.
But when Lovato headed to Washington, D.C. to lobby for mental health causes, she kept her look professional. Based on her national's capital outfits alone, you'd never guess that her day job was that of a pop star and actress.
Lovato was both classic and a class act while being a voice those battling various mental health issues. She is so beautiful on the inside and out!
For years, black was her signature color. But here, it was appropriate for the seriousness of her participation in this event. But even with a monochromatic, quiet look, she proved business casual needn't be boring.
Sure, she showed some leg. But it's worth noting that her smile indicated just how much it means to Lovato to be the spokesperson for those battling bipolar disorder, among other things. It's a role she relishes.
According to US News, Lovato was in town for National Council's Hill Day. That's an annual two-day event where behavioral health professionals and advocates, like Lovato, come together to talk to Congress about how to improve resources and treatments for their constituents.
Her crimson dress with the front detail was fitted, stylish, and appropriate. She matched her lips to her dress and went with a slicked back 'do. It was very business-like.
While you might not want to be so bold as to match your lips to your scarlet dress at your office, depending on the dress code, a pop of color such as this can be appropriate. I'd just recommend going with nude heels.
Here are some similar, short hem, and stylish office dresses if you want to go the Demi Lovato route.
1. Zippered & Collared
This zippered, collared, and pocketed neutral would look great with low black pumps to match the pocket piping. ($45, forever21.com)
2. Beaded & Knotted
The beaded and knotted details take this simple LBD up a notch. It's a tad fancy, too, which means you can take it from day to after-hours drinks with colleagues. ($25, forever21.com)
3. Shadow Stripes
This shadow stripe dress is perfect in burgundy...
...or black! Both are office-ready. ($25, forever21.com)
4. Pump It Up
These pointy-toe, black pumps would go with any or all of these dresses. Steve Madden's Shiela pumps are stylish, without being too sexy. ($120, stevemadden.com)
If you can get away with a little higher and sexier, the Daeva platforms are a versatile options. ($70, stevemadden.com)
Take inspo from Demi Lovato's Washington efforts when putting together your office attire.
Images: Courtesy of Forever 21 (4); Steve Madden (2)
