Stylish Work Outfits to Inspire Your Inner Boss Babe |Link Up

Work outfits, teacher outfits, work from home outfits, casual chic outfits

This week, we’re talking work outfits that will make getting back to business a blast. While the official start of fall is some weeks away, August seems to herald the end of vacation season, and getting back into full swing, whether you are a home maker or work outside the home. What to wear to work, a.k.a. work outfits, come to mind as we contemplate the change of season and adding more activities to our calendars.   Summer has always been more laid back whether I worked from home or at an office.  I don’t know about you, but the winter months are always busier with things beginning to gear up as we pass through August.  

Though I’ve worked from home over the past twenty years, partly as a homemaker and partly running a business, there is no question that routines begin to change along with the weather and our return from summer vacations.  Even thought my daughter is no longer heading back to school, I still find my routine shifting.  It always takes a bit to get re-oriented to a faster pace. In addition, with the weather cooling (slightly here) we naturally think of our wardrobes and getting our homes ready for fall.

I thought I’d share casual chic outfits, teacher outfits and work outfits, as well as some tips on getting back in the swing of things awhile maintaining the relaxed attitude that comes with summer breezes.

August means starting to shift my summer palette toward warmer fall tones and even pursuing my cook books for recipes that celebrate this seasons bounties.  I also begin putting summer decor away and adding a few hints that fall is on the way.

Teachers will be heading back to their classrooms or Zoom in just a couple of weeks, some of us will be going back to the office and others will be working from home.  I like clearing the decks, giving the house a good clean, and changing my wardrobe up.

Recently I wrote about fall fashion trends—especially the ones that work best for women over 50, and  figured today would be a perfect time to put together some great fall  get backing to work outfits using some of the trends I liked and thought would work well.  

I only invest in pieces that not only look good, but go with other pieces in my wardrobe.  Nothing is worse than an orphan piece that doesn’t go with anything.  So when you consider these recommendations, I don’t want you to feel like you have to buy a whole bunch of new things unless you want to.    

Gorgeous Jess Wrap Maxi Dress  https://rstyle.me/+l_gY06YxQRJ8rGmKeQrdxQ

Welland Bootie in Sable Suede https://rstyle.me/+2pPhTepRgAUSBGc5gA8Now

Tory Burch Carson Crossbody https://rstyle.me/+wY02RxPmhNNdG13Jt7snjA

Tom Ford Iconic Eyeshadow and Lip Set https://rstyle.me/+gNVpEaRUrDuLfj4b36hZJg

Kendra Scott Liza Drop Earrings https://rstyle.me/+gNVpEaRUrDuLfj4b36hZJg

So, without further ado, let’s talk about what to wear to work this season.

1. Going back to school:  Teachers, it’s hard to know what this year will bring, so I figured I’d put together a look that could be worn in the class room and if it turns out that you don’t go to the classroom, you can take a look at the work from home-or the stylish home maker options.  

2. Going into the office:  As I survey my friends who spent last year working from home, those who have or will be going back to the office are fewer than before.  Several of my friends will be permanently working from home.  For those who will be heading into the office, this is for you.  If I were going back to work, I’d definitely be rocking the relaxed suit trend this year.  

Printed Cutout Dress https://rstyle.me/+MvVjbCQiLuHNAxF72EaX-w

Oversized Denim Jacket https://rstyle.me/+CdQ9hBXMJGiT-yIzZjlh7Q

Asymmetric Leather sandals https://rstyle.me/+yV3RfEROYGiH5LO4kVuBEw

3. Working from home:  I have worked from home for the past twenty two years.  During a portion of that time, I had meetings in the community that required business attire, and I had to be “presentable” daily in case a client called or I had to run out to meet a colleague. In my years of experience working from home, I found I work better when I am not in my pajamas or lounge wear.  That was especially true in 2020.  I found myself wearing PJ’s or lounge wear a lot-and my productivity and energy level reflected my slack appearance.  
4. The Stylish Home Maker:  A good portion of the past twenty years I was a “home maker”. It was actually the time I enjoyed and cherished most. (Though I must say now is pretty good too)  I ran errands, kept the house clean and running, volunteered at in the community and at my daughter’s school.  Jeans and yoga pants were key pieces in my wardrobe, but I made sure that my look was pulled together with cute tops and accessories.  That way, if I ended up doing something work related, I could throw on a blazer and I would be good to go.

