Blazer, Similar| Earrings | Jeans | Mules
Hello friends and happy weekend! As you take a break from work, I thought it might just be the perfect time to browse blouses for your business wear! It’s September and while that means we start to see pumpkin spice galore, we’ll also see tons of fresh new blazers, tweed skirts, and bow blouses. So I took that to mean it was time for me to pull together my COF-approved office wear selects.
BUT- I want to hear from you. What do YOU do for work?! Do you work from home? What is your office attire like? I can look at data all day long on google analytics, but I want to hear the specifics from Y-O-U. Can you get away with a pink tweed pencil skirt? Do you need to stick to neutrals in your environment? That will help me create future looks for you, and I’m excited to do so. I’ve done a lot of lifestyle shoots this summer being home with Maxi and plus- the HEAT. But once the temperatures drop, you’ll see more of that feminine personal style on COF, so I’m brainstorming looks for you all. Let me know what you do for work and what your wardrobe is like.
I am pretty flexible at work with what I am allowed to wear but I would love to see some neutral options. I would like to start purchasing some staple pieces in a neutral color scheme that can work year round and work with business or business casual (paired with jeans). Also lower heel options would be great also. While I love a good 4 inch heel it is just terrible on my feet to wear that all day. I like pops of color but I think I first need to build a capsule of staples and then add in color later. Love your style!
Thank you so much, Bethany! This is really helpful! xx, Katey
I work in Washington DC where everything is VERY formal (no jean Fridays!. I’m constantly looking for dresses, blazers, and cute tops that I can wear with pants and skirts. Shoes are ALWAYS hard for me to find. Comfortable heels or flats are very important.
Love your picks today!
Thank you so much, Kaitlin! DC sounds like an incredible environment to work- I have never been and want to take a trip so badly. Do you think it’s toddler friendly? xx, Katey
Lots of cute options here. I’d love to see some casual options. I sell software and I’m never face to face with customers so our workplace is very casual! Jeans and a cute top everyday. So, tops that I wouldn’t necessarily wear out because I still want to have my shoulders covered (or sleeveless).
I actually work for a start up and in media (predominately photographer)! So I wear a bit of everything – predominately jeans, cute shirt, leather jacket and booties come fall!
I am here for the pink blazer!!! I’m a data analyst and my office is pretty casual – I wear a casual dress or black/white jeans with a top most days! I have more business-y dresses that I love to wear too if I have meetings or just want to feel really put together. Since I live in SC, it stays hot until November typically, so I’d love to see some feminine, lightweight tops and fall-inspired dresses that let me look the part while it’s still 85 degrees and can also transition once it starts to cool off 🙂
Since you asked what we all did for a living… I’m a new SAHM. No need for work looks. I go to church, MOPS, shopping and dinners. All pretty casual too.
Happy Friday!
Congratulations, Sarah!! That is so exciting and I can QUITE relate! We have the same schedule! 😉 xx, Katey
Thank you for the suggestions! Some of these are perfect!
I currently work in a Real Estate office as an Admin. It is always freezing and I feel that blazers look WAAAY better than a cardi. We are allowed jeans but only if it looks polished- usually that is when I break out the white jeans. Anyway, thanks again!
My office is VERY casual. I sometimes find it difficult to balance between business/casual. I love that you incorporate trendy pieces with staples.
My office is a bit more casual so I can get away with wearing jeans every day. I do try to pair them with a nice blouse or sweater and sometimes opt for skirts and dresses. I would LOVE to see monochromatic skirt/top combos for fall though!
Love all of these!! I work at a healthcare IT company and our dress code is literally SO relaxed if we don’t have customers in the building. Like today I wore leggings, a lululemon jacket and tennis shoes! But I’m more of a look good/feel good/ do good kind of person, so I try to be put together most days because I tend to get more done! Our office is FREEZING but I live in Georgia and look silly bundling up when it is 95+ degrees out, so I’ll be stocking up on all of the jackets and layers!
I work in digital advertising and my office is super casual! I can wear pretty much whatever I want other than shorts, leggings, or short skirts/dresses. I like to look nice and put together in the office so I’d love to see some chunky sweaters and fall tops that can be worn with jeans!
I work in event sales at a hotel and its business casual. While I can incorporate a few trendy pieces most people dress on the more business side of things. We do have jeans Friday though!
I am a Trust Officer at a bank and for everyday wear we are business casual but for committee or customer meetings I have to wear business professional which is such a drag!
I work at a university in the Athletic Academic Services Office and all this inspiration is great! We have a business casual office so I’m always trying to be professional but express myself through what I wear. Keep these coming!
I work in the same place Papa McFarlan works but in Connecticut! I’m THAT girl who saw his post on our intranet and noticed Maxi right away!! Love that your are covering work wear. Sometimes its really hard to think outside the typical business attire box! Xoxoxo
Katey!
