As I’m picking up my cap and gown, it’s dawned on me that it’s time to put down some of my tried and true crop tops and venture into a more mid 20’s Carrie Bradshaw esque style. Full length tops, unripped jeans, kitten heels, the list goes on and on. As I age, I want my closet to age with me so here are a few fashion tips that have helped me start building a more corporate friendly wardrobe.
- High Neck Everything
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Swapping out basic tops is one of the easiest ways to make a wardrobe change. Thick strap, high neck tanks or long sleeves, can be worn to the office with a blazer, sweater, or by itself in the warmer months, and can also double as a perfect going out top. Pair it with a more fun bottom, like a skirt or a baggy pair of jeans, and you’ve got the city dinner to drinks outfit down pat. Wearing a more understated top also allows you to have a bit more fun with accessories and hair.
- Say Goodbye to the Air Force Ones
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Shoes play more of a part in the maturation of an outfit than we tend to give them credit for. I know we have all had that pair of mud stained frat shoes that have gotten us through a lot of late nights, but it’s time for them to retire. It doesn’t make sense to invest in high quality, tasteful footwear in college when you’re only social outing tends to consist of spilled tequila sours and sticky floors; but when you’re grabbing five star sushi at a restaurant downtown before heading to a bar, better shoes are necessary. My tip would be to have one strong pointed boot dedicated to nights on the town. Grab another pair, maybe a chocolate brown color instead of black, that is dedicated to walking the halls of your downtown office. It wouldn’t hurt to throw a few staple pointed toe kitten heels in the mix. There are so many archival Manolo Blahnik options on The Real Real at affordable prices for you to shop from. There’s something about a pointed toe peeking out of a trouser that radiates girlboss energy.
- Trousers
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It goes without saying that trousers are a workplace staple. Comfortable, professional, classy, what’s not to love? These days they even make sweatpants that look exactly like a pair of hundred dollar trousers. For most of us living at home and commuting to the city for work, we don’t have time to take the train home before meeting our friends on Friday nights. You’ve gotta have a look that works both in the office and at the testosterone filled sports bar (it’s Boston ok). Trousers are THAT girl. They can be dressed up or down and always elevate a simple look. If you leave here with one takeaway, let it be this. Leave the ripped jeans behind!! Trousers or neat jeans are the way to go.
- Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Skirt
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While we are on the topic of pants, let’s give mini skirts their moment. Midi skirts have been a corporate favorite for decades and they aren’t going away anytime soon. However, we can spice up the midi skirt by playing around with material and texture. I love Zara’s skirts and they have several office friendly options varying from denim to linen. A skirt and a kitten heel will always be a classy combo. I’m also a strong advocate for the going out skirt and once again Zara has so many options. For the warmer seasons, play around with color, pale yellows and blues are all the rage and look great with a simpler white top. For the winter seasons, call me basic, but I love an all black moment. The black boot with the black skirt and a black boatneck, scratches my brain in all the right ways. Mature and understated, that’s what we are going for with the base of the outfit. Again, statement belts and jewelry can be used to show your personality while still maintaining corporate class.
- COATS!
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Here comes my personal favorite – coats. Another perfect opportunity for you to bring an element of fun and youth to an outfit. Whether it be a trench, a leather bomber, or faux fur, coats automatically give you that cool girl feeling. Thrift stores have the best coat options in my opinion. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Walking into the office with a one of a kind item will kick your day off on the right note. Coats are functional and chic. You don’t always have to wear a Super Puff around town.
My biggest tip would be to build your look around simple staple pieces. Tops and pants you can wear over and over, but still make a new look out of. Shop in the white, black, and cream color wheel and add the color and patterns via coats, shoes, and jewelry. Don’t dull your shine just because you have to comply with corporate clothing standards, always work YOU into the look somehow.
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