*Above: head to toe Veronica Beard, including an iconic trench (look for less with this), blazer, shirt, and jeans.
**Also, in case IYMI: Shopbop is offering a surprise 20% off a ton of great current-season buys. I shared my top picks here. Do not miss my favorite SLVRLAKE ecru jeans and THE bag of the season!
One of my girlfriends recently asked me for thoughts on “leveling up” her business casual wardrobe. She just made partner at her consultancy (!) and said she doesn’t want to wear a suit (too uptight) but feels uncomfortable wearing jeans (“I want to feel like the boss!”). I loved this prompt for a post, as I think many of us find ourselves in similar straits: looking for pieces that communicate confidence, polish, and maturity without sacrificing style. This edit is for my Parker Magpies.
One of my biggest style insights when dressing in this mode is picking one “fashion-forward” piece and then grounding the rest of the look. For example, try a statement jean like the wildly popular horseshoe style from Citizens, or a re-engineered utility pant like Nili Lotan’s cult following Shon style (look for less with these), and then pair with a polished button-down and classic flats. I promise you can pull it off, and the effect will be: “Wow, that woman is chic and knows how to dress herself.” My personal challenge to you is to buy a couple of more fashion-forward/out-of-your-comfort-zone pieces this season when it comes to work! I think playing everything safe/classic (which might be the common impulse in the workplace) leads to boredom with your wardrobe.
01. RAG AND BONE BUTTON DOWN // 02. VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // 03. RALPH LAUREN BUTTON DOWN // 04. CITIZENS HORSESHOE JEANS // 05. SCHUTZ ARISSA FLAT // 06. BOTTEGA TOTE // 07. J. MCLAUGHLIN TOTE // 08. TOTEME PANTS // 09. DIVANNE MULES // 10. ALIGNE DENIM DRESS // 11. J. CREW EMILIE CARDIGAN // 12. CAPTOE FLATS // 13. MARGAUX FLATS // 14. VERONICA BEARD BUTTON DOWN // 15. NILI LOTAN SHON PANTS // 16. BOTTEGA ANDIAMO BAG // 17. GUCCI LOAFERS // 18. ALIGNE CORDUROY DRESS // 19. MADEWELL TOTE // 20. SPANX KICK FLARE PANTS
Shop the Parker Edit.
P.S. My dad’s career advice.
P.P.S. In case you feel like you don’t have it all figured out yet. (Rest easy — few of us do.)
P.P.P.S. Inspired by a poem I love.
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Loooove this roundup, thank you! So many great pieces and ideas for chic pairings, as someone who wears (and enjoys it!) business attire on the regular.
Yay! Got so much positive feedback on this post – will definitely need to do more of these. Thank you for weighing in!! xx
P.S. Also wanted to share this brown suede bag from new-to-me label Aesther Ekme — I’m loving the “demi lune” shape: https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/Aesther-Ekme-Demi-Lune-suede-shoulder-bag-1568292
Love this architectural shape. Hadn’t heard of this brand, so TY for the intro!
xx
Love those olive green croc flats! I’ve been so into olive green at the moment.
By the way, have you seen the “Blake” jacket from Hill House Home? Reminds me of that Ganni statement collar jacket!
I did see that coat – it’s adorable!
Yes, the flats!!! They are SO good. So incredibly comfortable, too!
I love everything about this roundup! Now if only all these pieces could find their way into my closet 🙂
Same, same! I love EVERYTHING here. I don’t even work in a traditional office/setting but would wear absolutely every last thing here…!