You really did great with this post! I LOVE the lower heels because that is so realistic. I feel like a lot of bloggers are somewhat out of touch with real-world office attire and can never relate to the 6in heels.
I work in Healthcare IT in a hospital setting so it’s not formal like DC but not casual jeans/T-shirt’s/leggings either.
If you could post some lightweight layering comfortable business pieces that would be AMAZING bc I live in FL and the heat is REAL.
Thanks for all you do I love your blog!!!!!!!
LOVE the purple pants! I’m an Interior Designer for The University of Alabama, so although we have to dress business casual, I have a lot of freedom – I’m not afraid to wear bright colors and lipstick! So I appreciate your colorful options as well as the neutrals! Happy Friday!
I’m an attorney in Chicago, so I’m required to dress formallyl/professionally at all times. But I love incorporating color, statement pieces, or statement earrings on a regular basis! I’ve only been practicing for a couple years, so, while I’m still working to build a solid capsule wardrobe, I appreciate seeing great neutral and versatile pieces!
Hi Katey!! Loving all of these pieces. I am always on the hunt for fun tops/blazers that will pair with black pants. It’s easier for me to stick to black pants and mix it up on top!
Have a fabulous weekend!! 🙂
I am the Executive Director of an Assisted Living and Memory Care community. I am required to wear business attire (a cardigan at a minimum but usually blazers and suits). I like to ha e fun with prints and colors since I can’t afford to buy a ton of new suits. Mixing and matching is a necessity!
I loved this post!! I’m an attorney and can basically only wear business professional and business casual clothes. We do get the occasional casual friday, but even then, we still have to wear jeans with no holes and nice tops (tshirts are fine, just nothing too revealing). I always struggle with work wear suggestions from bloggers because they’re more of the “trendy” professional clothes and that would never fly at my office. So I’m really happy your post actually included a lot of items that I could realistically wear to work! Thanks Katey!
I work in an office that is super casual. Jeans and relaxed tops, but I like to elevate my own work wardrobe from time to time, without sticking out like a sore thumb. Wearing heels and pencil skirts would do that, even though I would love to.
I work in the HQ for Fortune 50 company. We used to dress business casual on the formal side (no jeans except for Friday). However, starting this year we’ve been allowed to wear jeans every.single.day! Whenever I worked in a more formal environment (Big 4), most people did wear neutrals but I would still rock a pink dress and/or tweed skirt from time to time and it was perfectly fine! Bring us more fun work fashion ideas!!
Hey Katey! I’m about to start an internship that’s in a business casual office. I’m struggling sooo much because I’m truly a tee and jeans, super casual type of girl. I’ve found plenty of work pants I love, but the tops are where I’m struggling most. I also gravitate towards neutrals 99% of the time. ❤️
I am an associate apparel buyer for a National fashion retailer! Love my job and as you can imagine our office is pretty trendy over traditional! Tens of girls in dresses and sneakers But when we have formal meeting definitely need to dress it up! Would love a healthy blend of business casual as well as more fashion forward dressed up option! Love seeing your ideas!
I work for a Crown Corporation in the Agricuture industry and just returned to my marketing position from mat leave (1year in Canada!). We have a very large office and it’s a casual work environment but they did a reorg while I was gone and now our team sits down the hall from our Corporate Leaderhsip team. Our team is for sure the best dressed in the building but I am challenging myself to step it up now that I see/interact with the big wigs on the daily. BUT don’t want to be totally overkill considering the majority of our staff are in jeans. Trying to hit that happy medium and you are always my first go to for inspiration!
Hi Katey! I work in a business casual work environment – think dress pants/skirt with a blouse. My company is a bit old school, so still conservative and still nothing too out there. I would love to see some quality but affordable pieces that are great for work but I can also pair with a pair of jeans for the weekends!
I’m a teacher!! We are very casual with our dress. Monday-Thursday, I typically wear some sort of black jean/jegging with a blouse or sweater. Flats and booties are my go to shoes. Friday’s are always jean and school t-shirt day, which I live for. But I’m always looking for good deals on a budget because HELLO teacher life 🙂
You look great, Katey! Love the pink blazer! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I’m a Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher, work with children 0-22 years. So my attire can be pretty flexible, some days I may need to dress up for meetings other days it may be a jeans and sneakers kind of day! But I still want to look cute, of course! Love all the outfit idea options! Thanks for all your fashion inspiration can’t wait for what you have next to share with us!
Hi Katey!
I absolutely love reading your blog, so many great recommendations and fun things!
I am in kitchen and bath design, so although I do have to look professional I don’t necessarily have to dress like I’m in a corporate setting. My job is creative, therefore I can dress a little creatively too. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I work at a school! I would LOVE comfy cute casual outfit inspo!
I am a teacher and can wear almost anything to work besides jeans!
You are the cutest and I love to see your posts in my inbox!! Makes my day!!! Thank you!
