5 Versatile Pieces You Can Wear Beyond The Office
I don’t know about you, but as a working Mom, I do not have the time, patience, or the budget to have multiple wardrobes. You know what I’m talking about…a wardrobe for the office, one for after hours, and finally, one for the weekend. Who has the time to manage all of that, but above all, who has the money? Not the average working woman, that’s for sure. Therefore, I thought it was important to put together a list of the top five versatile pieces that you can wear to the office and beyond.
In my opinion, it all comes down to letting your creative juices flow. Almost anything you wear to the office can be worn after hours or on the weekend. And…if you’re not a creative person or simply do not have the time, then a simple Google/Pinterest search or blog (like yours truly) can help and provide that much needed inspiration. So let’s get started!
1 - The Blazer – not just for the boardroom
If you haven’t noticed, blazers are everywhere you turn. Women are pairing them with the traditional go-to's like trousers and skirts, but also pairing them with dresses, shorts, distressed denim and graphic t-shirts. Turning this once stuffy wardrobe piece, into a truly functional everyday essential.
This season, it’s all about the boyfriend cut blazers in every color and pattern imaginable. From blush to pinstripe to classic plaid (and everything in between). My personal favorite has been this lightweight linen-like, ruched sleeve blazer. It’s perfect for spring and summer because it’s breathable and lightweight.
The Office: It pairs well with our cropped paper-bag, tie belt trousers. Too much pink for you? Simply wear this blazer with white trousers and a spaghetti strap camisole. Alternatively, a white blouse tucked into a pencil skirt and heels. Don’t stop there, pair this blazer with your favorite dress. I personally love this blazer over a floral dress.
Weekend & After Hours: Have an event after work (say your son’s swim meet?), swap the trousers for a pair of boyfriend jeans. Wear with heels, sandals, or even sneakers. I personally love this blazer paired with our Catherine distressed boyfriend jeans. This blazer also looks fabulous with a denim skirt or shorts. I personally love the structure of the blazer with the distressing of denim shorts, but if denim isn’t your thing, then this blazer looks amazing with some white linen shorts and sandals.
2 - Tie Neck Blouse – not so stuffy after all
If you haven’t noticed, tie neck blouses are a HUGE trend this season. A mix of feminine and conservative styles, this style of blouse allows you to choose your mood. Have a big presentation, the tie the neck and pair it with a skirt or trousers. Heading to get a drink after work, untie the neck and pair it with jeans. Conservative to a relaxed look in the blink of an eye.
The Office: This blouse looks fabulous paired with trousers or a skirt. It’s such a classic piece and simple to wear, simply tuck it in, throw on a pair of hoop earrings, heels, and head out the door. Easy, classic, and chic.
After Hours Drinks: As with the blush blazer, I am partial to pairing this blouse with our Catherine boyfriend jeans. The feminine, chic style of the blouse, paired with a relaxed, lived-in denim. This pairing makes my heart sing! But, if boyfriend jeans are not your favorite, this blouse looks amazing with our Connie high-waist skinny jeans and sandals. Honestly, you can pair this blouse with denim, linen, shorts, skirts…you name it, and it’s a great date night outfit or perfect for brunch with your best girlfriends.
This wardrobe classic NEVER goes out of style. Lightweight and chic, every woman should own a trench coat. In fact, this is a public service announcement. Get yourself a trench coat! They are super functional and a must. I mean MUST!! Plus, they make a great accessory to any outfit. Ok…off my soapbox and onto more important things, such as...how do I wear a trench coat?
The Office: Trench coats come in many colors, shapes and styles. Camel of course is a classic. It’s neutral and can almost be worn like a blazer. We love the structure of a trench coat paired with a feminine, bold patterned pleated maxi length skirt. Pair this skirt with a simple bodysuit and heels and you have an outfit that even Jackie O would wear.
Weekend: Forget about skirts and trousers. An ultra-chic casual look we LOVE is white denim paired with this trench. Tone on tone is incredibly chic but most importantly, its super simple. Add a pair of cropped white denim, white tank or t-shirt, sandals and a trench. Let the trench coat be the accessory. It looks like you put A LOT of effort into the look when in fact; it’s just jeans and a tank. Easy, simple, chic and a MUST this season.
4 - The Transitional Eyelet Blouse
Eyelet material is on trend this spring and summer. We’ve seen it in many forms from blouses, tanks, dresses, jumpers, you name it, we’ve seen it. Now, many people (including my husband) say eyelet isn’t “work appropriate” and I strongly disagree.
The Office: I love pairing eyelet with structured or bold colored trousers or even a sleek pencil skirt. There is something about the soft, femininity of the eyelet paired with trousers that I love and personally wear on repeat. This blouse by Sanctuary can be worn two ways. With a classic ballet neckline for the office, or off the shoulder for a spring and summer, sexy look.
Weekend: Pair this same blouse with denim – shorts or jeans, doesn’t matter. This blouse looks amazing with our distressed denim shorts, half-tuck, with sneakers. This is a great outfit to wear to the kid’s soccer games or a casual brunch with the fam.
When someone told me that pull-on trousers were popular, I scoffed and said, “Ha, yeah right, with who?” I then found out that one of the largest subscription box companies’ number one selling item was indeed pull-on, wrinkle-free trousers. After additional research, I did indeed find out that pull-on trousers are not only growing in popularity but after having given in and worn a pair, I soon realized why. Not only are they incredibly comfortable and I mean, like “leggings” comfortable, you don’t have that annoying “bulge” showing under your untucked shirt that button fly trousers give. Nope, these are seamless and smooth, no bulge, no fuss, just chic, clean lines. Sold! However, these pants are not just for the office – learn how these will be your new favorite every day pant.
The Office: Pair these trousers with a blouse and heels, for a simple office look. In the fall and winter, wear with sweaters or a slim fitting, sleek turtleneck. Again, no bulge so no worries. And….under $100, wrinkle free and a classic ankle length cut; you’ll want them in every color – not just your basic black, grey, and navy.
Date Night: Trousers for date night? You bet. Pair these trousers with a silk camisole bodysuit and our favorite Amelia denim jacket and this is a perfect office to date night outfit. Need more convincing? Wear these trousers with a simple V-neck pocket tee and sneakers or sandals for errands with the kids or a weekend soccer game. Not only are they comfortable, the bright bold colors are FABULOUS!
There you go ladies, five versatile pieces you can wear beyond the office – thus making your wardrobe work for you without breaking the bank!