We Aim To Slay

Getting ready in the morning is my favorite part of each day; it’s a new opportunity to create my perfect glam, hair, and outfit! Over the years I’ve worked in many different industries, but one thing has remained the same – my take on work wear!

Let’s Define Work Wear

In my first exploration on the concept of dress codes, I defined work wear by these terms: “Business and business casual are both appropriate for settings such as an office, meetings with clients or customers, and interviews – anywhere you want to convey that you are knowledgeable, professional, and can handle any task!”

It’s been nearly two years since I published that article and while my definition still includes the classic staples – trousers, long skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, dresses, sweaters, and blazers – it’s deepened to include a more refined definition.

You can take a more structured approach à la professional attire, or a more polished but relaxed approached via business casual. It’s been a month since starting my new job and I’ve found myself blending these two concepts, blending high and low end items, vintage and mainstream, and crafting outfits comprised of both structured and relaxed elements.

My Approach to Work Wear

This look has been one of my favorites so far, and is the look that inspired this article!

It’s sort of an optical illusion: the more structured piece is clearly the pencil skirt, but you might be shocked to learn that I paired my beloved pleather, T.J. Maxx skirt with a 100% silk shirt by Diane Von Furstenburg, gifted to me by my aunt.

Another example of blending the concepts, both the top and skirt featured below have a relaxed fit…

But you might be shocked to learn that this chiffon blouse from Soho-Soho Boutique features a miniature cape on the back to create an effortlessly relaxed yet elegant look! Here I’ve paired it with a lilac wrap skirt from SheIn and my newest summer obsession – these Vepose Shoes sandals!

And then we have this look which reminds me of the opening montage from The Devil Wears Prada…

I’ve paired one of my favorite items, a bodysuit (Forever21), with a satin skirt (gift from my aunt) and a pair of maroon patent leather boots (Windsor Store), and finished off with a silver and rhinestone belt accessory (Renee’s Resale Clothing Outlet). The overall effect is my wardrobe sweet spot – the blending of work wear’s two halves!

A More Relaxed Slay

Straddling the distinction between a true business casual and the blended approach I favor is this black & white ensemble. It looks as if it would be a high end look with a low end cardigan but: the belt and cardigan are both hand-me-downs, the skirt is from SheIn, the mock neck is from Rainbow Stores, and the shoes are so old that I can’t recall where they’re from!

But don’t be fooled, I also lean into the traditionally relaxed vibes commonly seen in business casual. Layering is a staple concept in my wardrobe and it serves a multitude of functions. Here I’ve layered a sheer and oversized tank top over yet another staple, the Little Black Dress! Although it’s still summer time, I leaned into the earthen tones of the tank top and selected a sparkly brown cardi and a pair of brown leather boots.

Despite the commonly held idea that wearing boots should be exclusive to autumn and winter, I like to wear them more than any other style of shoe! Earlier this summer I visited a local consignment shop – Taylor’s Designer Consignment – and stumbled upon these incredible boots, from Carlos Santana’s shoe line!

I’ve let the boots do most of the talking here, pairing them with an ivory linen skirt, a maroon floral print top that mimics the boots, and a nude suede trench coat.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a casual work week if I didn’t incorporate at least some denim! There’s nothing more classically Americana than a white button down and blue jeans, so I’ve opted for neutral layering pieces: a leopard print cardigan and brown boots.

But you know me, I’m not going to let the material determine the look! This denim jumpsuit caught my eye during the Dazzle Boutique closing sale because it seamlessly blends relaxed and structured fits.

It’s truly a piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on how you accessorize! In the past I’ve layered both underneath and on top of it, but here I’ve let the jumpsuit speak for itself and paired it with platform sandals.

And this weekend I’ll be picking up a few new pieces to add to the collection with the return of Vintage Market Days of Connecticut! Tickets are on sale now, and you can get yours here: VMD of CT presents New England Summer!

What Do You Think?

Having trouble getting dressed in the morning? We Aim To Slay has solutions! For those on a budget: “How To Make the Most of Your Wardrobe.” For those hoping to add a literary flare to their everyday look: “How To Dress Like Your Fave Literary Characters“. And for those who, like me, cannot wait for the next installment of Bridgerton: “How to Dress like a Bridgerton…Everyday.“

I’ll be back next week to recap my Vintage Market Days of Connecticut experience!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!