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The culture shock one experiences stepping onto the UF campus, where athleisure comprises 50% of everyone’s closet, is unfortunately just the first step in the high school-to-college transition. You can spend $200 on an Alo yoga set, but it gets worse. They want you to buy business casual. Business professional, even. At the young and beautiful age of 19, they want to stifle you with clothing designed to destroy any and all sex appeal so you can focus on entering the workforce of our capitalist wasteland.
However, I bring with me a desperate and unwavering belief in the beauty of modest workwear. Dressing professionally can make you feel classy and intelligent. I know that I, for one, am always more confident when I like my outfit. And, if you play your cards right, you can look hot enough to seduce your forced-proximity work crush. Or your middle-aged divorced Republican boss–whatever you’re into.
I also recommend going through this with the intention of gaining inspiration from the styles and brands chosen, rather than specifically planning to purchase, as many good-quality workwear brands are aimed at those with higher incomes than you and I!
Without further ado, I present my guide:
Wide-leg and flared slacks: Because straight-leg slacks are just so boring. They’re unflattering. With the wide-leg style, your outfit is more on trend, balanced and comfortable. It’s not just something you’re wearing to work to look decent; it’s actually cute!
Old Navy – Extra High-Waisted Taylor Wide-Leg Trouser Pants – $50
Flattering, decently priced and one thousand good reviews? They’re worth it.
White House Black Market – High-Rise Piper Flare Pant – $120
Not to be corny, but when you’re wearing flare pants, I swear it makes you more powerful. Your legs are longer, making your silhouette sexier and more evil. I love these pants.
Aritzia – The Limitless Pant™ – Crepette™ – $148
With pleats and an elastic back, these pants are comfy and elegant. They come in a ton of colors and can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Midi skirts: My absolute favorite secret weapon. They are an outfit all on their own, and they make you look so unique and put together. It’s work appropriate, and old people love it! I’m going to tell you right now that the best skirts you will find will be in thrift stores. But I’ll provide some anyway; you don’t have to ask me twice!
Zara – Pleated Midi Skirt – $60
Zara has a ton of professional long skirts! This kind of cute, pleated skirt can elevate your plain black-bottoms and white-top outfit to a dainty and put-together look.
Quince – 100% Washable Silk Skirt – $70
Stylish, comfortable, effortlessly chic and feminine. They have it in a maxi length too! Quince is also a good brand on the more affordable side.
Banana Republic – Everywhere Ponte Pencil Skirt – $120
To be honest, any pencil skirt will work, but this one is particularly stretchy and more comfortable for a freezing office. With shorter skirts, I love to wear tights! It feels very vintage.
Tops: Quite possibly the hardest part. I personally prefer basic tops that fit well and can be paired with more interesting pants or a skirt.
Express – Body Contour Stretch Cotton Boat Neck Tank – $34
In Florida, it sucks to wear long-sleeved blouses, so I avoid them when I can. This basic top is still modest, despite being sleeveless.
Mango – Short-Sleeved Satin Shirt – $46
This blouse is relaxed and casual but still classy due to the satin. It pairs nicely with slacks. If you like this one, check out the rest of their collection. Mango has a ton of nice shirts to choose from.
Reformation – Alfie Relaxed Shirt – $128
“A not-so-basic basic.” I love Reformation, but their prices are insane. They also have options for bigger busts, which is super cool! I’m giving you one shirt, although I urge you to look at their website, even if just to browse and dream …
Shoes: A good heel can make or break the day.
Steve Madden – MOLLIE – $100
A ballet shoe with a low block heel, these are the perfect everyday heel for a great price. Replace sneakers with these, and your outfit is 10 times better.
Sam Edelman – Bianka Slingback Pump – $150
These kitten heels are beautiful, wearable all day and not too tall for the office. Kitten heels are extremely in and so cute.
Sarah Flint – Perfect Pump 85 – $495
Okay, yes, these are most likely out of your price range–but consider that your shoe size won’t change. These timeless stilettos are made for comfort, and they’ll last as long as you need them to!
Dresses: Embrace femininity! What they don’t tell you is that wearing a dress is often so much easier than matching a top and a bottom.
Ann Taylor – The Boatneck Dress in Seasonless Stretch – $169
This extremely classic A-line dress can be re-worn for so many occasions, dressed up or down and paired with different accessories for different workdays.
Aritzia – Pedestal Dress – $178
Please click the link. This dress is absolutely stunning. A low back, shaped and softly structured style… so chic…
Anthropologie – The Tobie Shirt Dress by Exquise – $198
And, in case you have an extra $200 after all of this, here’s a casual but modest little (big?) dress for a Friday. Have a good weekend!