I have a newfound respect for women with traditional 9-5 jobs. As I've learned the hard way this week, the struggle to look both chic and office appropriate is real. An ongoing leadership workshop I'm attending has a dress code: a professional dress code. Not only does this mean no jeans, tees, or sneakers, it renders obsolete my carefully assembled 'effortless LA' wardrobe. Because as it turns out, beyond my circle of schlubby, self-employed colleagues, it doesn't matter that my goatskin pool slides cost more than my grocery bill. They're still just pool slides.
That's not to say that I don't have plenty of decent 'professional' options in my closet. Yet as I discovered last night as I scrambled to dress for a meeting, I haven't kept that portion of my wardrobe up-to-date—or even in good repair! Once I weeded out the stained, wrinkled, pet-hairy pieces, I was left with only a handful of items that seemed decidedly frumpy and ill-fitting. I know there are some killer combos waiting to be discovered in there, but I'll be darned if I can see them right now. It's sobering to realize that in spite of my love of fashion, I'm about as polished as your average housebound cat lady.
But the first step in solving a problem is acknowledging it, right? And I'm definitely willing to admit that my professional wardrobe lacks structure. (Metaphor for life, much?) So I'll be identifying several viable outfits from what I currently own. Perhaps I'll even enlist the help of a friend better versed in this style of dressing than I am! Then I'll hit the shops for an injection of minimalist tailored extras. My biggest fear is squashing my own personality in the process—the phrase 'corporate clone' keeps popping into my head—but I'm confident that with some creativity, patience, and an open mind, I can both satisfy the dress code requirements and feel like a more polished, grown-up version of myself. Stay tuned!
Shopping Guide: 1. Layered Blouse 2. Cropped Trousers 3. White Pumps 4. Quilted Crossbody Bag 5. Belted Vest Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
I am afraid that one day I will land a job where I have to dress professionally and i won’t know what to do! Like do you have to wear a suit??? But these are definitely some great options. Love it!