I love being inspired by my clients. I spent time in a new client's closet a few weeks back, and we focused on the versatility of specific pieces in her wardrobe. We took items she normally wears during off-duty hours, and I showed her how to wear them to work. A different jacket here, a change of shoes there, and presto! These styles were now office-appropriate.
Versatility is key in any modern wardrobe. You can ignore any outdated classifications of 'workwear' and 'weekend-only' clothes, and instead think about how you can wear work styles on the weekend, and how you can wear weekend styles at work. With this client, I showed her how to wear her 'summer Saturday' red dress, her 'date night' animal print skirt, and her 'lazy Sunday' drapey pants anytime of the week.
RED DRESS: WEEKEND
A sleeveless knit dress is a wardrobe staple, and - depending on the weight of the knit - it works almost year-round. It's all about what you wear it with and the layers you choose. For late summer weekends - pair your red dress with slip-on sneakers, a printed bag, and a white denim jacket for when the evenings turn chilly.
Fit and flare dress by Topshop. White denim jacket by Mango. Metallic slip-ons by Vans, for J. Crew. Patterned tote by DVF. Pendant necklace by Banana Republic. Sunglasses by Warby Parker.
RED DRESS: AT WORK
Take your amazingly versatile dress to work and no one will know you wore it all weekend. A more serious (but still casual) jacket is destined for a relaxed office dress code. Earth-toned accessories and a stunning pendant complete the look.
Fit and flare dress by Topshop. Cotton moto-jacket by Athleta. Suede booties by Tory Burch. Leather double wrap belt by Lanvin, from the Outnet. Python-embossed satchel by Coach. Pendant necklace by Ippolita, from Bergdorf Goodman.
ANIMAL PRINT SKIRT: WEEKEND
An attention-getting skirt is a go-to for date night. All this one needs is a simple cami, your favorite fitted leather jacket and some killer heels. A cheeky clutch shows that you're not all about the sex appeal, and detailed earrings bring attention back up to your face.
Leopard print silk skirt by Elizabeth and James, from Net-a-porter. Cropped leather jacket by Reiss. Silk camisole by Jigsaw, from John Lewis. Black cage sandals by L.A.M.B., from Bluefly. Foldover clutch by Clare Vivier. Earrings by Stella & Dot.
ANIMAL PRINT SKIRT: AT WORK
Yes, you can wear a skirt like this to work - just tone down everything else. A color blocked cropped sweater balances the all-over animal print, and subtler accessories support the 'I'm here to work and I can look great doing it' vibe.
Leopard print silk skirt by Elizabeth and James, from Net-a-porter. Color block cropped sweater by Karen Millen. Open-toe booties by Joie, from Shopbop. Satchel by Kate Spade Saturday. Pyramid stud earrings by House of Harlow 1960, from Piperlime. Double-wrap watch by Michael Kors. Wine-colored eyeglasses by Madewell.
DRAPEY PANTS: WEEKEND
Lazy Sundays were made for relaxed pants, and a tight color palette makes getting dressed a snap. Metallic accessories and a neutral striped T and cardigan are weekend workhorses - they'll go with almost any color.
High-waist trousers by Zara. Striped top by H&M. Cashmere zip cardigan by J. Crew. Silver sandals by Tory Burch. Bronze tassel bracelets by Stella & Dot. Iphone case by J. Crew.
DRAPEY PANTS: AT WORK
If you didn't think you could take pants this drapey to the office - think again. What makes them work is a structured jacket (and a not-too-conservative work environment).
High-waist trousers by Zara. Cropped double layer jacket by Rebecca Taylor. Cotton/organza tank by J. Crew. Grey ankle-strap heels by Mojo Moxy. Color block bag by Pour La Victoire. Double-wrap stud bracelet by Tory Burch.
