In the spring and summer, I wear TONS of shorts and some skirts, but I still wear jeans because if I’m going anywhere with air conditioning, I tend to get cold.
(Yes, I do in fact realize that sentence made me sound like a total Grandma. Shut it Shay.) 😉
In the fall and winter, you will find me in jeans most days.
Although when it gets chilly enough, I also love to wear cords…and you will occasionally find me in a dress with tights and boots or a pair of black dress pants…..but most days, jeans it is!
So, that’s what you see most days on the blog. Jeans. Because that’s what I’m probably wearing.
Nobody has ever really commented on the fact that I’m always showing jeans.
Until two weeks ago that is.
Two weeks ago I received 4 comments over just 2 days time asking for me to show clothes that were more appropriate for the office.
Here’s one of the e-mails:
You are my personal shopper. I religiously read your blog
daily, and I order 99% of the things you recommend and LOVE them! Thank
You!!!!!
While I love your casual outfits, could you add in some
business casual/work outfits?
Thanks!
Rachel
Yes, Rachel (and 3 other girls)! I WILL!
And even if you hate every single thing I highlight today, it won’t even matter…
BECAUSE LOOK HOW CUTE MY GRAPHIC IS!!!!
 |
|
| via Andrea at Simply Askew Designs |
I mean seriously.
The file folder says “ptmt style” (ptmt for Pinterest Told Me To), and she put my picture in a badge.
And if you’re wondering, I totally squealed with glee when I saw it.
😉
I wanted this series to be called “WORK IT” for 2 reasons.
1) The series is about clothes FOR WORK.
Duh.
2) But more than that, I want everybody to think about the fact that casual pieces can be worn to work and that work pieces can also be worn out on the town. It just depends on how you style the pieces and how you “work” them.
Get it?
You just have to “WORK IT”.
Sorry.
I tend to over-explain things.
Let’s get started!
As always, I headed to Nordstrom first.
When I decided to do this post I knew the most important things was going to be to find a great pair of black dress pants. EVERYBODY needs a great black dress pant, even if you don’t work in an office environment.
I’ve worn mine to church, to funerals, to rehearsal dinners, and even to weddings.
A pair of nice black pants is a classic piece you MUST have in your closet.
(I love mine, but they are 5 years old, so I knew I was going to have to find a pair of current pants to endorse and direct you ladies towards.)
And just like mine, if you buy a simple and classic pair, they will last you for years and years.
Anyway, I headed straight to Nordstrom because of my sister’s advice to to try on the Vince Camuto dress pants that she swears by. (My sister is DARLING and dresses so cute, but there’s something you need to know about her. She’s a 00 Petite. I know. Gag. So, even though she told me I had to try on these pants, I wasn’t sure that they were going to work on me since I’m not a 00P.)
Well, I’ve got to give it to her.
These pants are AWESOME. Thank you Conner!
They are a great material, fit well, and are well-priced for a nice black pant.
I found a pair of pants that I LOVED, and I have 3 choices for you ladies, all by Vince Camuto!
a) straight leg pants HERE (these are the ones I’m wearing in the pictures below)
b) ankle pants (come in regular and petite) HERE
c) plus size stretch trousers HERE
All 3 of the pants have great reviews!
I tried on pair A and LOVED them.
I would have liked to try on pair B also, but they didn’t have them in the store.
I had on my wedges, but I wanted to make sure you guys really got to see what the pants looked like with some appropriate shoes…so I did the unthinkable.
I tossed my wedges off, and I put on the old and ratty heels they had sitting in their dressing room.
Yes.
I put on the heels that like 43,000 other women have put their feet into.
Sometimes I surprise myself.
So, drum roll please…….. here’s my first WORK IT outfit!
These flowy blouses are from Pleione (the maker of the MUST HAVE blouse),
and I think are perfect for office wear.
straight leg pants HERE
These pants were true to size.
green blouse HERE
turquoise blouse HERE
(I am wearing a small in the blouse.)
exact necklace HERE
The pictures on the Nordstrom website do not do these blouses justice AT ALL.
They are much prettier in person. They are not nearly as sheer as they
appear in the pictures online, but I was wearing a nude color cami under them in my pictures.
(The online pics have a white color cami, but I like nude under them much better.)
Here’s another view of the shirts.
