In collaboration with Le Château.
Photos by Ashlee Mueller (Stanley)
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or have a full-time job and side hustle like me, when work is done we all look forward to a little play, am I right?
During the day I work in digital marketing and communications in an office environment and otherwise spend much of my free time juggling blogging, freelance consulting, content creation and styling work.
Quality time with my favourite people is equally important. But all of us are busy, often running from one thing to the next and there isn’t always time to go home and switch up your look before heading out for the evening.
Therefore, I am someone who lives by my daily agenda and I have to plan my weeks ahead of time. But I’m not a workaholic! Amongst these daily activities are plans to spend time with family and friends during my evenings and weekends. Quality time with my favourite people is equally important. But all of us are busy, often running from one thing to the next and there isn’t always time to go home and switch up your look before heading out for the evening. If I know I won’t have a moment to head home and change up my outfit, I want to be sure I’m really diggin’ my look and will be comfortable in it all day long. So that means finding outfits for work that can go from day to night with ease.
If I know I won’t have a moment to head home and change up my outfit, I want to be sure I’m really diggin’ my look and will be comfortable in it all day long. So that means finding outfits for work that can go from day to night with ease.
And sometimes after work, we shop! My bestie Katrina and I got together after hours and left with some amazing looks from Le Château.
Don’t think your workwear can do it all? I’ve got two looks that are sure to attract both the feminine fashionista and bold power-pattern woman from Le Chateâu’s Workwear fall 2018 collection, and I’ll tell you just how I styled them!
The Power-Pattern Outfit
When I first started working in an office I worried I would have to dawn the dreaded corporate attire. Spending day in and day out in black dress pants and ugly blazers. But thankfully, workwear doesn’t have to be boring. I like colour, patterns, and a unique look. After all, many of us head to the same office every day, to do the same job, so why not change things up with your outfit?
When I first started working in an office I worried I would have to dawn the dreaded corporate attire. Spending day in and day out in black dress pants and ugly blazers. But thankfully, workwear doesn’t have to be boring.
Some mornings you’ll be in a mad rush to get out the door so you won’t have time to overthink it. That’s why it’s critical to stock your wardrobe with pieces that are work and weather appropriate and can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways. Your basics will play a big role here: shoes with sensible heels, blouses, neutral coloured blazers and cardigans, sleek tapered pants, a solid-coloured dress or two, and some blacks tights to layer underneath for those cooler months. But these pieces will also come in handy when you’re looking to make a bold look a little more office-friendly.
It’s critical to stock your wardrobe with pieces that are work and weather appropriate and can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways. Your basics will come in handy when you’re looking to make a bold look a little more office-friendly.
This leopard print number is forgiving and comfortable enough that I was able to wear it with my tiny baby bump.
This striking leopard print dress is a no-brainer for evenings out, and although some may not dare to wear this somewhat edgy look to work, there are a few simple ways to make sure this outfit is work appropriate.
The long-line black blazer is a staple in my closet, so purchase one that is good quality and is a length that will provide some flexibility. I can wear this one with a multitude of dresses, skirts, and even trousers. After hours I could opt to wear this on a chillier night, sling it over my shoulders for a classy look, or remove it entirely. In the winter I plan to layer a peacoat overtop for some additional warmth. Suffice to say I’ll be sporting this piece for months to come.
Vibrant booties have made their way into my closet as I’ve already snagged some great basic pairs, so I’m ready for some fun (and yes, I have too many shoes, no judging).
When an outfit like this one needs a pop of colour I like to liven it up with footwear, and the kitten heel on this particular red suede pair ensures they’re comfortable for all-day wear. You could certainly also pair this dress with black, nude, or almost any shade of shoe (deep blue, green, or red tones) depending on what you’re comfortable in. Or choose to add colour with bright accessories like a purse instead.
You could certainly also pair this dress with black, nude, or almost any shade of shoe (deep blue, green, or red tones) depending on what you’re comfortable in. Or choose to add colour with bright accessories like a purse instead.
This shift dress is fitting for heels, boots, and even flats; talk about versatile! Not to mention, its forgiving shape works with my tiny baby bump.
