The parent/teacher conference, the meeting with a consultant, casual Friday, training days--times when you need to look presentable but not too dressed up. These are the occasions that cause me the most trouble figuring out what to wear.
The order of the day is for these events is something like business casual (an oxymoron if ever I've heard one) but perhaps even just a little more relaxed. Men seem to have this category down (albeit a bit boring) with khakis & golf shirts, but women have it a lot harder. Let's see if we can break it down:
I've made it my mission to create an arsenal of easy-reach, easy-match in-between outfits.
Here are some of the key pieces I'm turning to...
The order of the day is for these events is something like business casual (an oxymoron if ever I've heard one) but perhaps even just a little more relaxed. Men seem to have this category down (albeit a bit boring) with khakis & golf shirts, but women have it a lot harder. Let's see if we can break it down:
- Suit? No, too formal.
- Dress? Yes, but not too short, not too tight, not too nightclub, not too prissy, not too dressy.
- Jeans? Yes, but not too faded nor too tight.
- Sleeveless blouses? Sure, but no tank tops, nothing too low cut.
- Skirts? Of course! But not too short nor too tight.
I've made it my mission to create an arsenal of easy-reach, easy-match in-between outfits.
Here are some of the key pieces I'm turning to...
White or denim knee-length skirt, crisp shirt.
White & denim go with everything. My first choice: pair it with a long-sleeve oxford tied at the waist. I like that I can roll the sleeves up or down to make the outfit more or less formal.
White & denim go with everything. My first choice: pair it with a long-sleeve oxford tied at the waist. I like that I can roll the sleeves up or down to make the outfit more or less formal.
 |  dELiA's Floral Button-Down Shirt, $29.90  GAP Straight skirt, $49.95 minus 30-40% |
 |  GAP Fitted Boyfriend Burnout Dot Shirt, $26.99 minus 30%  J. Crew Factory Pencil Skirt in Denim, $36.99 minus 50% |
Trouser jeans.
I'm not sure about jeans or skinny jeans in particular for the workplace--what do you think? But I think they're fine for
in-between days in a slim cut, trouser style, in a dark rinse like these. I like them with a sleeveless white shirt.
I'm not sure about jeans or skinny jeans in particular for the workplace--what do you think? But I think they're fine for
in-between days in a slim cut, trouser style, in a dark rinse like these. I like them with a sleeveless white shirt.
 GAP Slim Cropped Chambray Pants, $21.99 minus 30% |  J. Crew Factory Ruffled Neck Cami, $34.50 |
A casual, knee-length dress.
I look for a higher neckline like this dress has. This dress has a fun back for after work but looks perfectly appropriate with a cardigan for the workplace.
I look for a higher neckline like this dress has. This dress has a fun back for after work but looks perfectly appropriate with a cardigan for the workplace.
 Piperlime Collective Concepts Trim Tape Back Cutout Mini Dress, $44.97 |  Piperlime Collective Concepts Trim Tape Back Cutout Mini Dress, $44.97 |
A few more outfits from my arsenal (from previous posts):
| Tunic with white pants  J. Crew Factory tunic, New York & Co. pants | Tees with dressy skirts  GAP tee, Talbots skirt |  GAP top, H&M skirt |
The shoes make a big difference in how dressy the outfit appears. I have a stockpile of mid-heel sandals.
I think the workplace over the warmer months is a more casual place in general--please correct me if I'm wrong.
Do you face this same dilemma? What are some of your go-to in-between outfits?
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