If there’s one thing that readers have asked for quite a bit and I’ve MAJORLY slacked on, it’s workwear. For that I partially blame the fact that I don’t work in a traditional 9-to-5 office setting, so it totally slips my mind; when I’m rocking a t-shirt with baby food green beans on it and UGG poochies, I forget what it feels like to look presentable. HA. 😉 But since I went to a pretty pre-professional college and worked five internships throughout it, I fondly remember the days of just LIVING in business casual. That was what folks wore to CLASS, let alone work, so my closet is still pretty full of options like this that are mix-and-matchable from desk to drinks and work to weekend.
This particular look is a total favorite for the season, and one I was SO stoked to share with you all the second this spotted gem of a blouse arrived on my doorstep. If you’re already itching like UGH, E, WHY MORE LEOPARD…I mean, it’s me. You’re here. What’d ya expect???? 😉 But really, it does come in other colors/prints (I have this pretty watercolor spotted one, too – lovelovelove the little pops of pink!), so there’s something for all. It ALSO comes in plus size which is awesome (many pieces from this specific brand label do!), so hopefully you can find a perfect fit no matter your size! #BlessUp.
First thing’s first: the top. Naturally, leopard print is a neutral, so gotta have it. It’s a fabulous blouse because the fit is flowy and flattering, it won’t wrinkle, and it’s professional without feeling stuffy. I mean, even if you’re in a business PROFESSIONAL workplace (think: full pantsuit, more neutral colors, something on Wall Street, likely a male-dominated field 😉 ), you could still get away with this top under a black-on-black pantsuit.
These pants are no stranger to CUR – they’re probably my #1 recommendation for a pair of pants to have on hand in your workwear wardrobe if for no other reason than that they feel like wearing leggings to work. I mean, COME ON and sign a sistah up, amiright??? Besides being v comfy, these ponte pants are v flattering; the single pleat detail up the front of the pantleg is a great textural touch, especially in helping them look like dress pants instead of black leggings.
Can we talk about these shoes???? They’re new from Marc Fisher for fall, and I’m head over heels in lovelovelove. I’ve always been a big fan of a good loafer, and these are just iconic – plus who wouldn’t want to add some blue suede shoes to their shelf? Elvis would be proud. 😉 They’re comfortable + classic, and come in other shades if cobalt ain’t your color. And they’re on SUPER SALE right now!
The general formula of this outfit is one that I think is pretty easily replicated for other days at the office when you’ve got a drinks date after hours.
Step 1: a fun top. I lovelovelove a good loose, flowy blouse like this because it a.) doesn’t wrinkle (important if you know you’ve got a long day ahead), and b.) is really moveable and versatile. It’s not stiff or uncomfortable in the slightest, so it truly makes sense for all-day wear. Also, the fact that it’s a button-up really helps in this scenario since you can keep it higher and more straight-laced for the office, but then unbutton a button for after hours.
Step 2: comfortable pants. Again, they don’t wrinkle. (Can we sense a theme here??? 😉 ). Pants that don’t leave you itching to change into sweatpants is really key here. And you’ve seen/heard me rave about these before because they are basically just leggings disguised as work pants. 😉 But especially if you’re heading to a fun bar or restaurant after work, ain’t nobody got time to worry about unbuttoning that top button to make room for the 5 o’clock food baby. If you can nix buttons altogether to just focus on comfort, do it!
Step 3: fun, comfortable shoes. Fun because happy hour is FUN, comfortable because you’ve gotta MAKE it to happy hour in the first place. 😉 Ain’t nobody got time for blisters! And while you could totally just pack flats in your bag, I’m personally not one to wanna lug a work tote around at the bar. So if you can do double duty and not require a shoe swap, brownie points!
Would you wear this leopard blouse or similar style from desk to drinks?
What kind of workwear do you need for your job? Would lovelovelove to know!
