I often get asked where I like to shop for my work clothes. To be honest, I am kind of all over the place but as I have advanced in my career, and while I try to condense my wardrobe, I do my best to invest in pieces that I can wear both in the office and out. As someone who works in sports, my work wardrobe can be high-rise ready one day, and athleisure the next, but one thing is always consistent: I want to look presentable and be comfortable for whatever the day will bring.
When I am creating my work wardrobe, I like to ask myself three things:
Am I comfortable?
My days at the office and be LONG (truly want to emphasize that) and the last thing I want is to be in some dress or skirt that I cannot sit properly in or jacket I cannot breathe in. Who wants to endure a full day of meetings while feeling miserable? Not me. In addition to being a long day, I move a lot. If it is not a gameday, I have meetings all over campus. If it is a gameday well, you know it is busy. So comfort for me is key.
Do I feel confident?
I am a firm believer in the ‘you look good, you play good’ mentality. I always was growing up playing tennis, and still am when I head into work. When I feel good in what I am wearing, my confidence masks as my superpower because I definitely have moments where I feel like I can do just about anything. And honestly? I deserve to feel that way.
Can I wear one or more of these items outside of the office?
If you have been following me for a minute then you know that I am working on creating the perfect capsule wardrobe. I want to minimize and build a closet full of pieces that will last me years rather than a few moments. When I choose to invest in work pieces that will easily pair with jeans for a date night or time with friends, I feel better about what I choose to spend.
Being able to answer ‘YES’ to these three questions means I have found what I am looking for and it is time to add it to my closet.
Now, for purposes of selecting items, I wanted to breakdown into a few different categories. First, I wanted to link items at a higher price point that I either currently own, or have been eyeing myself. Again, when I make a decision to invest in these higher end pieces, I have to ensure that I will be able to get more use than just for work ideally. Brands I usually shop first include Veronica Beard, Vince, Favorite Daughter, Theory, Anine Bing and ALC. I try to utilize these pieces to build the base of my wardrobe, then add on some less expensive options around that!
Now for the mid-level price point. I am a big Mango and Zara girl if I am looking for something specific because they tend to have great classic options. Additionally, Reformation can be a great option!
For my last category if you will, let’s talk athleisure in the workplace. Now, I am not talking about leggings and a crop top, but instead a great casual trouser pant that I can wear with sneakers when I know I will be working through long hours and warm temperatures! Brands like Lululemon, Alo and Vuori are creating great products that can fit this mold and honestly, I love them!
Workwear can definitely be a wide range of style. There are many different work places and all offer settings unique to each profession. I know that not all require suiting and not all allow and athleisure look but finding that good balance for your role is key. Thankfully, mine can be a wide range of things which allows me to play with my style more and more! Again, no matter what you are building out your closet though, my biggest piece of advice is to be smart about it. Find items that work multiple ways, that you are comfortable in and you know will not just fulfill a ‘trend’ at the moment. Confidence is key so remember, look good…be a boss!
