Building A Work Wardrobe

This has been one of the most HIGHLY requested blog posts from my instagram DMs.  I’m pretty glad though because putting this post together has led me to up my game in the business casual department. Building a work wardrobe can be overwhelming because you have to take in different factors depending on your work environment. For my job, I have some days that are STRICTLY business casual and others where they lean more towards casual and there are some days where I feel like scrubs are the best look for the day’s work! Haha! While most jobs aren’t like mine, I know most jobs bring on the same feeling of, “I have nothing to wear,” so I’m picking a few pieces that I feel make a great work wardrobe.


AlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe571

The pieces that I chose for this post (and ya know, my wardrobe) are pretty versatile with a few statement pieces. If you follow me at all, you know I LOVE a statement piece (e.g.  this blazer) so I did include a few of those!

The first pieces I wanted to share with you are camisoles and blouses. My favorite has to be this white camisole. I am considering buying another one (or a similar one) just to have the option to wear it more than once a week! It works for everything: cardigan + white camisole; skirt + white camisole; low-cut blouse? white camisole! From this section, if you buy anything, buy the white camisole!


AlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe614.jpg

Other great pieces for your camisole collection is a cami with a fun detail! I actually got a tank top style in black for the sake of keeping things neutral, but feel like you could venture out and get it in a fun color also! I know I’ve spoken about camisoles so much this summer, but they really work for so many occasions. Earlier this week, I wore one to work under a blue jean jacket (you’ll see this look soon!) and then went out with my husband to a fun dinner!

The next two pieces are blouses that are, again, versatile and able to be manipulated for multiple outfits and occasions. First up, the white button down. I actually own this blouse (it’s 50% off right now!) in a floral version and have had it for almost 6 years now! It still looks brand new and really is non-wrinkle! There’s nothing worse than having to press a  super-wrinkled shirt early in the morning (or at night before you head to bed)! I wear mine tucked in and out depending on the pants I’m wearing!


AlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe578.jpg

V-neck and crew neck blouses are also great pieces to own! T-shirts like these are great for days that I’m too tired to get creative with an outfit. With a statement necklace, you automatically look dressed up for the day!

The last top I feel is necessary for building your work wardrobe is a chambray blouse! I’ve already worn mine twice! I’m linking a similar version for y’all since peplums aren’t the best for tucking!

Now, I wasn’t sure if blazers needed their own category (especially for us south Texas girls!), but when my hot pink blazer got to my house I fell in love! Since I’ve been using blazers more, I feel like I’ve really nailed the business casual look! Personally, I like a fitted blazer more than a boyfriend blazer. Things can get a little boxy for me since my shoulders are broad (the struggle is real!). If you’re on the fence about a blazer, then I’d check out this pink one, it’s soft, lightweight and really makes a fun statement!


AlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe587.jpg

The other day, I introduced y’all to a few new pairs of slacks that I’ve been loving this school year. My district formerly allowed us to wear pants (not jeans per say, but similar to…maybe this is something I made up, haha!), but has switched to a more strict dress code for the upcoming school year. The two that I chose are very different, but flattered me in the best way! The first, is similar to the Hayden Pant from Banana Republic. These were my favorite because of the elastic waist band! Haha don’t knock it until you try it: the elastic allowed the pants to cinch my waist in a good way! The second are actually the classic old navy pixi pants (these are also on MAJOR sale!) I don’t like the ankle version as much has I like the full length version because they elongate my legs! I also linked some great jeans for y’all to check out on casual Fridays and some paper bag pants that I’ve been dying to try!


AlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe622.jpgAs always, I recommend you make an outfit your own with shoes and accessories! When I shot this look, I knew that it would be for this blog post and intended to wear more business friendly shoes. However, when I saw my blazer next to these heels I instantly got excited and changed my plan! I know we can be underwhelmed when building our work wardrobe because of the consistent shades of navy, black, and white. That’s why I always go all out with accessories and shoes! I’ll share some of my favorites below! It’s safe to go with neutrals (those Steve Madden heels look amazing!), but y’all know I love playing with color with my shoes, just like with my statement clothing pieces!

I truly hope y’all found some pieces that you love in this post! I will be posting more and more outfit ideas following my own guidelines, so that y’all will be able to get even more inspiration from this post! I highly recommend you check out the ‘shop my looks’ tab for my latest #ootd! I love sharing my real outfits with y’all because I can explain how things worked out for me throughout the day! What do you do for work? Do you get to dress up or do you have a uniform? I’d love to know! happy Friday, y’all!

image


AlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe628.jpgAlyandtheValley_Buildingworkwardrobe535.jpg