I have always loved dark wash denim-and these are the perfect work from home, or casual day at the office type look. This super cute wrap top is on sale. Everyone needs a good tote for work, right?

DOJO Jean https://rstyle.me/+fiKaeDbsnxSnSEEP5FGLRg

Wrap top (on sale) https://rstyle.me/+LmEJ3c9TDQQr6suAHifxfA

Tote https://rstyle.me/+p_5l8Q0mJQCF1gwC_-ACmw

Light and easy make up look:

I always change up my makeup going into fall and winter.  I have two go-to looks, one is a quick and easy – out the door in 10 minutes and the other is a bit more time consuming.  I like to have some easy options at the ready in case I sleep a little too late. Here are a few tips I put together to go with your fall work outfits and busy mornings.

1. Go for a single palette for your makeup-that way you don’t have to dig around and can put together a polished look with just a few items.
2. Use a multi purpose foundation-such as It+ CC cream.  This type of product provide great coverage and good wear while also nourishing your skin and cutting out multiple skin care steps.
3. Create a quick and easy eye look with cream sticks that allow you to just swipe and blend.
4. Find your “holy grail” lipstick-I usually have one “go to” lip color that goes with everything and one a bit darker color when I want to create a more dramatic look.  That way I am not changing lip colors every day and my favorite lipsticks are in my purse, ready to go.

If you are looking for comfortable “dress” pants that are so comfortable you could do yoga in them, check out these pants. Pare them with a beautiful blouse and booties and you will feel like you can rule the world.

Betabrand Boot Cut Dress Pants https://rstyle.me/+g0iSXmGMfjpe-cMW8HhWUA

Floral Printed Blouse https://rstyle.me/+A0tkmXwuATowcz8KlaCG4w

Point toe ankle boots https://rstyle.me/+dhSvMeCK7T615EJc5nb1EQ

Tips for an easy morning routine:

When my daughter was young I always made a point to have a laid back morning routine.  I don’t like rushing around in the morning, so I would always give thought to our morning routines so we could enjoy our morning and have it be a good foundation for the day.

1. Plan your outfits in advance so you don’t have to do it on the fly or in a rush.  You will not only look better, but you will feel better not rushing in the morning.
2. Start getting up earlier little by little if you have been sleeping in over the summer. Even though I have worked from home for twenty plus years, I have always been an early riser.  However, I watch my daughter struggle to get up because she sleeps in some days and gets up early on others.  Keeping with a routine works better.  If you slept in all summer, ease your way back by getting up a little earlier each day until you hit your new wakeup time.  I’ve found that the body naturally adjusts if you go to bed earlier as well.
3. Try a make ahead breakfast-and while you are at it, plan your lunch as well.  I always had an easy breakfast at the ready when I worked outside the home.  Now I have the luxury of taking a little more time with my breakfasts.  When we have appointments in the morning 
4. Try the 30/30/30 routine or 15/15/15. Allocate time for journalling or morning pages, a little exercise and a little mediation/devotions or prayer.

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Having a yummy breakfast waiting for you in the morning is a great way to start the day.  I love having my clothes planned, any deliveries or errands ready to go so I can take some time out and have a nice breakfast.  It’s gotten so that I look forward to the morning and the start of a new day.  

Overnight Oatmeal

1/3 to 1/2 cup milk, dairy, almond, cashew or coconut milk will all work well

1/3 to 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/3 to 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt, optional

1 teaspoon chia seeds, optional

1/2 c fruit, optional

Serving suggestions: fruit (fresh or dried), nuts, nut butter, seeds, protein powder, granola, coconut, spices, citrus zest and vanilla extract

Directions

• Add the desired amounts of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds to a jar or container.  Stir.   Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. 
• In the morning, add additional liquid  and fruit such as mashed or sliced banana, strawberries, or blue berries. Top with dried fruit, nuts, nut butter, seeds, protein powder, granola, coconut, spices, citrus zest or vanilla extract.

