Ladies, it's a fundamental truth: How you dress in the morning can determine your whole day. Want to go out in your yoga pants and that old t-shirt? You can, but don't expect to exude the same confidence you could have had dressed in a great pair of slim cut, dark wash jeans and three-quarter sleeve blouse that project your strength.
Here are some great staples to have in your closet to keep you looking strong and taking charge of your professional future.
You don't have to wear heels, but you do need a great pair of flats.
If you hate heels, don't stress; they're no longer essential at the office. However, a great pair of flats is always a good idea. They don't pinch or pull, and they look fantastic with everything from a pencil skirt to a pair of khaki capris.
Go for a neutral shade so your new shoes are easy to pair with any outfit. A beautiful, warm pewter flat with a great embellishment is a fantastic choice. Black is always a safe bet, as well. Play it up with a highly reflective patent to go from basic to back-off-I'm-walking.
Leave the loose jeans at home; wear the fitted pair to work.
A nice dark wash, slim cut jean that complements your new flats is entirely appropriate for an office with a business casual dress code. You can cuff them for an added accent, but avoid any with added tears or fades.
If leggings are more your style, again, look for a good fit. Think of leggings the same way you would tights or nylons and make sure they look sleek and sexy on you. Pair them with a great tunic or soft dress for a secretly cozy but outwardly dressy ensemble.
It's blazer time.
A fitted blazer is necessary for any working woman, and there are a few good reasons for this. First, it makes the most casual t-shirt and jean pairing look elevated in the best way possible. Second, it looks feminine but tough: You can look like a CEO without shoulder pads or a tie. Last, it gives you some great options for accessorizing a basic outfit.
Blazers come in literally every color, too.
You can go for a printed one-button blazer for a truly unique look or just opt for a nice bright color. Some companies even offer a particularly feminine option like this wrap blazer if that's more your style. Be ready to spend a little more on this piece; a great blazer won't be cheap, so invest in one that you really love and then work it Monday through Friday.
Handle a hot office in a skirt or dress.
If you live and work in a warm place, you don't have to focus on covering up your legs and arms. Instead, opt for a great dress or a skirt and top that still look sharp and sleek when you sit down to your desk.
When it comes to skirts and dresses, there are truly too many options to list. If you need to kill a few hours, this fashion blog will inspire you to play with the classic styles and take some risks with your girlier looks.
A tunic can also be a lifesaver.
A soft, flowy tunic is a great juxtaposition over a pair of fitted slacks or jeans. They go great with capris or leggings, as well, making them extra versatile and extremely comfortable. A lot of women opt for a beautiful tunic at the office because they look elegant, as opposed to sexy, the buttons don't pull over a large bust, and they come in all different styles. Like dresses, there are hundreds of prints and styles, so find one that helps you feel unique.
Make time work for you with a great watch.
Wearing a watch may not seem like a bold choice, but this basic accessory can really pull an outfit together and checking your watch is an excellent way to remind those around you that your time is valuable. Go for a sleek, classic choice to accentuate a lovely three-quarter sleeve blouse or a fabulous dress. A big, chunky watch is best if you want to dress in jeans and a fitted, cotton shirt or a flowy dress.
You're already beautiful, so keep your makeup routine simple.
The main idea behind a business casual makeup is to keep it a bit light. A basic bronzer or foundation is perfect for the office, as well as some good quality mascara from root to tip on your top lashes. For your lips, opt for a nude or soft pink.
Now, you're dressed, you're ready, and it's time to get to work. Strut into that office and own the day.
