Did any of you see the recent post I did about office-wear inspiration? Basically, I was feeling bored with my uniform of khakis and black button-downs. So I went on the hunt for more creative and sophisticated options, and came up with a gallery of amazing looks that, while not appropriate for all offices, were perfectly suited to my more relaxed work environment.
And then I did something amazing. I actually took my own advice (for once!) and attempted to shake my wardrobe up a bit!
So in the days since, I’ve scoured my closet for some inspired work outfits: items that had color, interesting patterns or that were just unexpected in their nature. Take a look at what I came up with!
Dress: Goodwill, Belt: Urban Outfitters, Boots: H&M
I’m ever-so-slightly terrified of color (read: very terrified). But in an effort to look more interesting, there’s really nothing easier than to throw on a simple dress in a loud color. Because it’s bright, I don’t have to fuss with extra details–I can keep everything else neutral. And when I’m flying around the house at 5:30 in the morning, nothing beats simple and easy.
Trousers: TJ Maxx, Top: Forever 21, Loafers: Urban Outfitters
I liked the boxy shape of this shirt, especially when paired with loose-fitting trousers. And look…THERE’S. SO. MUCH. COLOR. Okay, so maybe maroon and orangey-brown don’t scream “color,” but still. Baby steps, my friends, baby steps.
Sweater: Urban Outfitters, Denim shirt: H&M, Cords: H&M, Loafers: Urban Outfitters
My wardrobe is still a work in progress, but what do you Lovelies think? Am I work-ready or completely off the mark?
guest
I would never find a skirt like #1 appropriate for any office setting… but the rest of your outfits are cute.
guest
These are all super cute! I would add accessories though, and you could play up all four outfits! I do love the dress in the second picture, and it’s awesome that it’s from Goodwill
tulip / 13 posts
I really love the first two! And I think the leather skirt works because its balanced out by more conservative items like the tights and sweater. But then again, I suppose it matters how lenient your office is when it comes to wardrobe.
guest
meh, my office is very casual and i can wear jeans. there’s no real need for me to dress up, unless we have clients coming.
guest
This could be such a money saver, mixing and matching! Even with different hand bags, etc. And you’ve got the bod to pull it off. The only time I ever hear my husband get snarky about women’s attire is if someone a little larger than someone else wears a skin tight shirt and all her curves have out the bottom. But I absolutely love the way you wore the black on the bottom, and dressed it up on top. Talk about giving me some ideas!!! Some necklaces would have brought out the bang factor too. You’d look so beautiful in some really nice necklaces, inexpensive, and I love the Avon collection as well. Not a money breaker. Very pretty sweetie.
guest
loving the outfits. makes me think about what i wanna wear tomorrow.
guest
i love your outifts! especially your first and last looks.
hydrangea / 59 posts
@Pollypinks@xanga - You are too sweet
thank you! Now I just need to get over my ridiculous fear of jewelry… 
guest
I too have issues with jewelry. I think it stems from a child hood with a mother who absolutely never ever allowed me to have even one necklace. The answer was always the same. ”You don’t need any junk jewelry.” But I saw her wearing plenty of it. I guess her take on the junk thing was it was cheap in cost, therefore, I didn’t need to waste my time on it, but most little girls like to mix and max and have fun doing it. My punishment was very severe if she caught me wearing nail polish, after I’d forgotten to remove it before she came home, and I loved gramma’s lipstick drawer, back in the day when nearly all women wore red lipstick. I wear make up, but am very self conscience as to whether it looks good or not. Mom never wore any. And any suggestions about the next purchase of material for a school dress went on deaf ears. Those were usually brown. So I think that’s why I spoiled my daughter and let her do all of the above, starting at a rather early age, and enjoying herself so much. Yes, my dear girl, it need not cost an arm and a leg. Make a promise to all of us that next pay check, or however the money comes if you are in school, will go to a nice necklace, bracelet, and earrings. And pick some wild colors to dress up your black pants. You’ll be the prettiest girl in the room!! If you get stuck in a store for too long, call or email your nearest Avon Rep. You’d be surprised how fancy you’ll feel. And another super easy tip someone gave me, find a wild colored pair of flats. Leopard print, bright pink or red, you name it, and voila! You’ve just completed everything we just talked about in a really comfy way. I actually wore a pair of Isotoner slippers to church once, and all the women thought they were flats.
guest
The last outfit is so adorable I wanna wear it to work!
guest
I like the outfits. They look comfortable and appropriate. I really like the first and last one. Depending on how business casual your work place is, I think those would work.
Hope to see more for your style!