The Secret to Wearing Your Work Staples Outside of the Office

Office Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? The collarless round neckline of the featured jacket (left) in this look is the perfect compliment to the ruffled collar of this cotton poplin J. Crew top. It’s not too fussy, and creates a really luxe addition to a work look.
Wear it with: While we love this top with the jacket and pants we’re showing here, the neutral navy/white color palette offsets a colorful pair of pants or a pencil skirt, too. We also love it with jeans, like the ones below.
Fit Tip: In sizes 000-16, Petite and Tall, J.Crew ensures the split neckline detail won’t dip too low and the armholes won’t reveal your bra. The modern fit is easier through the body, so it will tuck in and blouse beautifully, giving you confidence to also wear it on its own.
Alternatives: J. Crew also offers this style in solids and a similar version in silk, too. 

Office Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? Exclusive to Nordstrom, these lighter navy Theory trousers complete any workday look, especially the blazer and blouse combination we’re showing today (left). The brighter shade of navy give the classic color a springtime feel that is still appropriate even in the most conservative of settings.
Wear it with: These are a work staple, working with most any top and/or jacket you would normally wear to the office. Theory’s high quality ensures you will get plenty of wears out of these pants, and they’ll continue to look polished and new.
Fit Tip: Theory has a contemporary fit. Go with your normal size, and if you are often between sizes, we suggest sizing up. The seasonless wool has the right amount of stretch for comfort, with a rise that sits comfortably just around the waist – completely appropriate for work, and flattering, too.
Alternatives: These trousers come in black through the ‘shop it’ button, as well. And in the seasonless stretch wool fabric, this is a great item to stock up on. Alice + Olivia’s white trousers also perfectly compliment the jacket and top here, and the easier contemporary fit and wider waistband is incredibly flattering – which is more important than ever when we’re talking white pants.

Dinner Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? This tank is such a wonderful fit, you’ll want to buy more than one. And you’re in luck, because it comes in a set of three – white, grey, and black. All the neutrals are covered, and trust us, you’ll wear them all. With Shopbop’s free shipping + returns, you can even use your Amazon Prime account, so you can start wearing them ASAP.
Wear it with: The jersey fabric not only has just the right amount of stretch for comfort, it also has a lovely hand, giving it a more polished appearance than basic cotton. So, it effortlessly stands up to the polished appearance of the featured jacket (left) and creates an edgier, more relaxed look for dinner. You’ll also love wearing it on its own with your favorite weekend pants and shorts all season long.
Fit Tip: The cut of this tank top is right on the money. The scoop neckline doesn’t dip too low, ditto for the armholes, and the body has a gentle ease so it doesn’t cling. Tuck it in or leave it untucked, with a rounded hem that perfectly cuts across the hip/behind area. In XS-L, go with your normal size.
Alternatives: We are big fans of Z Supply’s quality and fit. If you prefer short sleeves, this set of black and white crewneck tees are for you.

Dinner Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? Switching out classic wool trousers (above) that you’d wear to the office, for these great looking slim denim pants from Anthropologie instantly change up your look for night. And if you work in a casual or creative setting, you can wear these all day long, with any of the pieces in this look.
Wear it with: The dark denim and clean lines offer a dressed up alternative to jeans for a nicer dinner out, and look beautiful with the featured tweed jacket we’re highlighting (left). On their own, the slim styling is just as wonderful with a blouse, tunic, or lightweight sweater. And any type of shoes work – from heels for a dressier look to sandals or sneakers for the most casual alternative.
Fit Tip: The soft fabric has plenty of stretch for comfort, and in Anthropologie’s modern fit, these won’t be too trim in your normal size. The wider waistband is seriously flattering with trouser front and back pockets that don’t add any bulk to your silhouette. If you are between sizes, you may want to try sizing down, as these will stretch a bit.
Alternatives: AG’s Farrah jeans have an incredibly flattering higher rise, hitting just at the waist, that is perfect for the darker wash and skinny legs to create an elongated silhouette. And the denim is super soft and stretchy so you’ll be comfortable all through dinner. You can also pair this look with simply chic white skinny jeans – FRAME has a wonderful contemporary fit, similar to AG, that is not too slim. If you are between sizes, you can size up, but otherwise go with your normal size.

