Work Wear Inspiration For The Office

All items are from Jcrew and Jcrew Factory:

Etta cap toe leather pumps - Tipped hacking jacket in double-serge wool

Tartine tote - Three-Quarter sleeve stretch perfect shirt

Collection lustre shell - No.2 Pencil skirt in double-serge wool 

Aubrey Jacket in pinstripe super 120s - viv patent flats

Sterling skirt in double-serge wool (beige) - Factory Leigh dress

Collection viv calf hair flats - Paley pant in super 120s

A new job is a great opportunity to go through old items in your closet and throw out (read: donate!) a few that are uninspired or no longer fit (don't lie to yourself like I do). Plus, entering the office in a new outfit gives an additional morale boost (oh yea!), so go ahead, spoil yourself!

Since I work in a conservative environment, I must stick with classic cuts to avoid unnecessary comments. I'll be doing some damage to my Visa over the week end so I browsed Jcrew for a plan of attack and noted what I need.

What I'm looking for:

     * Blazers : While a classic blazer that comes with a pant suit is a must, a blazer with a  
                     modern twist such as tweed or a white trim is a fun alternative that is still     
                     work appropriate.

     * Blouses : You can never have enough white shirts. Look for a slim fit that feels 
                     comfortable and can be stretched. I'm also looking for silk blouses and 
                     looser pieces to pair with a blazer.  

     * Skirts : Pencil skirts in : tweed, wool, pattern, colour (I love the turquoise pictured 
                   above)

     * Dresses : You have to have at least one dress that can be worn during the day and 
                    can transition nicely to a cocktail by adding a few accessories (bracelets, a 
                    necklace etc.). I actually bought the pictured dress in black and can't wait 
                    to try it at work. It has enough details in the neck to add interest and avoid 
                    being boring. 
    
     * Pants : Why not steer from the traditional long pant and try a pant that narrows at   
                  the ankle? Look for something that is fitted but won't ride up or stay creased           
                  around the leg. I look for fabrics that can stretch to avoid those problems. 
                  Also, add a pair to your closet that has a texture or a pattern to avoid 
                  wearing the same thing every day. 

     * High heels : Since open toe is usually frowned upon, explore bulkier heels and 
                          wedges in addition to the traditional classic black pump.
     
     * Flats : I'm guilty of discreetly taking off my shoes while sitting at the desk, so  
                 investing in flats is a must. A pointed toe makes a flat more interesting and 
                 dresses up any outfit.

And the best for last: 
  
     * A Bag : This is a piece I feel everyone should invest in. Too often, we are caught 
                   last minute, buy a bag that (sort of) does the job and tell ourselves we will 
                   buy something else later (but never do). Am I the only one? A bag needs to  
                   be large enough to carry files  so make sure to measure before buying. It 
                   needs to be sturdy yet be.. well.. gorgeous.

What's your work dress code? Where do you find your inspiration?

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