When I graduated from college and got my first job, my first thought was, “Oh! But what am I going to wear?!” I remember stressing out about work outfits and telling my mom that we had to go shopping right away. Since last summer, I’ve been able to slowly build up my work wardrobe as I figured out the “do’s and don’ts” of office attire. And you know what? Corporate wear doesn’t have to be plain and drab. Dressing for work can actually be fun!
I’ve discovered that you can dress up a plain black pencil skirt with fun accessories and pops of color. The quickest way to make a black dress uber chic? Leopard print heels. Want to make a statement? Printed pants are the way to go.
Here’s an example of a simple outfit fit suitable for any working girl!
This printed blouse from J.Crew is so fun but also very tasteful, and is the perfect partner for this black pencil skirt. And I LOVE the blouse paired with the pearl necklace!
Another work essential is the minnie pant from J.Crew! These are seriously the PERFECT pants for work. They are a little shorter – mine fall just above my ankles – and work perfectly with any type of blouse or pair of shoes. Another work essential is a watch – working women constantly need to know what time it is for all those meetings!
necklace / silk top / minnie pant / watch / bag / shoes
Another piece of advice? No matter if you have been working fifty years or it’s your first internship, remember this:
Even if you are an intern, dress as if you work for the company already! Dressing the part demonstrates that you are committed to the job and the company. Dressing professionally also conveys that you are a professional. Wearing clothing that is too casual, too tight or shows too much skin does not portray you as the dedicated, hardworking woman that you want to be perceived as.
On a completely different note… you may notice a (big) difference in these photos… my hair! For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I have “gone to the dark side” haha. I was tired of the natural ombre and wanted my hair to be all the same color of the brown. It is quite a bit darker than I was expecting, but I’m hoping it will fade after a few washes!
Love, Cait
I love this post! I'll be applying for internships this year and am always looking for good pieces to wear to interviews and future opportunities
Great post as always, Cait
xx
Meggie
meggiejuly.blogspot.ca
I love love love this!! I am going shopping soon so I am currently on the market for some new clothes. Thanks so much for posting!
<3, Charlotte
Really chic and elegant! That blouse is a delight!
<3
https://zazzish.blogspot.com/
This outfit is perfection! Your hair looks great, it will definitely lighten up after a few washes
xx
Megan
IG: megawat
http://hellonewlywedlife.blogspot.com/
This is a gorgeous work look, Cait! That blouse is so unique and fun – perfect for jazzing up a classic pencil skirt
And your hair looks amazing!
-Carley
xx
I am loving the hair! It will of course lighten up but I think it looks good on you. I love this post. I am still working on building my wardrobe but like you it is getting there!
Your blouse is super cute! I love the print. I also couldn't agree more about Minnie pants – they're the perfect pants!
SHF
thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com
you own my heart
Dressing for work is really important for me too! I have accepted the fact that even through I'm a professor, and most professors dress pretty casually, I can't – because then I just look like one of my students! Accessories are so key too!
I'm also on the lookout for a great watch – our classrooms don't have clocks, ha
jess
Quaintrelle
Great tips for a collage girl entering the workforce! Adding 1 fun accessory can spice up a simple outfit. And your hair looks beautiful!! Then again, I'm pretty sure you could look stunning even if you shaved your head.
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
I love this. I am always looking for ways to expand my wardrobe for work. Your new color looks beautiful!
Great post! I completely agree about Minnie pants–I stocked up during graduate school, and I wear them so much for work. I second watches, too!
love the top!
kw ladies in navy
My work environment is casual (but we still must look put together), so I always forget that people have a more professional dress code for work. Love all the outfit suggestions and of course your dark hair! I noticed right away that something was different!
– Kaitlyn
Boardwalks & Boulevards
OMG what a pretty Bracelets. Thanks for sharing.
Cheap Bracelets
Your hair looks great! And it will fade a bit I'm sure!
Love your hair!! So pretty! You look great!
Love the statement necklace! You look great in your pics & great outfit!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.blogspot.com
Your hair looks great! The color is perfect for fall!
I'm loving your pretty pearl necklace, too!
Love the look…and your darker hair!
XOXO Jess
http://www.fashionlifeofmarlowe.blogspot.com
Love both looks. I am quite the fan of pencil skirts and the J. Crew Minnie pants! And I am definitely a believer in dressing for the job you want.
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Beautiful!! Thaks for the ideas!!!
Xoxo!
I have like, seven pairs of Minnies and I basically wear them every day of my life (that isn't a weekend). I don't know how I would dress for work without them!
xoxo Julie
The Jort Report
You look gorgeous! Stop by my blog if you want any work ideas!
xo
Mel
I Pink i Love You
I think it looks for very fallish and pretty! I wear minnie pants constantly to work! Thank god my office is creative/casual, allows for so much more flexibility!
The darker hair looks great!
Love this idea! Thanks Caitlin! I'd love to see a similar post with advice for students! I started my freshman year of college a week ago today, and would love to hear your thoughts on school style!
Much love,
Caitlin
I love how you took black and navy which people are usually leery of pairing together and totally made it work! PS your new hair color looks great!!
-aPn
lifeinlilly.blogspot.com
thank you so much for the tips! love your new hair!
xx
bellesinbows.com
I've always had a lot of fun dressing up for work.
Love the hair and the outfit! I remember being so confused by office wear, especially business casual for my job. These tips work great for any office setting.
I love the top!! It's so versatile…from work to play
Your makeup looks absolutely flawless.
Very beautiful
XOXO
Such a great work look and I agree that you should always dress for the job you want.
http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com
Your new hair is BEAUTIFUL!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Love your blouse!
http://www.Fashioncontainer.com
Fashioncontainer Facebook page
Stunning outfit, that blouse is so cool! ♥
I really like what you said about dressing for the job that you want. I think this is good advice and will help out young those just starting out to gradually build up a professional wardrobe so they don't end up in a position where they suddenly need professional clothing but only have casual clothes! It's always a confidence boost when you feel good about how you're dressed. Great outfit ideas!
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