Work Outfits

Because I mostly shoot outfit posts on the weekends, it's come to my attention that you don't generally get to see what I wear to work. In fact, you can count the number of times work wear's shown up on NFD on less than ten fingers (you can see them: here, here, here, here, here and here). This is entirely Too Bad, because 1) there are not a lot of blogs out there that show stylish professional outfits and 2) I love stylish, professional outfits. So, thought I'd change that and share with you a week's worth of What I Wore to Work.

Professional outfits, hepburn, work clothing, teacher outfits,

This past spring, I asked whether any of you subscribed to the idea of a Beauty Uniform. For the uniniatied think of a uniform as a signature style. Basically, your wardrobe utlizes similar pieces and/or colors creating a visual cohesive set of looks. Back in March, I'd said I wasn't quite ready for that, but the funny thing is, not quite a year later, and I find it has happened all on its own.

And I love it.

Some of it is simply practicality. A cigarette pant answers all my needs of staying warm even though I'm outside for longish periods every day (like, as recess and things); and that I might need to run, jump, kneel, or worse, sit cross-legged on the floor. Plus, who doesn't like feeling like they're Audrey Hepburn? The limited color scheme means most things match with everything else. Having the "uniform" means I sort of know right away what I like, what will work with everything else in my closet when shopping. Currently this work signature style feels sort of tomboy meets Hepburn meets graphic design. I'm actually thinking of developing/paring down to a capsule closet for work (though I'll still admit that I'm looking forward for warmer weather to be able to throw in the occasional skirt too). Have any of you every tried either a beauty uniform or a capsule wardrobe?

P.S. This also means, I am completely enamored of pants lately, which is probably good, because I think this shows one more pair or so wouldn't go amiss.

18 comments

Suzanne Carillo January 22, 2015 at 9:32 AM

Just the word "uniform" turns me off. Probably because I've had to wear them for work and HATED it.

I wish I had the legs to pull off cigarette pants and the feet that loved ballet shoes. They look wonderful on you. It is a look I need to admire from afar.

bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Samantha January 22, 2015 at 5:43 PM

I was just thinking about closet cohesiveness the other day...or more often than not as of late. I find my style to be a mix of things, which can make creating outfits not the easiest as things very much clash. I like your idea of the uniform, very much, I just I wasn't so darn fickle! I assume I'll come into my own soon and find a permanent style...

And I just love pants with flats, so these are all looking mighty fine!
Midnight Cowgirl January 22, 2015 at 8:18 PM

I've tried doing a capsule wardrobe, but it got boring after a while. I like changing things up. However, I have a casual style uniform of jeans and layered tops :)
Taylor Hart January 25, 2015 at 2:34 PM

Oooooooo! Hello Tuesday!
xoxo
Taylor
Rita January 27, 2015 at 12:19 AM

I am so, so glad you put this together! First, I feel lonely on the work outfit front - it's great to see how others are doing. Second, I was in need of inspiration for how to style a vest I have for work and was out of ideas beyond a black short-sleeved blouse! Finally, I have been thinking about how cohesive my wardrobe is lately, particularly colour. I like the idea of a signature style and some consistency but am not inclined to go for black and grey. Instead, mine is more earth tones and navy blue so I wondered if that still can lead to cohesiveness or whether I need to go monochrome...
lisa January 27, 2015 at 4:32 PM

These are some really chic looks- I can tell you are the stylish teacher in school :) I think the idea of Beauty Uniform is great and probably really comes in hand with those early mornings!
Marlen Komar January 28, 2015 at 1:03 PM

I love the description of a tomboy/ Hepburn mix. It fits this style perfectly and is ridiculously charming! And you have such a chic work style. I work at an office twice a week and the outfits that women wear make me cringe. So boring, so plain. I'm the only one that refuses to give up and they always comment on my "funky" style...which I hate. What about a cable-knit is funky?!

I can definitely see where there's a uniform feel to your wardrobe, and I think I really enjoy that too. It seems like everything would match with just about everything else!

xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
Nikki VH January 29, 2015 at 10:49 AM

The idea of a uniform appeals to be. Yours seems to lie close to your weekend style if you ask me, some of these items could work really well with more colorful pieces too!

I've noticed that my own uniform these days consists of mainly pencil skirt and blazer combinations. I've given a lot of presentations in the last half year and notice that my wardrobe has changed in the direction of formal and work wear because of that. Basically, these items for a capsule within my larger wardrobe! I'm also looking for the perfect pair of cigarette pants and have my eye on one at J.Crew right now. Hopefully it will go on sale soon!
Rebecca February 2, 2015 at 3:55 PM

I love all these looks. I'm not quite on board with a uniform yet, but have warmed up to the idea of having a much more cohesive wardrobe. I would love to see photos of you wearing some of these outfits - they look very stylish and professional!

-Rebecca
Idealism never goes out of fashion
Priya February 3, 2015 at 9:13 AM

I know what you mean here, I usually only get to take pictures on the weekends, so any "normal" weekday outfits are usually left out. Yours are cute and professional! Those flats with the lip print are too cute. I love skirts and dresses, but for some reason, haven't been wearing tights much this winter. So I've been gravitating towards cuffed pants and blouses! It seems so simple!

♥ perfectly Priya
Ginger February 12, 2015 at 5:36 PM

This is really cool! I love seeing the whole week. I wonder if cigarette pants would look good on me.