Hey katey! Love your blog, been following since 2014! I work in an office but have the flexibility to work a few days a week in my home office. I work at a building products company so I’m one of the few women there. I love style but need a work wardrobe that is chic but not over the top, I love the selection you showed!!
I work in a very casual office where people regularly wear yoga pants and t-shirts for their favorite teams. As a young professional I don’t feel comfortable dressing that casual for work; I want to feel more put together and for lack of a better word “grownup”. I’m always searching for fun, casual yet put together outfits.
I work in a financial office but we are allowed to wear jeans as long as they aren’t distressed etc. but I find that I still love to dress it up with a more formal blouse or jacket to just feel more put together! I feel everyone is doing leopard picks right now so love that yours today are something different! (Don’t get me wrong though, love the leopard!)
I’m a 4 y/o teacher at a church-based preschool, so comfy casual is best! I still like to look put together and feel my best!
I’m a teacher! When it’s cooler outside I typically wear black skinnys with a cute blouse, or leggings with sweaters on Mondays-Thursday’s; Fridays it’s jeans and a school shirt. But, it’s still hot and will continue to be hot till Nov?! When it’s my week for recess duty, I just can’t be in pants so I’d love to see some business casual dresses on a teacher budget!
I am mostly a stay-at-home mom! I have a part time work from home job so even when I’m working I could be in my pajamas ;). That being said, I love to dress up a little bit and look professional. Jeans and blouses and wedges with a fun statement earring are fabulous! I also live in maxi dresses in the summer and leggings/tunics/sweatshirts in the winter. I like to be pretty casual but also look put together for school pickup and running errands.
I am a little unusual for work – I work on a construction site! While I work in our (very nice) trailers, I have to walk the site at least once a day so I have to wear pants, with my steel toe boots, and a shirt with sleeves. I want to stay looking polished but not overdone! So any good work pant staples, and cute but simple tops with a little bit of feminine flare!
I love posts like this! I work in a traditional office setting. We can wear jeans(no holes or tears though which seems to nix 90% of what is available right now!)but I prefer to dress up some days as well. Everything you shared would be great at my office!
I don’t want to own a separate work week and weekend wardrobes so I really like my clothes to do double duty- as in I can wear the top with dress pants or jeans, dress up a skirt or dress for church or a wedding, etc. Tips on work shoes are the hardest. A lot of trends, like over the knee boots or platform sneakers, are not appropriate and I cannot wear a super high heel all day long. Can’t wait to see more!
I’m so happy to see that you’re going to be posting more workwear content! I work in healthcare administration and it is so conservative – no jeans, open toed shoes, shorter skirts, bright colors, etc! It’s so hard to find conservative business clothes that also fit well and show some personality. Neutral, tailored and timeless classics are what I’m looking for. I don’t mind paying more for clothes that I’ll wear to work either!
I work in finance. I am the Director of Cash Management and Operations for our state pension fund. I work in a very business professional environment. That said you won’t ever catch me in a suit. I am a MASSIVE fan of the power dress haha. I also love a nice structured skinny ankle pant with a fun blouse. I tend to do more pattern and color on top than most of the people in my office but then again they are mostly men. I also like to wear skirts with pretty blouses or sweaters. I wear more neutrals than bright colors but I try to get some pops in where I can. I tend to wear mostly heels but will do flats on some Fridays. Pretty much what you see on a lot of younger women in finance (I’m 35).
This is a super fun post. I am loving reading about everyone’s jobs and clothing! Thanks Katie!!!
Hi Katey! We’re very business formal where I work but I loveee to spice it up and show my personality through fun colors and patterns. I’m a HUGE fan of blazers and feel like such a boss babe when I wear them, but I’m also ballin on a budget. Any suggestions for blazers under $75 (if that’s even possible) or structured tops that won’t break that bank would be lovely!
Hi Katey! My office is a business casual environment, so I love seeing how you infuse fun into corporate wear!
My office is INCREDIBLY casual. Most people wear jeans and a t-shirt.
I work in media in Dallas!
I would love some ideas to elevate the casual look. I want to look put together put not over the top.
Hi Katey! I would love some more work-wear inspo. I work for a medical device company in communications and investor relations. My work environment is business casual which I find incredibly difficult to dress for! However, the field is fairly serious (we take patient care incredibly seriously and there’s no room for error in that) and I worry that if I wore a pink blazer to some of my meetings with analysts that I wouldn’t be taken seriously but I still want to show some personality in what I wear!
I’m an elementary school teacher! I’d love some cute and affordable dresses and tops that can be worn with jeans or pants that aren’t too “precious” and can hold up to markers and glue, but still look appropriate and could maybe do double-duty for weekend wear!
I was so excited to see an article featuring workplace options. I work in a corporate finance environment. I dress business casual most days. I would love a post about workplace staples that can be mixed and matched. I love bright pops of color but an overall polished neutral look is what I strive for especially in the cooler months.