How to Wear Style in a Super Casual Office

An old high school friend, Valerie, wrote to me a while ago:
"My job is uber casual like you can wear pj's and no one would look twice. I feel like I'm starting to lose some style and I'm tired of jeans everyday. What are your favorite casual yet pulled together looks? What key pieces should I look for this spring? Also, it's reallllllly cold in the office so layers are good for me since I'm already cold natured."

Valeria, I can totally understand your dilemma! You don't want to loose your style, but you also don't want to walk into work feeling like you're wearing a ball gown. To keeping things casual yet stylish, think of it the up-down factor.

If you're going to wear a dress or skirt (something that's usually more dressy) you would want to style it DOWN - small, simple accessories, flats or boots, denim or leather  jacket or a boyfriend sweater always makes things more casual.

If you are going to wear jeans and t-shirt (something already very casual), you want to style it UP. Add a pair of high heeled boots or wedge sandals. More large statement pieces of jewelry and bold lipstick. Add a blazer or trade the t-shirt for a button-up. 

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Change out those jeans for a skirt. Pair with flats or sandals. 

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One of this Spring's trends is minimalism. Keeping things clean and simple will make you look fresh and fashion forward. 

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Throwing on an effortless sundress is one of the easiest ways to get ready. Throw a cardigan over it to make it appropriate for the office and wear only a few key accessories. 

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Maxis aren't just for the beach. Add a blazer and you have instant professionalism. A crisp oxford button-up & wide belt is the perfect mix of a little funky and a lot classic. The most casual (and most comfortable of all!) is a maxi dress with an oversized throw-over. 

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If you feel something is too dressy, add denim. A denim jean jacket or chambray shirt immediately tones down a look. 

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Stripes make anything look classic and pulled together but not stuffy. Pair it with a blazer and then choose between either a statement necklace or colored jeans. 

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Playing with patterns and bold colors adds a big but easy punch to the humdrum of a boring wardrobe.

You can also take a look at a past Belted Pear post where I talk about how to look pulled together most of the time.

Besides clicking on the links for these photos, a few other resources to peruse might be these ladies' blogs. 

Running Late

J's Everyday Fashion

A Clothes Call

And when in doubt, just ask yourself... WWJAD? 

She epitomizes the perfect blend of being pulled together and chic with simple and effortless casualness. 

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Hope this helps, Valerie! Thanks for asking.
If anyone else has some perplexing fashion situation, feel free to email me at lindseydish@ymail.com and I'll see if I can help ya out! :)