I thought they were so pretty with the black pants, but they would also look great with a pencil skirt!
I have them partially tucked in with these pants because I was trying to show the pants off,
but they could also be worn out.
And for out of the office wear, they would be so cute worn more like a tunic with skinny jeans and some tall boots! See, this would just be another way to “work” the shirt!
green blouse HERE
turquoise blouse HERE
I took a small in this blouse.
In addition to the clothes I tried on above, I thought I would also put some more basic outfit collages together with pieces from Nordstrom.
I’ve used the same necklace and pair of earrings all of the following outfits, and I found a GREAT bag that is under $90!!!!!
mulberry bag HERE
(I think the above bag looks a lot like the below from Givenchy. RIGHT?
But the Givenchy version is almost $2,000! NO THANKS.)
Here’s a classic outfit made up of great basic pieces!
pencil skirt HERE (comes in regular and petite)
A pencil skirt is a great basic for the working woman! This particular one has over 100 5 Star reviews and comes in several colors!
black MUST HAVE shirt HERE
REMEMBER TO ORDER A SIZE DOWN. MINE IS AN X-SMALL.
I cannot say enough about this shirt. I have the black and the wine color, and the black is definitely my favorite. I’ve worn it at least 5 times already. Shay wore her navy one for the first time on Friday, and she immediately texted me saying she was going to be getting a 2nd color. I’m telling you. This shirt really is a MUST HAVE!
pendant necklace HERE
I love, love, love this simple necklace. And it’s under $50! Also comes in silver.
gold earrings HERE
These are Anne Klein and a great deal at $20! They also come in silver.
mulberry bag HERE
Are any of you ladies freaking out about this bag like I am?!? It’s under $85 and is fabulous!
The color is so hot right now, and I love the shape and size of it!
nude patent pump option under $100 HERE
black patent pump HERE (50% off right now!)
I think black and nude pumps are both wardrobe staples, and these are both a great price!
Look at this next picture to see how I used all of the exact same piece except for the skirt.
I simply switched out the skirt for a pair of cool pants, and now we have a TOTALLY different look with only 1 different piece!
plaid pants with faux leather accent HERE
I also wanted to put together a couple of options for the ladies with more curves!
Again, I used the same jewelry and shoes!
plus size peasant top HERE
bat wing plaid blouse HERE
plus size black and khaki slacks HERE (awesome reviews)
Here’s another great choice for pants:
2 way stretch ankle pants HERE (come in both camel and black)
And some other great top options that I wasn’t able to find in store:
dolman sleeve blouse HERE
grey and black wrap top HERE
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this top and it has fabulous reviews online, including this one:
is soo cute. Shorter bubble type hem in the front, longer in back with a
standard blouse edge. Drapy but not sheer. Button by the neckline
ensures nothing is seen that you don’t want to be! High quality,
versatile, true to size.
So…I put this collage together to show how this top could be styled with both jeans and dress pants.
Again, I used the same jewelry and the same FAB purse!
But this time I switched out a pair of heels for the SUPER COOL leather booties!
grey and black wrap top HERE
MUST HAVE jeans HERE
straight leg pants HERE
pendant necklace HERE
gold earrings HERE
mulberry bag HERE
black leather bootie HERE
This shirt obviously looks great with black pants, but I love it with the MUST HAVE jeans even more! And I hate to say it again, but I am DYING over this bag! I can’t believe the price!
And in case you want a closer look at the booties, here ya go!
rarely write a review, but when I do it is for an exceptional item
which meets my personal strict quality standards. I looked for several
weeks before I found this shoe and ordered it online and I am so very
pleased with the results. This shoe by Franco Sarto heel height is
perfect, not too low nor too high to wear everyday to work with skirts
or trousers and the over-all look is “office polished.” Thank you so
very much for a great, comfortable fitting shoe!
After leaving Nordstrom I headed to GAP and founds some super fun pants!
Totally appropriate for an office environment, but could also be styled differently for a fun night out!
!!!!!GAP is 40% OFF TODAY!!!!!
windowpane pants HERE
camel colored sweater HERE
necklace HERE
You
will see throughout the post today that I tend to prefer a slim leg
pant. At 5’4″, a slim legged pant just looks better on me. Trouser
pants tend to make me look even shorter than I am.
