Workwear Wednesday

As most of you know, before I recently made the switch to the interior design industry, I worked for a few years in the energy industry.  At my previous job, the environment was much more professional and we were expected to dress "business casual" each day.  Today, my job at the design firm allows me to dress a little more funky, but it's still important to look put together and fresh for business meetings and presentations.

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Since it's June, and there are likely many of you who just graduated college and are entering the workforce, I thought it'd be a good time to talk about fashionable work wear.  The most important thing when putting together an outfit for work is to dress for your environment.  Is it business professional or business casual?  Is it a creative environment where self-expression is welcomed?  

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First, I thought I'd tackle business professional dress.  If you are interviewing for a job, I suggest wearing a blazer and slacks or a skirt, aka "business professional."  This shows you are serious about your career and want to make a good impression.  Even if you know the environment is more casual, it's always smart to dress for the job you want, not the job you have or are interviewing for.  But that doesn't mean your outfit has to be boring!

Black Blazer/Top Shop Bow Tank/Black Trousers/Prada Mint Heels/Top Shop Blazer/Rebecca Taylor dress/Snakeskin Heels

The two things that really distinguish a business professional outfit is a blazer and closed-toe shoes.  For interviews, I'd wear a matching jacket and pant or skirt.

I actually have that Rebecca Taylor dress in a green shade, and it's seriously the most comfortable dress I own.  I highly recommend it for work or everyday wear.

If you are interviewing for a job in a creative field, a great way to be remembered is to wear something that helps define your personality.  When I interviewed for my interior design job, I wore a blue silk dress with a tie at the waist.  I paired it with simple gold earrings, strappy heels and a fun chunky necklace that the principal designer actually complimented me on.  It's good to be remembered for great style!  Here are a few business casual outfits I put together...

J Crew bag/Bow Peplum Blouse/Zara Trousers/Snakeskin Flats/White Bow Blouse/Leather Skirt/Carven Bow Pumps/Kate Spade bag


If you're a freelancer and work for yourself, you have a little more freedom when it comes to work wear.  I loved this leather mini skirt from Rebecca Taylor in a camel color balanced out with a classic white bow blouse.  


What are your favorite pieces to wear to work?  Do you work in a more professional environment, or one where you can dress more casually?