Reader Question: What can I wear to the office to look put-together but not overdressed? I don’t want to be the most casual person in the office, but I also don’t want to show up in a suit when everyone else is in casual khakis!
Answer: This question came from a sweet coworker of mine and I can totally sympathize. There is such a spectrum of business clothes available today — how does a working gal (on a budget!) navigate all the options, while keeping in mind the norms of her office? It’s enough to force you into a rut of dumpy black pants and worn out cardigans.
Style Me Thrifty is here to guide you on how to look polished at work. I’ve got a tip for every day of the work week.
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Monday: Wear Heels
Have you ever noticed that heels make women stand up straighter and walk with more authority? These are both stellar traits to have around the office. If you have a job where you’re on your feet a lot (like a teacher), go for a sleek wedge to take the pressure off your toesies.
Tuesday: Rock a Blazer with Confidence
I have a fitted black blazer in my closet that I hesitated to wear to work for months because I was worried it would make too much of a statement at my casual office and then I realized… why is that a bad thing?! A chic blazer is a classic piece that can dress an outfit up OR down. If your office skews more casual, pair the blazer with light grey dress pants or even jeans!
Wednesday: Tuck Your Shirt In
This trick instantly preps up an outfit. It is polished, put-together, and totally free to try! Bonus points if you wear your shirt tucked into a Mad Men-esque skirt, like the cute outfit below from The Limited.
Thursday: Give a Skinny Belt a Try
This look is super flattering because the skinny belt cinches in the smallest part of woman’s waist. I suggest brown, beige, or a fun color for the summer — and wear it over a blouse, open cardigan, or dress. So classy.
Friday: Wear a Pair of Dressy Jeans
If your office has “casual Friday,” resist the urge to wear your fav pair of weekend jeans. Up the ante with a nice-fitting dark pair of jeans. If you’re tripping over the length of your pants, get them hemmed! Most dry cleaners hem pants for less than $20. It’s a worthy investment on your road to career domination.
These jeans would look super cute with this crisp top. Just sayin’…
Bonus Tip! Add a Little Color to Your Professional Life
Don’t be a ninja and dress in head to toe black. Use your go-to pair of black dress pants as the base for an outfit. Everything else you add should have color and personality. Try a colorful scarf or bright jewelry. OR — brace yourself — skip pants all together in favor of a colorful dress like the one below. Love this with a white cardigan. So fun!
Style Me Thrifty 
I love these style tips! You’ve given me lots of inspiration to re-think my very casual wardrobe.
OMG. When I was at this boutique in Charlotte I tried on that navy blue dress with red trim and it was DOUBLE that price. Lulus is so amazing!!
as i read this blog at work wearing a wrinkled shirt, old cords, and shoes that may never have been in style, i think to myself…SNAP OUT OF IT!!! i can do this! i can polish my work look…and by golly, i’m going to! thanks for the tips and the challenge :) i’ll report to work on monday in heels to get the ball rolling.
Love the blog!
Love the tips! Great blog!
Thanks for the love, ladies! And let me know if you have more work-related style questions. This seems like a popular topic!
A belated thanks for posting this! I’m going to re-think my wardrobe this weekend and try some new things new week. Stay tuned! (and love the blog, obv.)
Thanks, Rebecca! We can use the hallways of our office as a catwalk :)