Three Essential Tops for Your Work Wardrobe This Fall

This post is dedicated to one of my readers, Emily. Last month she asked for recommendations on tops to wear to the office. Today's post is all about three basic tops to have for your work wardrobe this Fall/Winter. 

There are three types of tops to extend your work wardrobe; camisoles, button-downs and sweaters/cardigans. What you'll find is that most of my work tops can be worn several different ways. Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to look professional at work. 

Camisoles

These can be worn with any blazer and cardigan. They're lightweight and don't add bulk to your outfit. As much as I love silk, I'd recommend getting a polyester camisole, simply because the material is durable for the busy corporate woman. 

Start building your work wardrobe with a white, black and blush pink camisole. These colors go with traditional blue and black trousers. 

Best stores to find camisoles; J.Crew Factory, Express and ASOS.

*the above photo, you can easily switch out the ripped denim for a black skirt or black trousers to complete your work look.

Button-downs

One of my favorite work shirts, especially in the fall and winter. If you find a button-down that fits well, get it in a few different colors and/or patterns. These can be layered with sweaters, blazers and dresses. I love the sophistication of button-down shirts. For those ladies who are a little curvy, invest in an undershirt likes this one from spanx, this will eliminate the embarrassing cleavage gap in button-down shirts. 

Start building your work wardrobe with a white and striped button-down. 

Best stores to find button-down shirts; Ann Taylor (40% sale),  J.Crew and Banana Republic.

Sweaters/Cardigans

Lightweight sweaters and cardigans will keep you warm at the office (because we all know it's an icebox 90% of the time) and extend your work looks. J.Crew is my favorite store for sweaters and cardigans. The photos below show layering with a button-down, but cardigans can be worn over camis and sleeveless work dresses. Basic sweaters are nice because they can be paired with basic trousers. That's what I typically wear when I don't have the time to put together a look in the morning. 

Start building your work wardrobe with a black and nude cardigan and white sweater. Slowly start adding colorful sweaters like orange, pink and blue for more variety in your looks. 

Best stores to find sweaters and cardigan: Banana Republic, Nordstrom and J.Crew

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Pink + White

Last weekend, while in Kansas City, I found some time to do a little shopping with my mom. After picking me up from the airport, we headed to Macy’s to check out their sales. I’ve been lusting over these Tory Burch sandals, but I can’t seem to find them in my size. These MichaelKors wedge sandals are a great alternative, especially with 25% off! I also picked up this Maison Jules, which will look great with my new fedora.

These pale pink pants and silk cami are currently two of my favorite work wear pieces. When I first tried on these pants I wasn’t a huge fan of the side zipper, but they fit me perfectly around the waist and the leg length works.  The silk cami was an investment piece, but it was worth every penny. It can be worn under a blazer for a polished and professional look.

Pants - J.Crew Martie Pant

Cami - J.Crew 

Blazer - 1 STATE

Heels - DvF Bethany Heels

Bag - Saint Laurent Sac de Jour

Sunglasses - Nordstrom
Earrings - Capwell + Co.
Bracelet - Kate Spade

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Stripe Dress + Red Heels

For those who follow me on Instagram, you might have seen that Batman has pneumonia. He’s currently in the ICU and being treated by an excellent team of doctors. We’re so happy to report that he’ll be coming home tonight! It was a long weekend, but we’re so blessed that he’s on the road to recovery. Matt and I spent some time cleaning the apartment preparing it for our little bear to come home with his parents.

As tough as it is to even think about fashion, work or anything other than my precious Batman, I want to share an appropriate work outfit as we move into warmer months. This black and white stripe dress has been a great additional to my professional wardrobe. The dress also makes a great piece for formal occasions. The pop of red lipstick and heels is a touch of my own personal style, but this dress would look great with nude or black pumps.

See everyone on Wednesday!

Dress - J.Crew

Heels - DVF Bethany Heels (similar style)

Trench - Zara (similar here) 

Sunglasses - Prada (similar style)

Necklace - J.Crew

Bag - Saint Laurent Sac de Jour

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Layering + Camel Skirt

Since spring has finally arrived in NYC, I'm slowly starting to transition my wardrobe from black trousers to pencil skirts. Today's outfit shows one of my favorite pencil skirts from J.Crew. It can be worn with bright colors, like the one I'm wearing above, or it can also be worn with a basic white shirt to the office. Either way you wear this skirt, you'll always look professional at the office. I find it most flattering for my body type to pair pencil skirts with a basic nude pump. The nude pump elongates my legs. For those ladies who work in the office, if you haven't invested in a basic nude heel, trying adding it to your closet this season. You'll find more that nude heels provides more versatility to your wardrobe.

Sweater - J.Crew

Shirt - Ann Taylor

Skirt - J.Crew

Bag - Saint Laurent 

Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters (love the entire collection at Urban)

Heels - DvF Bethany

 
PHOTOS BY ANNA-ALEXIA BASILE

Spring Style | White Dress + Trench

After living in New York for two years, I've realized that outerwear is essential for my daily wardrobe. Since it's something I wear daily from fall to spring, I tend to invest more in my outerwear wardrobe. For example, a classic trench, like the one I'm wearing above is a good transition piece for spring. With Piperlime closing their doors at the end of the month, I'm keeping my eyes on a few jackets for spring. I'm lusting over this gorgeous Joie jacket and loving this powder blue coat and Parisian style striped jacket for cooler weather.

Check out this recent feature of Corporate Catwalk on Refinery29.

Dress - ASOS (similar here)

Trench - Zara (similar save & splurge) 

Clutch - Zara 

Heels - DVF (similar save & splurge)

Sunglasses - Karen Walker

Photos by ANNA-ALEXIA BASILE

Day to Night | Camel Regent Blazer

 The J.Crew regent blazer is one of my staples in my closet. If you were to go through my archives, you’d see plenty of outfits of me wearing this blazer. When I travel, I throw on this blazer and a knit scarf. When I don’t know what to wear to work, I wear this blazer with a black cami and a statement necklace. For my busy lifestyle, I need pieces in my closet that I can grab off the hanger and be out the door.  What I’ve found with this neutral blazer is that it can be worn with almost anything in my closet. In today’s post, I wanted to show the versatility of this blazer. It can be worn with a button down and skinny jeans, but it can also be worn with a bright floral dress. 

Day
Blazer - J.Crew Regent Blazer
Shirt - Ann Taylor Stripe Button Down  (similar at J.Crew)
Denim - AG Adriano Goldschmied Legging Supper Skinny Denim 
Bag - Coach Bleecker Messenger Handbag 
Heels - DVF Bethany Heels

Night
Blazer - J.Crew Regent Blazer
Dress - Trina Turk old (similar save, splurge & splurge)
Heels - DVF Bethany Heels

Photos by Lydia Hudgens