03 May 2012

Personal Shopper: Business Casual

Reader Request

I need some help! I'm a stay at home mom who is returning to work after seven years. My current wardrobe consists of jeans, tees and yoga pants. Not office appropriate! I will be working only two mornings a week in a small office as an admin assistant, and the office environment is well dressed, but not business formal (i.e. not a suit, but the high level ladies do their shopping at Bloomingdales and Paris boutiques while on vacations and always look fantastic and put together). I'm hoping for maybe a small capsule wardrobe where I only have a few pieces, but they mix and match to make several outfits. I'm very excited to go back to work, but intimidated by what to wear. Can you help?

Since you'll only be working two days a week, you don't need too much. I'd suggest two pairs of dress pants (one in black, one in grey), a couple of pencil skirts, some basic tops, some solid dresses, and some simple pumps. Then, use accessories and jewelry to add personality to each outfit. Here's an example.

Shop Now:
Top $60 // Skirt $50 // Shoes $23 // Necklace $39 // Bag $43 // Earrings $6