According to data published by Google, consumers are looking to adapt trends to the moment and find styles that can go anywhere, so today I wanted to talk about functional fashion for the office and beyond. To get the most bang for your buck, try to purchase clothes that are multipurpose, meaning that they can be worn both in and out of the office.
Some pieces might seem solely out-of-office appropriate, while others give off a distinct office vibe, however you can achieve functional fashion for the office and beyond (i.e. going out for dinner or drinks) by mixing and matching.
Here are some of my favorite tips:
Try mixing a classic blazer with a silky blouse to make your look more versatile. If you want to appear more conservative at work, button up the blazer so the blouse underneath just peaks out. It will give you a nice feminine flare without appearing too casual, however once you leave the office, you can open up the blazer or remove it all together.
Keep a pair of shoes in the car or your bag to swap out. There’s nothing quite like the wrong shoes to put a damper on your outfit. I almost always opt for closed toe pumps in an office setting, so keeping a more fun pair of shoes in your car or bag will help you transition your outfit from work to play. On the flip side, sometimes you just want to be more comfortable after work, so maybe you’ll want to keep a pair of flats or a more comfortable alternative to use as your swap. Regardless, swapping out your office shoes for something different can immediately make you feel like you’ve left a little piece of work at work.
Try Out a Jumpsuit. I love a good jumpsuit, but I rarely see them worn at the office. You’ll want to find one with a nice fabric some built in structure, but a jumpsuit is a great way to mix up your look. If you get a good jumpsuit with a cinched waist, all you’ll need to add is a jacket/blazer, some jewelry, and you’re ready to go! It’s a simple way to look put together and get out of the house fast. It’s also a great transition piece, because you can easily take off your jacket and wear the jumpsuit out afterwards. If you want to have more fun with it, add some extra jewelry or a fun belt to pull your look together.
Opt For Traditional Work Wardrobe Staples in Modern Cuts. If you have to dress on the more conservative side for work, opt for classic wardrobe staples like a pair of slacks in a modern cut. Try out a skinny cropped pant with a pair of heels and a printed top. The modern cut of the pant will help you feel more comfortable and less stuffy, while the printed top will bring a little life to your look. If you shop for work clothing in similar cuts as your casual clothing, you’ll feel more comfortable wearing it both in and out of the office.
If you’re someone (like me) who often goes for skinny jeans and a flowy blouse or sweater on the weekends, find a pair of peg leg slacks to pair with a boyfriend cut, button down blouse and pumps. This will give you a similar shape and feel to your weekend-wear, but with a more polished and professional vibe.
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When purchasing clothing, look for functional fashion for the office and beyond, and scope out pieces that you can wear in multiple situations. A great wardrobe consists of pieces that can be mixed and matched to create looks for different occasions. Don’t tie yourself to one look for the office. Explore your options and have fun with it!