Here are all of the different choices of pants in this same “SLIM CROPPED” fit.
When I was in store (last week) they were 30% off.
Today is the last day that they are 40% off online!
I’m having trouble linking to this grouping of pants, but just click HERE and type “SLIM CROPPED” in the search bar.
I was running out of time, so I headed to LOFT next.
LOFT
is WONDERFUL for putting out pieces that work well for the office as
well as casual wear or a night out on the town.
Remember, just “work” the pieces in different ways!
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY AT LOFT for 50% OFF SELECT MERCHANDISE AND AN ADDITIONAL 50% OFF SALE! Don’t miss it!
And…..
Marisa pants HERE (fantastic reviews!) AND 50% OFF TODAY!!!!
*The
Marisa pant is the perfect pant for me. I don’t even have to try it
on. I know that Marisa pants in a 4 will fit me. The striaght leg is my favorite. I’ve been wearing Marisa pants for at least 5 years.
sleeveless mini animal print tie neck shell HERE with 10 perfect reviews
(And when you think about “WORKING” these pieces different
ways….this animal print shell would look great with jeans and a tall
pair of cognac boots!)
necklace HERE (50% off, making this necklace $12.50!)
boyfriend cardigan HERE (50% off and near perfect reviews!)
Cardigans are an essential piece for the office. This particular cardigan is long, which I love, and it comes in over 10 colors! AND IT’S ON SALE! Get at least 2 now and mix and match them with everything that is already in your closet!
In the next outfit, I went with grey pants.
pants HERE
These pants are trouser pants, and I prefer a slimmer leg, but I wanted to show them as an option…especially for you taller ladies!
popcorn stitch sweater HERE(50% off and perfect reviews!)
This sweater would obviously be great with jeans too! It comes in TONS of colors. This should really make it’s way to your closet, especially at 50% off!
long necklace HERE
In addition to the above 2 outfits from LOFT, I wanted to remind you of the outfits I highlighted a couple of weeks ago that are totally office appropriate.
Can’t wear jeans to the office, but don’t have to be so dressed up that you wear slacks?
These cords are the perfect answer during the fall and winter months!
They have MANY colors of this particular pant, and they are sooooo stretchy and comfy!
Loved the pattern and the pretty colors in this blouse and it has near perfect reviews.
on! They have nice gathering that makes them flattering, and they were
so soft. I thought they looked great with jeans and with slacks. Yep,
this blouse surprised me and I totally loved it.
Eggplant tie front shirt HERE
These come in petite and tall too.
Here is a collage of 3 office outfits:
This dress would be total greatness with tights and boots!
*This cardigan is on sale and then another 50% off right now!
If a pencil skirt isn’t your thing, this would be a GREAT skirt to have in your office wardrobe rotation! It’s a perfect basic.
dusty purple blouse HERE
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE black pants. Seriously. LOVE.
And listen. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the LOFT has re-engineered their pants.
They interviewed 10,000 women, and they actually applied what they learned to their pant designs.
Click HERE to read all about it.
There are 3 questions to guide you to finding your perfect fit!
It’s totally worth your time, and it will take the guess work out of what pants you should get!
And click HERE to watch a really great (and short) video on their new pants!
The MARISA pant fit is my perfect fit.
So, that’s it for today for “WORK IT”.
I hope this post was helpful to all of you ladies with an office job. Please leave me some feedback to let me know if I highlighted the types of things you are interested in. These types of posts take quite a bit of time to do, and I want to make sure that I am giving you information you need and types of clothing that you are interested in!
Two VERY important things before you go:
1)
You may remember me highlighting this story several months ago, and I wanted to make sure I did it again today since Anna and her family are in the home stretch of their adoption!
I asked Anna to write a little snippit of her story, and this is what she sent:
been selling 99% natural body products for about 9 months, and they’re
great! Scrubs, body butters, and my best selling pedi-in-a-jar foot
cream! In whichever scent you choose!
2)
My friend Shay shared something on her blog on Friday, and I wanted to share it also after talking to Nicole myself.
Nicole’s cousin Becca (24 years old) was diagnosed with Lukemia, and she knew she wanted to help.
So, to help with expenses, Nicole has decided to donate 100% of the proceeds from her Etsy shop
in October to help Becca. LOVE that.
