05142014 – Cats and Dogs

I’m a big believer in dressing up to dress down and vice versa. Keep reading to check out this work friendly, night out friendly, dressed to casual look that’s super easy to put together and some shopping ideas inspired by it!

I’ve worked in offices that require ‘office attire’ but sometimes you can bend the rules a little right? 😉 Here’s my take on a suit with my very own twist put on it, and all at a great price point. Here’s what I’m wearing:

Single button blazer (H&M)
Cat & Dog graphic tee shirt (H&M)
Black skinny trousers (H&M)
Leopard print pumps (Steve Madden)

So this outfit is actually quite simple. I paired a black blazer with black pants and a white shirt and pumps. To add a bit of my personality into this typical work look, I cuffed my blazer’s sleeves to a 3/4 sleeve length and cuffed my pants both to add some length to my limbs and give the illusion of a taller frame (even though I’m only 5’1″) since suits have a tendency to make shorter girls appear even shorter. Also to keep with looking ‘taller’, I opted for skinny fit trousers instead of traditional slacks. Paired with the all black outfit, this helps slim and elongate. Hehe I need all the height I can get!

Instead of wearing a traditional button up collared shirt or a silk blouse under my blazer, I went with a clean white tee with a gray-scale printed graphic rather than something loud. The print on the shirt is enough to make the outfit my own but not enough to become a distraction. For my shoes, I decided to get playful and put on a pair of leopard print pumps with red ruffles. Since the entire outfit is pretty much black and white, a pop of colour was needed to complete the look. While the print and the red might be a little much for some offices, you can easily pair this look with a solid coloured pump but choose something bright!

Every workspace has a dress-code, but it should never be a downer for your wardrobe, instead look at it as a challenge! Find ways to be created within the guidelines. The words ‘Dress-code and Uniform’ (unless you ARE required to wear a uniform) are two totally different things, so show your office a little bit of your personality in your outfit choices once in a while 🙂 Also, its a great transition from day to night without having to change a single thing! Go to work and meet up with your friends for happy hour afterwards and still look chic. Below are a few shopping ideas inspired by this look. How do you like to spice up your workday looks?

xoxo