Less Work in Workplace Attire

I recently began a new job June 1, 2020. It was a long time coming to find something I was truly passionate about in this economy. I know there are a lot of you out there that are in the same position. My words of advice….keep going, searching and believing your dream job is right around the corner! In the meantime, prep for your purpose! Now with that out of the way….on to the FASHIONS!!!! LOL!

My last 10 years of professional experience were spent working in an office all day or either out in the field, essentially a car. The dress code was beyond informal, meaning I was free to wear whatever I wanted as long as it was in good taste. Most work days I wore jeans and a top, hoodie, t shirt or sweatshirt, mixed in with the occasional dress and leggings. I would cram all my fashion passion into 2 days, the weekend. I promised myself that when I got another job, I would put more effort into everyday looks…..got the job….but didn’t take into account a world wide pandemic! I’ve begun my current job as a Community Liaison working from home with the occasional run on site, or in person meeting when circumstances permit.

Now, the first thing I did was scope out the dress code. This is a given with any work environment to basically find out what is allowed. When I interviewed I took inventory of what everyone else was wearing, taking mental notes. With those base guidelines, I went my closet and put in the forefront a mix of work appropriate business casual items with my own flair of color and prints!

Now, I haven’t forgotten about the fact that there are many guidelines right now when going places, lines and precautions, so my top priority is comfort….but that’s always the case with me.

If you have to go out, think of the long game. If I have a meeting I must attend, I keep it simple and prepare to do errands this day as well. This minimizes my interaction out in the public. For example, I paired this cute pencil skirt with a light weight patterned tee. Sneakers give the flexibility for walking distances and while I usually wouldn’t use these for work situations, the current state of the world has provided room for things out of the norm. If you aren’t comfortable with this much casual foot wear, stash a pair of heels in your work bag with your laptop. I am not a plan computer bag girl, so this cool Cole Haan bag works perfectly for all my essentials….water, snacks, laptop, shoes if needed. This look is casual, cool and perfect for a quick work errand, then on to the grocery store, bank or pharmacy.