I just started an intern/ trainee job at an online commerce company and I am back to the office atmosphere (yay!). You know that I love working at an office and having a set schedule.

However, my much outdated wardrobe is not as psyched. I haven’t worked full time in two years and needless to say I haven’t had the chance or ability to purchase new office wear items. However, in the past I have usually tried to purchase items with a timeless look that would last me at least 2-3 years and wouldn’t be dreadfully out of fashion right away.

For those of us just getting back to the office after having had time off or being unemployed, I offer my easy formula that should help us get through the first weeks, until we are able to afford some fall fashions. Luckily, it’s summer, so dresses and skirts are in order. You know I prefer skirts to pants for work and I love dresses - a look that is tougher to pull out during the winter, unless you have the right boots. So, in order not to sport the same look twice in one week and at the same time be able to recycle, here is the recipe:

• Wear dresses twice a week with either a jacket or a cardigan; in the first instance pair with heels, in the second with flats;
• Wear dress pants with a button up shirt or a blouse once a week; pants would require heels (looks better!); pants are also okay with either jacket or cardigan, if they are dark and are better with a jacket if they are light;
• Wear a skirt and a button up shirt once a week; this can be paired with either flats or heels;
• Wear a skirt and a blouse once a week (switch skirts); the blouse however requires a jacket rather than a cardigan;
• Wear heels up to 3 times a week, unless you have a wide variety of heels. I’d recommend sandal heels for summer, platform heel included (just no wedges at work, unless it’s casual Friday!). Closed toe flats are completely appropriate for summer; closed heels with open toe, as well.

On Casual Fridays: you are lucky if your office has one! You can wear flat sandals and also wear a T-shirt. However, I would avoid T-shirts altogether, even if others in your office wear them, unless it’s a dark V-neck. Use a polo shirt over shorts, for example (just don’t go with the very short shorts!). I’d also reserve Capri pants for casual Fridays, unless you wear them with a blouse and heels. This could be a repeat of pants day since the length is different.

Following this intricate scheme, you’d never have to repeat a look in the same week. Remember to rotate the shoes if you think you look similar to what you had on that same Monday. Again, dresses make this easy, but that’s the joy of summer!

Below an example for the appropriate length shorts for casual Friday, here paired with a blazer:

Source: Apples and Pencil Skirts - I love her suggestions and tips for styling without breaking the bank!

Hope this helps, leave me any comments you might have or submit your outfit photos~

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5. intervital said: congratulations on your new job vassie and great tips! hopefully i can actually use them once I get a job haha. take care :D
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