Casual Friday & All Weekend Long Look.
KEY SPRING OFFICE ITEM #2
Why is it a Find? Once the weather gets warm, it can be a little too easy to get a little too casual-looking once the end of the week rolls around. These twill Splendid pants ensure you don’t cross the line. While we’re sending you to Splendid’s own website (with free shipping + returns) because they have the full XS-XL size run, check out how Shopbop and Saks Fifth Avenue style these pants too, to get a great visual of how versatile they really are.
Wear it with: With the button down shirt (right) we’re showing and a smart pair of shoes, like these cool oxfords, simple ballet flats, or seriously chic peep toe mules, you’ve got a polished and laidback work look. Once you pair them with a tank, tee, or stylish sweater as we’re showing below, they are just as ideal for a day of brunching and shopping.
Fit Tip: Splendid has a contemporary fit. The rise sits comfortably at the waist to show off the slimmest part of your torso and offset the elongating wide legs. There is a side zip and trouser pockets, keeping the silhouette sleek, and the twill fabric has stretch for all day comfort. Available in XS-XL, go with your normal size.
Alternatives: Everlane’s wide leg crop pants are absolutely the way to go if you are looking for a truly simple silhouette. And make sure you check out the story to see how these well-priced modern-fitting pants work for most every body type. If Casual Friday isn’t all that casual, Vince’s minimalist track trousers have an elastic waist so you’ll be comfy, but they have a single pleat and modern sleek styling of a polished pair of trousers.

Casual Friday Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? Keep your casual Friday look casual AND work-right with this Soft Joie striped button down. The twill fabric has beautiful drape that gives it a more laidback appearance than a crisp cotton button down or silk blouse, yet is still perfectly professional in silhouette.
Wear it with: With the featured pants in this outfit (left), you can also add Joie’s white ivory blazer to add a bit more professional air that is still Friday-appropriate (and you can wear it more dressed up or with jeans, too).
Fit Tip: Joie has a modern fit that has always made it one of our favorites. This shirt has a relaxed shape that is easy to wear tucked or untucked in your normal size, XS-L. (Joie’s own site even offers XXS for the very petite ladies.) And both sites offer free shipping +returns.
Alternatives: Vince has a similarly laid back striped button down in a linen/cotton fabric that is truly luxurious. It has a pleat detail down the back, so it looks really cute just tucked in a little in the front to show off the lace-up detail of the featured pants. And if you are more of a dress gal, Joie also used this fabric in a shirtdress that has the same casual Friday vibe.

Weekend Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? The cotton fabric of this striped J. Crew sweater has a crepe finish to it, giving it a crisper appearance than basic cotton, but with all the same comfort and ease. (And it’s still machine washable.) It really shows off the navy/white stripe beautifully.
Wear it with: The stripes play into the nautical feel of the featured pants (above) in just the right way. And works just as well with white or a bold colored pair of pants or, later, shorts. On days you don’t feel like wearing a strapless bra to wear this sweater, just layer a tank top (scoop or higher neckline) underneath it. It’s not only practical trick, it creates a really stylish look that is very of-the-moment. In fact, a lot of sweaters, tops, and dresses from top designers have faux layers to create the same look.
Fit Tip: J. Crew’s modern fit is loose and easy through the body of this sweater, while the ribbed neckline easy stays on your shoulders. Available in XXXS-XL, go with your normal J. Crew size. The length hits just at the hip, so it’s easy to wear untucked with the pant (above) in this look.
Alternatives: For an even more relaxed look, we absolutely love pairing the featured pants with this off-white Everlane sweatshirt. The classic style and not too oversized fit, is just the best way for a lady to do a sweatshirt look in a modern way. Once the weather gets warmer, this easy indigo tee from Anthropologie will look great with just a bit of the front tucked in.

Weekend Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? Seychelles has done everything right with these slides – the knotted suede upper and white platform sole is so stylish, and the padded footbed also has great arch support, so you’ll happily walk all day in these sandals.
Wear it with: The fresh pink we’re featuring add a subtle pop of color to the navy/white look we’re showing here, and also works as a neutral shade to pair with most any color this season. The platform adds just a touch of height that works with pants, shorts, and sundresses.
Fit Tip: They run true to size.
Alternatives: Theses slides come in several other colors, including tan and black, through the ‘shop it’ button. Sol Sana’s tan leather sandals offer a more timeless alternative that are equally comfortable. And you can never go wrong with your favorite cute pair of sneakers with this look.

