Incorporate Your Personal Style into Your Work Wardrobe // Wear to Work #3 + Giveaway!

When I think workwear, I immediately think traditional. And with that comes wanting to stand out. I think the biggest aversion I have to traditional wear to work looks is the lack of personality. I’m sure you know what I mean; work outfits can become quite formulaic, with little choice in color (predominately black, white, gray, and navy) and limited pattern options.

Fortunately for me, my career path doesn’t force me into owning a traditional work wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean that I completely avoid those options in my closet. I definitely have my share of button ups, knee-length skirts and dresses, and trouser pants. What I do with them, however, is infuse my personal style into the outfits I create with them to prevent them from looking stodgy or corporate.

What I’m Wearing

Coat: Vintage Velvet Coat, Thrifted from Value Village {similar under $100, similar under $200}
Dress: Free People Retro Love Dress {similar style under $35, similar style under $60}
Tights: Berkshire Cozy Hose Tights
Boots: Steve Madden Pistol Booties {similar under $40}
Bracelet: Beige + Gold Chain Wrap Bracelet c/o Victoria Emerson
Cocktail Ring: Vintage, Thrifted from Seattle Goodwill {similar under $20}
Stone Ring: H+M {similar ring set under $7}
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel in Dark Cherry {on sale for less than $200!}

Photos by Megan of Diary of This Girl

When I was thinking about this wear to work series, I really wanted to focus on button ups. I personally am not a fan of them for the most part. Being petite yet busty means that most of the ones that I’ve owned have gaped in all the wrong places and leave me feeling uncomfortable. Fortunately, I’ve found some that work for me, like this throwback from the Phillip Lim for Target Collection. It’s traditional tops with a funky edge like this one that help me feel like myself when styling a more office appropriate look.

Pick patterns and colors that reflect your personality

For me, this top is an excellent example of how to infuse your personal style into your workwear. The pattern is unique and bold, yet still is professional enough to not be inappropriate for work. The material is thinner and has a silky feel, so it doesn’t feel too structured or formal. The colors are neutrals, yet the pops of color in this blouse give it life.

When combined with this suede dress, it feels girly and feminine, but not revealing or inappropriate. Plus, this outfit works great for a wide variety of occassions, and you’ll often find me wearing something similar at events or for a date night. ;)

Restyle pieces that aren’t traditional work wear to make them office appropriate

The biggest thing I’ve learned in my career journey is that most wardrobe pieces can be restyled to be appropriate for the office. Okay, okay, maybe not your slinky bodycon clubbing gear, but dresses and skirts of appropriate length can always be worn with tights or sheers to keep them conservative. Sleeveless dresses or low cut tops can be styled with turtlenecks, button ups, or nicer long sleeved tops to keep things modest.

Put a texture on it

My favorite way to infuse my personal style into my work outfits is with texture. Mixing textures in an outfit can be a simple yet powerful way to add interest to an otherwise plain outfit. This velvet jacket that I thrifted recently from Value Village is a perfect example of that. Its mid-length is appropriate for the office yet it’s texture and color make it stand out from the rest.

The suede dress also adds a textural element to the outfit. Despite it being a traditional cut, the texture gives the dress a different feel than if it were just a plain cotton. The color definitely helps make the outfit pop too! ;)

Don’t forget the accessories

The absolute easiest way to give your outfit a personal flair is through accessorizing. Whether that means a patterned scarf, wrap bracelet, or a fun headband, the options for accessories are endless. My wrap bracelet from Victoria Emerson is a style staple that not only goes with everything, but also comes in a wide range of color combinations to fit a wide range of styles. My gold rings pair well with my bracelet without being too matchy-matchy and help to make this outfit feel like my own. Oh, and can’t forget a good handbag! My Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel fits everything plus some, and is a chic alternative to a briefcase or laptop bag.

I hope these simple tips will help you not only discover what makes your style your own, but also help you give a personal flair into your work outfits. Dressing for the office can be dull, but with a few tweaks, can be a lot more fun!

Oh, and I also picked up an extra Victoria Emerson bracelet for one of you! If you’d like to enter to win, you can do so below! One lucky winner will win a wrap bracelet with smoked white agate + champagne crystals. Open worldwide, and will end on 2/20 at midnight EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How do you infuse your personal style into your work outfits? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!