One of my old roommates, AShelly. texted me a week ago with blog post suggestions. (Note: I love this, please do this.) Her first request was how to look like you fit in at Equinox without splurging on Lululemon (coming soon.) The next was how to dress professional while simultaneously looking young and trendy (coming now.)

Work clothes are traditionally boring, black, navy, and various shades of gray. This doesn’t have to be the case. Fortunately for us, prep is back. Don’t worry, Nantucket is not going to turn into the fashion capital of the world. Expect to see button-ups, tailored pants, blazers and ballet flats– even on the weekend. Soon enough we’ll be wearing basket bags and pearls. We should have known by Anna Wintour’s approval of J.Crew’s most recent NYFW presentation and the sudden burst of fringe and flares that our outfits would start to resemble a 1970’s Ivy League campus.

colors aren’t sexual

For whatever reason, colors often feel like a workplace taboo. A bright tailored pant is in no way the equivalent to a buttoned up shirt paired with a pushup bra. I wouldn’t advise wearing an Elle Woods inspired suit a job interview, but a hot pink blazer works for every season.

Red shoes look so cool in the summer. Wear these with a tailored dress during the week or boyfriend jeans & a loose white button-up for summer weekend drinks. You will wear these J.CREW shoes a million times. However, I totally respect if you wait until they are on sale (alt.)

Summer is the only time you can casually wear yellow pants with. For a classic look, pair with a white shirt, navy blazer, and navy loafers. If you don’t fear looking like a bee, mix with a black and white shirt.

The Rebecca Minkoff ‘Regan’ Satchel reminds me a lot of the Balenciaga ‘Work” bag… but it’s different enough that I won’t call knockoff. Nobody says your tote has to be black or covered in LVs to look like you knock your shit. Royal blue is good with black, tan, navy and gray. It may not be a color you’d wear on your body, but you should consider it dangling from your arm. Not convinced? You can 1000% wear it for all 4 seasons.

A square scarf is the ultimate fashion statement of SS16. Conveniently, it’s literally the easiest trendy piece to mix into your wardrobe. This bright Kate Spade one is perfect with a black, navy or white jacket.

 

shop like yo’ mama

Ann Taylor Loft has some cute stuff, and the dopest sales. Old Navy, as I recently found, has amazing pixie pants, that I swear are better than J.Crew’s “pixie” 100x over. While the average consumer for most retailers  is rarely a millennial, they are everyone’s target market.

So far from unprofessional… so far from boring. Wear this LOFT dress with closed toe black heels and a structured bag.

Why can’t you wear lace again? This shirt is romantic and beautiful, but certainly not sexual. Wear with classic black or navy dress pants paired with pointed flats during the week, and skinny jeans on the weekend.  Not in stores yet, but available online at Banana Republic.

I bought these pants this weekend and I’ve never been happier with an Old Navy purchase. Then I tried on my new white v-neck, and I’m sold on that too. Long live Old Navy. Who knew? I saw a sale sign and my favorite blogger Jacey Duprie always posts about her #oldnavystyle, next to Chanel bags and Gucci loafers. I figured it was worth a try since I was definitely slacking in the modesty department at work.

Crepe pockets are dope. Banana Republic isn’t the place I’d suggest shopping for full-priced clothing. It always goes on super-sale. This dress which was $128 is now on sale for $78. Perfect for when you have an after-work date… and you can wear this into October.

step outside the [shape]

Your blazer doesn’t have to have a collar to look professional. Embrace being a woman*thank god* in the work place. We can freely play with different shapes and styles in our wardrobe.

No matter how serious your work environment is, this tote from ZARA looks way more expensive than it is.

Do you hate attention? If so, do not buy this ZARA dress.  Bold is beautiful. Is this Gucci?

Together, we have the potential, to bring popped collars back. On sale for $100 at Banana.

I envision myself walking with ease in these SJP shoes (on sale.) This is a sentence I NEVER EVER think whilst perusing heels online. Something about that square was love at first sight. The ultimate statement shoe that low-key goes with a lot of your wardrobe.

P.S For basics, you can’t go wrong with J.Crew Factory.

Want to have your fashion questions answered? E-mail Mackenzie@Mackinstyle.com or tweet @MackinStyle