The mixture will keep for up to 4 days without fruit. If you add fruit, the mixture will last for two days. 

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I hope this helps you get back into the heightened pace of fall, and the changes in routine and wardrobe that naturally come this time of year.  I’d love to hear how you prepare and whether you will be going back to work in person, or whether you will be working from home.  

It’s Stylish Monday! Let’s Link Up

I am so excited to share this months Stylish Sisters showing off how they approach the work week in style. Hop around for lots of inspiration as we head into a busy time of year.

Amy – Amy’s Creative Pursuits – There’s no reason why we can’t be both comfortable and professionally dressed at the same time.  Here I pair a comfy metallic tee with an elastic waist skirt.  Pointy toe flats keep the look dressy without the pain of heels.

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Suzanne – Ask Suzanne Bell – One take away from working at home over the last year and a half, is that comfort does matter – and that comfort and business fashion CAN co-exist. As we begin to work our way out of joggers and leisure wear, it’s important to have a few basic essentials, like this pair of linen pants, to help make creating work-ready looks a bit easier. Dressing for work in the California heat can be a challenge, see how I make these pants work multiple ways (and stay cool) in today’s blog post.

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Nancy –  Nancy’s Fashion Style -Work wear looks is a bit of a tricky one for me as I have been out of work for 9 years due to my illness. In addition, I have never worked in an office and when I think of a work wear look I always think of an office. And if I had worked in the office I would often have worn a suit. In the store where I was manager, we always wore the clothes from the store. This suit is from that store so I’m basically killing two birds with one stone.

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Nicole – High Latitude Style – In a casual work environment, a solid color shirt dress is a great option in summer. I loved the all black of the 1990s. Thus, I own a couple of LDB in different styles. This black shirt dress is my favorite work dress.

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Emma – The Style Splash – There’s no dress code where I work – pretty much anything goes – but I still like to make the effort and dress smartly. Most of my work is done from home lately, but I do have the odd few days in the office. I would like to wear heels, but in reality I can only wear them for short periods of time. I’ve had this skirt for a couple of years but haven’t worn it before. The top is an old one that comes out of storage every summer. My red bag is one of favourites for work as it holds all of my essentials.

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Julie – Fashion Trends and Friends and Instagram FashionTandF –  Many of us are heading back into work versus zooming from home; or perhaps you’re doing a combination of both. As an educator, we are heading back into work in person and very excited about it!  I am my school district’s Prevention Coordinator, which allows me to work with and train staff across the district.  Therefore, I tend to dress up more so than most educators.  Plus you know that I just like to be fancy, including going to work daily. The first day of school is still a special event requiring a special outfit!

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Shelbee – Shelbee on the Edge – When I was in my 20’s into my early 30’s, I worked in NYC when your personal style was just as important as the quality of your work. It’s been a hot minute since I dressed for corporate America, NYC-style and this is sort of how I imagine I’d dress if I magically dropped back into that life.

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Michele – On Instagram as Seechele_styles

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Amazon red swing dress perfect to head back to my kindergarten classroom in September   Comfortable and I look put tomorrow paired with Target neutral slides.

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Lucy – Lucy Bertoldi.com   Back to the office means back to the classroom for me!  Always feel like I owe it to my fashion students to look bright and colourful and happy to see them (even if still online!).  In keeping with a professional look, thought this fun skirt paired with my favourite colour of blouse would be just on point to make them smile?

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Joy –   Joyous Styling   My Full Time job title is Executive Clinical Account Specialist in Women’s Health. 

My work wardrobe is business professional. I love easy sophisticated looks.  An easy back to work look. I love a light plaid high waisted midi skirt for a sophisticated business look. I paired it with a classic satin ivory blouse and my favorite cap toe sling-backs. Jewelry added is my white Abalone KS choker. 

Brigitte – Brigitte Marie Foret Blog & @brigittemarieforet on Instagram

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