Typical Work Day

For Day 14 of 30 Dresses in 30 Days, we’re back in the office but today, there’s no big business conference or client meeting, it’s just your average day grinding it out 9-to-5. However, that doesn’t mean your work wardrobe has to suffer. In calling this look “typical workday” it’s important to point out that “typical” and “boring” are two completely different words.

Workwear ruts can be particularly tough in winter. It’s hard to wear your favorite cocktail dress to a holiday party over the weekend and then hop back into your unexciting trousers come Monday morning. Let’s have a little enthusiasm for our everyday workwear—it’s possible.

Shop The Look ×

NICHOLAS

Belted Dress (affordable alternatives HERE and HERE)

MICHAEL STARS

Rib Turtleneck (affordable alternative HERE)

KAMALIKULTURE

Double Breasted Trench (affordable alternative HERE)

SCHUTZ

Ankle Boot (affordable alternative HERE)

MAISON BOINET

Printed Wide Belt (affordable alternative HERE)

MARNI

Tortoiseshell Sunglasses (affordable alternative HERE)

YSL

Bag (sold out, also love this embossed bag, affordable alternative HERE)

The Vibe:

Styling Tips:

Here’s a neat trick: double your workwear wardrobe by adding—wait for it—sleeves. Any opportunity you have to style something sleeveless with a classic turtleneck will open up (warm) options in your wardrobe and give you a lot more to work with (pun intended?). I really love the year-round possibility happening with this button-up twill midi dress by Nicholas.

NICHOLAS

Belted Dress (affordable alternatives HERE and HERE)

MICHAEL STARS

Rib Turtleneck (affordable alternative HERE)

MAISON BOINET

Printed Wide Belt (affordable alternative HERE)

The olive-toned, vintage-inspired shirtdress is made from a thick silk twill, and comes with its own waist belt. It’s removable, and I’ve opted for adding a little more interest to the overall look by adding my favorite wide python-printed option. To complement the belt, I’m wearing Schutz’s Bette Snakeskin-Embossed Leather Ankle Boots, which are quite frankly stunning and a great alternative when it feels a bit too cool out for pumps. My oversized Marni shades are rarely left at home these days. (Is it just me or does the sun feel even brighter in winter sometimes? Or have I just been up all night with a baby? Help.) I’m also topping things off with my current favorite coat, a double-breasted midcalf trench by Norma Kamali.

It’s worth noting that while yes, snakeskin is très trendy this season, it’s also a super smart investment due to its versatility. This particular brown and black snakeskin print looks great with black (as evidenced here) and even soft colors (as evidenced here). In addition to going with absolutely everything, they’re a foolproof way to add interest to any outfit. I’m such a fan, I also recently invested in these beauties.

MAISON BOINET

Printed Wide Belt (affordable alternative HERE)

SCHUTZ

Ankle Boot (affordable alternative HERE)

If we must work during this time of year, let’s accomplish two goals while we do it (apart from our professional ones, hit those, KPIs, people). First, let’s be comfortable and confident. (Obviously.) Second, you wear your workwear every day—you should love it, not be bored by it. Mixing things up with a little effortless layering (and python accessories, of course), is an easy way to get more wear out of your closet, and a little more enjoyment out of it, too. After that, having a great workday is nothing a few completed projects and a managed inbox can’t handle.