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.
Change out those jeans for a skirt. Pair with flats or sandals.
One of this Spring's trends is minimalism. Keeping things clean and simple will make you look fresh and fashion forward.
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.
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.
If you feel something is too dressy, add denim. A denim jean jacket or chambray shirt immediately tones down a look.
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.
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.
And when in doubt, just ask yourself... WWJAD?
She epitomizes the perfect blend of being pulled together and chic with simple and effortless casualness.
Source
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! :)