All right ladies!
Now….go out and WORK IT!
🙂
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh! Seriously! First, the graphic is nothing short of sheer brilliance. You should have had a post just about how awesome the graphic is. I might actually do a post just on how awesome your graphic is. Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Sheaffer's Awesome Graphic? Perhaps.
Second, I want the Mulberry bag. Now. Today. This second.
And I saw those black and white pants at Gap but I didn't try them on. Why didn't I???? They are so cute! I work inside the home but I bet I would wear the heck out of those pants (church, dinner, layered with something grungy like my moto boots and a chambray shirt to make them "every day"). Gotta go! Shopping to do…(and a post to write about that awesome graphic!).
Susan Jeffries says
I was thinking that this post would not interest me because I work at home. BUT – I am in love with everything on this post! The windowpane pants, the camel sweater, the patterned blouses!! What a post!!! I will be ordering some of these goodies and proudly sitting at my computer alone, looking all cute and stuff;) Thanks! Susan
Anonymous says
Hi Sheaffer! So I was finally brave enough to purchase some booties for this fall/winter – I went with the TOMS and also the Loft Luna bootie. Only problem is – I'm not sure I know the best way to style them. I'm a stay at home mom that tends to be in Loft modern skinny or super skinny jeans every day. Do you wear the jeans with a cuff when wearing booties? I love the shoes but am a little nervous that I will look silly! Can you give some tips?!?
sammy says
I love your posts…I feel so fashionable now! I went to a shower yesterday, and I wore my must have jean jacket, a leopard scarf, skinny jeans, and my tall riding boots. I felt so put together. It's something I wouldn't have thought of wearing before, but I felt so good! I think that's what it's all about (sounds like the hokey pokey) but seriously when you feel good about yourself it does make a difference in your attitude 🙂 Thank you!
Michael says
Those VC straight leg pants are a steal at $79! If I had the money to buy even half the stuff you suggest I'd need to move just to have more closet space. You definitely have a great eye for fashion!
Sabrina says
LOVE the graphic. LOVE the window-pane pants from GAP. LOVE the red bag. LOVE this post. I'm typing this from my office computer…WORKIN' IT. Haha!
Sabrina says
P.S. I just ordered the window-pane pants. I cannot wait to style them for work!! 🙂
Liz/happymommy says
Oooh, loved this post as I do have an office job! Such cute things you featured. Loving that bag, both pairs of booties and everything from LOFT. I just found a super cute and comfortable pair of booties at Target this past weekend…The Women's Merona Molly Shootie in Taupe…LOVE them! I know you are a Nordstrom girl through and through but sometimes I tend to look at your styles and find things at other stores that are comparable just cause I don't have a Nordstrom by me and although they have free shipping and returns, I am kind of lazy when it comes to returns…ha!!! Also, I have to say I am so not used to seeing you "all dressed up" but you looked great in all of these pieces as usual. I do think the boyfriend jeans style is more you but that's again probably just cause that's what I'm used to seeing you in and you pull all that stuff off like a rockstar!!!
aprilparrish says
Great post today!!! I love the graphic also and your title- WORK IT!!!!
You looked great in everything! My favorite by far is the window pane pants. Love the sweater you paired them with and your wedges. I'm still a jeans girl too!!! 🙂
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
ohmygosh — you're such a grown up in your slacks!! My wardrobe get real boring in the winter…black slacks, blouse, cardi…everyday. Tights just always ruin a good skirt-outfit!! #waaah
Love those blouses you found…I need to add more of those to my wardrobe. #doI? 😉
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
I freaking love this post series! The only thing I miss about working in an office is dressing up. I can live vicariously through your posts. Those printed pants are my favorites.
Jessica says
Hi Sheaffer
I rarely comment mainly b/c others have already said what I would have, but I gotta say this is a great post!!! I love how you give so many options!! I look forward to your posts so much because there is something for everyone!! This is a fantastic one and truly gives so many options for the werking gal! I cant imagine how much work goes into these posts but know that they do not go unnoticed, not at all… Actually its the highlight of my morning before starting the day!
Page Zettlemoyer says
This post was absolutely perfect. Loft is my go to store for clothes that I can wear for both work and play, so it was great seeing the different ways you styked their merchandise. Thank you!