Work and Event Look.
KEY SPRING OFFICE ITEM #3
Why is it a Find? On days when you have a dressier outing (like a charity event, formal dinner, or work cocktail party) straight from work, it can be tricky to wear something that will be appropriate for both. This Maggy London dress has you covered. The midi length hits between the knee and calf. The scoop neckline doesn’t dip too low. The textured scuba fabric is substantial for the office, and to help keep things smooth, without the shine of traditional nighttime fabrics like silk. And the floral pattern includes black for easy accessorizing, both day and night.
Wear it with: The versatility of this dress shines through in how it’s accessorized. A chic blazer, like the one we’re showing (right), and simply classic black leather block heel pumps give you an office look. Changing out the blazer and pumps for a cardigan and strappy heels, have you ready for that after-work event. And it looks just as good for a less formal wedding or daytime event on its own, with a colorful pair of dressy sandals (heeled or flat) and some statement jewelry.
Fit Tip: Maggy London has a modern fit that is just right for most every lady in your normal size. In sizes 2-16, and Petites, you can ensure the armholes and neckline fit just right, so you can wear your favorite bra. The textured floral fabric offers just the right amount of support and visual breaks for an incredibly slimming finish to the simple sheath silhouette.
Alternatives: Tahari’s striped fit-and-flare dress is a fun alternative if you prefer a dress with more movement in the skirt. If you like a sleeve, Maggy London’s multi-colored printed dress offers a 3/4 sleeve and a beautiful ruched detail at the waist that effectively conceals any little problems areas around the hips/waist. And for an option with a higher neckline, ECI’s floral option is just right (and a great price, too).

Work Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? Veronica Beard’s jacket is made of a similar scuba fabric with a single snap closure that nips in the waist, making it a blazer that can absolutely be worn with a dress – especially the one featured in this look (left). You may remember us talking about our love of Veronica Beard, the modern-fitting line started a few years ago by two women focused on versatile, wearable key pieces for a woman on-the-go. Their jackets really put them on the fashion map thanks to the mix-and-match “dickey” option. What’s that? It means that the blazer has a sleek and truly hidden inside zip that allows you to zip in a “dickey” that will give you a layered look without the added bulk. Click through the ‘shop it’ button to see the alternate image with one. The quality is truly amazing, the fabric seriously smooth, and the result is absolutely luxe looking. Worth every penny, you will wear this jacket constantly. Seriously. Constantly.
Wear it with: Not only can the seasonless scuba fabric be worn with anything from wool to denim, the option of adding one of Veronica Beard’s dickey zip-ins, will give it a casual feeling in a snap. A grey hoodie dickey creates a cool, casual vibe, while a sporty quilted dickey makes it a great outerwear piece as the weather transitions. Nordstrom carries a great assortment of dickey options to choose from. (Note: This blazer doesn’t have cuff zip-in options.)
Fit Tip: It comes in sizes 0-14, in a modern fit that just skims the body in your normal size.
Alternatives: It can be tricky to pair a blazer with a dress. The proportion has to be right. Theory’s long-line blazer has a similar single-button closure, but with a longer, slim-fitting silhouette that works with a slim dress and trousers, alike. Alternatively, Theory’s shorter open ¾ sleeve blazer works over a dress as well, with styling that’s similar to a cardigan, and a lot more polished. Lastly, Eliza J’s well-priced option hits just at the hip to work really well with a dress.

Event Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? We know how hard it can be to find an appropriate layer to wear over a dress when you’re trying to keep your look more upscale. The silhouette needs to be tailored, and in a fabric that compliments the more upscale fabric of a dressier dress. This Eliza J bolero cardigan does it all – at an amazing price.
Wear it with: Whether you love showing off your arms or not, this sweater is a pretty way to compliment the featured floral dress (above), and any dress thanks to its rounded hem that hits at the high waist. The ¾ length sleeve is flattering and ensures you can still wear a statement bracelet.
Fit Tip: Eliza J has a modern fit, and this sweater isn’t too slim. Available in XS-XL, if you are between sizes, we suggest sizing down to ensure a polished look.
Alternatives: This sweater comes in a lot of different colors, so you can choose the blue we’re showing, black, or red – and there’s even more, all through the ‘shop it’ button. For a little more drama, add this blazer/cape over your dress…so chic. And if you want to keep your look more tailored, Ted Baker’s jacket has scalloped edges that play up a dressed up feel.

Event Coordinating Item.
Why is it a Find? Thank goodness for the return of the block heel. Stuart Weitzman styles it perfectly, with a strappy upper that keeps these shoes looking light and sexy. The heel ensures they are actually comfortable to walk in.
Wear it with: These sandals’ black patent leather easily ties in to the featured dress’s black accents in its floral pattern. And patent is so popular this season, you’ll wear them with tons of things, dressing up a pair of jeans for a night out, or adding a feminine touch to your favorite dress trousers.
Fit Tip: Stuart Weitzman is known for their high quality and wide size run to ensure a wonderful fit. They run true to size, and come in varying widths, too.
Alternatives: There are tons of color options, in leather, patent and suede through the ‘shop it’ button, including red or aqua suede that would both work with the featured dress. Sam Edelman’s similar sandals have a higher heel (and lower price tag, which is ideal if you go for a color you don’t think you’ll wear a lot). MICHAEL Michael Kors offers beautiful nude-colored strappy heels, if you prefer a classically, sexy option – and at a quite walkable 3” height.