As a finishing touch, I chose to accessorize this look with gold earrings, bracelets, and rings to play up the warm tones in the animal print. I didn’t choose a necklace as it would simply get lost amongst the busy pattern. Finally, the little black purse is detailed with gold studs as well so it matches my gold jewelry.
I chose to accessorize this look with gold earrings, bracelets, and rings to play up the warm tones in the animal print. I didn’t choose a necklace as it would simply get lost amongst the busy pattern.
The Floral Fashionista Outfit
This long sleeve maxi dress worn by Katrina is perfect for transitional months for a few reasons.
Dark florals can be worn year round, you read that right. Gone are the days when we limit our favourite flower patterns to spring and summer.
Florals can be worn year round, you read that right. Gone are the days when we limit our favourite flower patterns to spring and summer. Who remembers that scene in The Devil Wears Prada where Meryl Streep chastises the group and their “groundbreaking” suggestion of springtime florals? Yeah, let’s try to expand our thinking a little shall we?
In a darker palette florals are especially easy to wear as the temperatures drop and we tend to wear shades such as russet orange, olive, and burgundy – the earthy counterparts to our summertime favourites. Trust me, you’ll continue to see flowers on just about everything this season.
This piece also features long sleeves and a sheer bottom, which makes it that much more adaptable depending on how you want to wear it. The translucent fabric keeps things light when the temperatures peak in the afternoon but can also be layered with black tights underneath on cooler days. With the addition of a jacket and boots, a dress like this one can be worn throughout fall and even into early winter (depending on snow levels of course).
This piece also features long sleeves and a sheer bottom, which makes it that much more adaptable depending on how you want to wear it. The translucent fabric keeps things light when the temperatures peak in the afternoon but can also be layered with black tights underneath on cooler days.
The length and pattern of this dress are more conservative than my look and can be styled with a black or coloured blazer should you prefer. But, for a bit of an unexpected twist that transforms the look into evening wear in a snap, opt for a leather jacket with some interest. No, you don’t want to go overboard and channel your inner biker chick, but look for some subtle edgy details like buckles or studs as featured on this moto jacket. A black leather jacket is a staple investment piece in your closet, you’ll have it for years if you purchase one that’s well made. I love the way this one pairs as it works well with the dark print and creates a flattering silhouette at the waist.
A black leather jacket is a staple investment piece in your closet, you’ll have it for years if you purchase one that’s well made. I love the way this one pairs as it works well with the dark print and creates a flattering silhouette at the waist.
Finally, if you would like to add some colour but are not sure which to choose, the pattern you’re wearing holds the answer. I mean, even the wallet matches the dress with a practically identical print.
Black boots would work just as well for this look, but the wine coloured tone of this patent boot is also featured in the petals of the dress, so why not add a little colour? Katrina’s earrings also bring out the mustard yellow tones in the dress so you can easily get away with adding in another hue.
If you would like to add some colour but are not sure which to choose, the pattern you’re wearing holds the answer. The wine coloured tone of this patent boot is also featured in the petals of the dress, so why not add a little colour? Katrina’s earrings also bring out the mustard yellow tones in the dress so you can easily get away with adding in another hue.
Using the pattern to select corresponding shades creates a cohesive and pleasing overall look. If you’re not sure which colours go well together, this is one my favourite tricks in the book.
So, would you say you’re an edgy dresser who likes to push the envelope a little when it comes to your workwear, or do you prefer to keep it classic?
For many of us, I’m sure it depends on the day. Regardless of what side of the bed you woke up on that morning, your workwear needs to be flexible, long-lasting, and comfortable for all-day wear. Mixing and matching trendy and staple pieces is not only sensible, it also provides you with some creative options so you don’t get bored in the same uniform at the office.
With some know-how, one outfit can take you from day to night so make those after-hours plans and head out on the town with your friends. Just make sure you’re home in time for your beauty sleep.
Anna
My Favourite Dresses in the STRUCKBLOG Shop
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Le Chateau. Featured pieces were personally selected and styling provided by yours truly. All opinions and comments are my own. Thank you to friend and fabulous entrepreneur Katrina Kryza of Clothesline Co. for sharing your beautiful face and modeling skills with STRUCKBLOG readers.
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