Courtana says
Urgh, now that I know that we are close to the same height and that you are a four and I'm not, I want to know what your exercise routine is for being so cute!
Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says
This made my day! I love the Vince pants and pretty much everything you tried on at Loft. I'm due for new work clothes. Must go shopping.
cate says
I like your shopping posts because you pick out some things from an overwhelming variety at a place like Nordstroms. I never bother browsing the web site or even the store because it's too much stuff. So you help narrow it down for me, thanks! I might try out the VC black straight leg pants. I usually shop at J. Crew (less to choose from there so it's easy) but they don't have much to offer in full length pants. I like the looks of that pendant necklace too. The mulberry bag is beautiful but I know it's too big for me. Great post, thanks!
Slightly Askew Designs says
SUCH a great post! 🙂
Cristine Lise says
LOVE this post!! I'm a devoted PTMT fan and love to use your suggestions for my weekend outfits, so I'm SUPER excited about a post with suggestions for my work week! Dressing for an office job can be so boring, but I love the items you highlighted – will definitely be getting the turquoise blouse, the wrap top, and the colorblock pencil skirt. Thank you! 🙂
Anonymous says
How did I not know I NEEDED window pane pants? CUTE!! I play tennis and have athletic calves so am a bit concerned that the calf will be too tight, as has been the case lately with the skinny jean craze. Has anyone with larger calves tried these on? I may just have to run over to Gap and "check" them out!
Nicki says
Sheaffer, thanks so much for the BRACELETS FOR BECCA Shout out!!! You and Shay have really helped me spread the word about this and it's such a blessing! And besides seeing my sweet cousins face on your blog, all of the work options are great! I'm in need of some new pants and you may have just given me a bunch of options to try! 🙂
Jenna says
Love your workin' it style! Im a stay at home mom, so i love your more "casual" focus. I get dressed and "ready" everyday. In the summer i do lots of shorts and sundresses. But cooler weather has come to Kansas City and im at a total loss. I think i wore the must have denim jacket 5 times last week! Id love for ideas on tops/tunucs to wear with leggings. Or tops for jeans. Like many have already said, theres millions of options out there and its SO great to have you narrorw it down! Nordstrom is glad i started reading your blog 🙂
Thanks for blogging! Todays graphic is my fav yet. You need to print it and hang it by your desk 🙂
Liz says
I've been reading your blog for a few months now and love every single post. (The bachelor/bachelorette ones were hilarious!!!) However, this one is especially helpful for me as lately I haven't been buying anything that I can't wear to work since I spend 5/7 of the week there. THANK YOU! I can't even imagine how long it must take you to make these posts so just know… We appreciate you! 🙂 keep em coming!
Ashlee Haddad says
Love your blog!! I have to say my husband does not because it makes me shop! 🙂 Have you tried Banana Republics Sloan Ankle Pant? If not you need to! They are AMAZING!!!!
Mama Dean says
Thank you for the office wear post!! I did some shopping over the weekend and though I didn't go into a Nordstroms, I was in a Gap and Loft. My only issue with the Loft cardigans is that they're so sheer – and almost feel cheap to me. Does anyone else feel that way? I've been more than slightly addicted to The Limited's work clothes lately, pleasantly surprised after not shopping in there for probably over a decade. Thanks for all your hours logged shopping on our behalf!
Narci says
I have a secret! I would totally go back to work in a corporate office just so I could get dressed up every day! I love all of this! Especially those windowpane pants–precious!
Melissa says
Thank you for the office clothes post! I appreciate that you spent the time to look for and try on dressier clothes even though you don't wear them often. In the future, I'd love if you could just highlight something work appropriate once in awhile – it doesn't have to be a full post that takes a lot of time, just nicer things that you see as you're looking for other clothes. Thanks again =)
Victoria Mason says
Wow! That is a lot of great looks! Those GAP pants and the black bootie (TOTALLY PERFECT) are just spot on!
Come link up with me at Whatcha Wearing Wednesday! http://www.themummychronicles.com
mel @ the larson lingo says
Love this new series! I get 80% of my dressy work clothes at Loft. They are my go-to.
I am like you, during Winter I wear jeans or cords most of the time to work. With boots and a scarf/sweater/cardi. Looking forward to seeing more of the Work it outfits. LOVE that green shirt you tried on! Darling!