It’s that time of year again. We grudgingly flip the calendar from lazy vacation days to looming fall deadlines, bracing ourselves for the uphill struggle that is August. The next few weeks may be pure chaos as we drag ourselves (and our kids) back into stricter schedules and return to the full-time grind of work, school, routines and rhythms. Amid this annual chaos, we could all use a bit of help. (I mean besides coffee, of course.) While I can’t remedy your family’s jigsaw puzzle of a schedule, I can make getting dressed for work a quick, easy and enjoyable process. Here are three easy, work-wear outfit inspirations to eliminate the style guesswork and ensure you look sharp and sophisticated all month long.
Outfit Inspo #1: Dresses
The best thing about dresses is their ease. No need to worry about matching it with other pieces, this no-thought-required formula reads polished and professional with little effort. A simple sheath dress is a perfect go-to work outfit for hectic mornings. For a business professional environment, pair it with pointed-toe heels and a contrasting color blazer for chilly offices. If you work in a less professional atmosphere, try pointed-toe flats or neutral sneakers and a jean jacket (like I did here) for a more casual but still stylish look. And if you prefer a more forgiving silhouette, a shirt dress will do the trick. This looser style has all the structure and presence of workwear but is less fitted and breezy for maximum comfort. Calvin Klein is my go-to for chic sheath dresses, and you can also find shirt dresses by classic American sportswear designers like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors.
Outfit Inspo #2: Vests
Dust off those ’80s threads and get ready for a comeback, team. I’m absolutely loving the fashion revival of vests right now. But this time, we’re leaving the denim behind and embracing vests for work and – wait for it – as shirts. Yes, you can pull this off in the office if you get the fit and styling just right. Go for a fitted vest that’s modest and not too revealing. Pair it with a looser, flowy bottom to keep things fresh and not too sexy. Think wide-leg linen pants or a pleated broomstick skirt for a more relaxed vibe. You can also rock it under a matching blazer. Pair it with the coordinating pants and you have a sharp, three-piece monochromatic look, perfect for stricter office dress codes. The monochrome approach simplifies the matching game and ensures you look chic with minimal effort. You can find these three-piece sets at retailers like White House Black Market and Express.
Outfit Inspo #3: White Button-Down Blouse
Is there anything more classic than a crisp white button-down top? For decades this staple has been the epitome of effortless chic style. If you don’t own one, take advantage of the summer’s end sales and outfit your closet with this iconic essential. This versatile piece can be paired with jeans, work pants and skirts of any kind. No matter what you wear it with, this staple stunner is a surefire way to add instant finesse to any work outfit. You can even wear it over dresses as a finishing layer in the summer and under dresses and tanks for warmth in the fall and winter. A crisp, boyfriend-style white top paired with dark jeans and heels is the perfect end-of-summer outfit for a casual polished work look. Find this classic at contemporary retailers like J. Crew, Banana Republic and LOFT.
As we’re abruptly thrust back into the whirlwind of fall schedules, deadlines and formalities, these easy outfit combinations will help streamline your getting-ready process. I hope you feel equipped to tackle this season with confidence. Just add cute shoes, a structured bag and coffee. (Lots of coffee.) Solidarity, sister. I’ll see you in September!
