Currently: feeling the pull of Fall into the cooler weather, leather jackets, and pumpkin fields, even though summer hasn’t quite let go either. Standing in this tug-o-war battle between my longing for warm summer nights spent in off-the-shoulder tops and the desire to throw on my biggest, coziest sweater to grab coffee in the mornings. Trying to balance it all with this layered look from VETTA - A timeless vest layered over their soft chambray tunic, paired with M.Gemi sandals that feel like boots without making my feet freak out over claustrophobia typically felt at the beginning of Fall. So for now, I’ll stay somewhere in between.

Wearing Vest and Tunic from VETTA, Cuero and Mor bag (updated version here), Sophie Blake bracelet, Kapten & Son watch c/o, M.Gemi shoes.

Workwear. It used to be the bane of my existence. Trousers and button-up tops with a black jacket. That was me before. Typical employee of the good ol’ Washington, D.C. I was unhappy, really. I needed something work appropriate that also reflected my style and I was stuck in struggle city trying to find something that worked.

Because - you know - this year, we’ll spend over 2,000 hours working…that’s 250 WORK DAYS FRIENDS. That’s based on getting two weeks off and working 40 hours a week…which is on the conservative end of things if we’re being honest here. Why must we spend it in emotionless style, friends?! WHY?!

I realize this is a big query that a lot of people are interested in knowing - how can I dress appropriately for work while still being stylish. I want to share more about how I attempt to make it happen on here - first case, this outfit.

Here’s how I started:

A high-waisted, movable skirt. Friends, we’ve been here before - COMFORT IS KEY with me. I tried very hard to be into pencil skirts and most of them are just too tight. Or not really flattering on my body type. Enter this great pleated skirt from Take 5 Boutique. It has a waist-hugging band which is key here because straight-from-the-band pleats don’t always look great on me. It’s also a great length, right above the knees.

Next: the top. While I’ve worn a zillion silk blouses with this skirt, I really like pushing the limits with this longer crop top from a fashion startup called VETTA. It has a fun feel to it while still being office appropriate (with the right high-waisted bottoms.)

Finally, I added these bright heeled sandals from Banana Republic, a little pop of interest. The minimal bow stole my heart right away and I even bought them in navy (seen here) I liked them so much.

Anyway - let me know if you like more work-related posts like this! I’d love to help you navigate this crazy world of workwear if that’s something you’d be into! Let me know in the comments below or tweet me at @juliengarman! (Also if you need any inspiration on what to wear in this sweltering weather, check out this article on Washingtonian where this outfit was featured!)

Wearing Take 5 Boutique skirt, VETTA blouse, Banana Republic sandals c/o, Cuyana bag, Kapten & Son watch c/o, Gorjana necklace c/o, NEO-NE Studios sunglasses via iSTYLEUP