I’m an avid believer of dressing for success. Before I had completed high school, I had already worked at multiple part time office jobs, and for a long time, I had the mentality that you should dress where and who you wanted to be, and I wanted to be taken seriously at work. If people were going to talk about me at work, I wanted it to be positive – my attitude, my drive, my willingness to learn, great work ethic or even my office style. I admit that I didn’t always “get it” when it came to dressing appropriately at work, but with age, i’ve definitely gotten smarter about it, and I wanted to share my 3 tips on how to add a little fun and inject more personality in a work outfit without crossing the professional boundaries.
Add a Stylish and Fun Accessory
When you’re at work, you’re hardly carrying around your bag. If you live in a cold city and take transit to work, you’ve probably worn sneakers or unflattering boots to trudge through the downpour at some point, and then change into those really nice shoes that bring back that classic touch. Here, I am wearing a ruffle bucket bag that I’d add to an outfit at night. Not everyone drives to work and can swap out their bag, so I’ve included other really beautiful and classic fun ones you can wear. I’ve added some great selections below.
Bag available here.
Elevating a Classic Piece
Embellishments and embroideries are all very trendy right now, but not always the most practical for work. If you’ve seen my posts, you know I have had an obsession with pearls for a really long time, and I’ve started showing more and more of those pearl embellishments since last October. Here, I’ve worn a beautiful pair of wide leg trousers with pearl on the side. These touches are really elegant and work appropriate when they’re on a really classic cut. Ask yourself if you would wear this silhouette without the embellishments to work, and if you would, those bits of details can really elevate your outfit. Just don’t wear embellishments on your multiple pieces at once; street style isn’t meant for the office unless you work in fashion.
You can get the pearly trousers here, and similar here and here. Other great options below:
Incorporate Trends in a Practical Way
When you think of a safe and classic work outfit, we often think of a suit, or dress shirt and slacks – maybe even a white blouse and a pencil skirt, am I right? Take a classic silhouette and elevate the look by incorporating a trend in small dosage, ensuring it looks streamlined.
You have all seem my embroidered lace up heels I’ve worn here. They’d be great with a tailored jacket and skirt or slacks.
Here, I’ve paired a white shirt with full sleeves, which still allows you to move around fluidly and not get in the way of your work. It’s not overworked and has some slight eyelet and sleeve detail. I’ve linked various options for tops perfect at the office at all price points below.
Remember, wear what you truly love. You can dress comfortably without sacrificing your personality or style! I hope you enjoyed this post. If you like this outfit, shop the look at the links listed above.
For more inspiration on style and travel, follow me on Bloglovin♥, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list for special announcements and exclusive content.
Xo,
Miki
Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.
I looooove your top!! I’m a sucker for anything lace! And those statement sleeves! I like how you paired it with those wide leg trousers giving it a borrowed from the boys feel instead of being overly girly.
Cheers
Diana
http://www.seaofblush.com
Your look is perfect! The statement sleeves and scalloped hem really make this top stunning!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
I love these pants and the side details are fabulous. The sleeves of this top are too pretty and I love the ties too. And can we talk about this gorgeous statement bag?! Such a well put together look and very chic! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Chic and elegant dear! Love those trousers! xx
Coco and Jeans By Marisa
These are all great tips! I love the idea of incorporating a trendy bag into your outfit – you’re totally right about no one really seeing it in the office. There’s definitely an art and practicality in finding outfits you can wear to work as well as when you leave the office, and it’s one I’m also trying to master. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Ciara
http://www.ciarasalloum.com
You look stunning! I love your look, it’s so chic.
Stay in Style
Karen @ Lookbook Store WordPress
Oh my goodness, that bag! Absolute love.
http://www.thecaramelchronicles.com
Oh these are cool tips, I also work in a corporate environment where I have to think extra careful of what to wear fashionably at the same time professionally. You’re showing that we can still do both. Love your cute bag and hip trousers.
http://www.busyandfab.com
I love your top so much, what great tips babe!! I’m actually looking to revamp my work wardrobe!!
xo-Nina
http://www.ninalnguyen.com/2017/04/neutrals.html
I’m obsessed with your ruffle sleeves doll. You look stunning and flawless!
Have a wonderful week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
I love this post because I can relate with it so much. I remember making some office wear mistakes and it makes me smile when I remember it:) But older, wiser, I totally agree with your approach. I love love love the pants and the bag, you really look like CEO of some fashion brand:)
kisses babe, hope you are well!
Sharka
http://www.thechicvibe.com
Great tips and I’m in love with this look! That bag is stunning!
Bella x
https://bellasfashionjournal.com
Babe!! Absolutely love this look so much! Head to toe perfection and that bag is TDF!!! How cute is it!!!
xxx
Ashley
http://www.missgunner.com
You look so classy in your office/work clothes. I’m particularly in love with the design of your bag.. it’s so unique and unlike any bag I’ve ever seen before.
BLOG | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM
It’s great how practical you are while still looking completely stylish & put together!
TFM BLOG
Miki this look is so perfect head to toe and is totally office appropriate. You always inspire me, I wasn’t sure about embellished trousers before I saw your outfit. But I honestly love how you’ve styled them and the side details are so perfect :). And can we talk about your sleeves, I seriously cannot get enough of statement tops and your one is so pretty. Finally, your bag is the perfect touch to complete this look, it’s such a fun piece 🙂
xxx
Sarah
http://sarahatiq.com/
You look great. I’m in love with your pants!
xx, Cinthy Kwok
You have a great attitude this is so true. And this is how you succeed too. Plus girl you got great style. And excellent tips as well!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
It sounds like you were so mature for your age back in HS to have such an awesome and driven mindset, girl! I agree, we should definitely look and act the part of the position we wish to have and you look absolutely beautiful and so chic and elegant. I love the pear trousers, which fit you amazingly well and that bag is so pretty and unique. I also love the tips you’ve shared on making slight updates to classics to help elevate an office look. Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
SUCH GREAT TIPS. I couldn’t agree more with dressing for success and “dressing for the job you want, not the job you have.” When you work a 9-to-5 it’s sooooo important to look put together and professional. Loved this post and your fantastic tips.
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
I have the chance to be able to wear what I want at work, but I agree that sometimes it might not always easy to bring your outfit “to the next level”, when you have boundaries.
Anyway, I really like your 3 ideas! 🙂
Have a nice day!
These are great tips and I couldn’t agree with you more. My mom always to taught me to always look your best when you leave your house and dress appropriately for success. Your pearl pants are amazing and they look so chic paired with your white blouse. And the details really elevates this whole look. Thanks for sharing your tips. Hope you’re having a great week so far.
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
These are a collection of such great tips babe! I’ll definitely be keeping these tips in mind the next time I’m dressing for a meeting 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing girlie!
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/white-ruffles-and-tie-dye/
I always need workday inspo when it comes to styling. For some reason I get lazy when it comes to dressing for work but definitely want to improve on that. I love your idea on incorporating trends in practical ways. Some fashion trends are super impractical or inappropriate for the workplace so I have to be extra cautious sometimes.
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Love the combo! xoxo
These tips are really useful and I had no idea you had so many jobs before even finishing high school! Love a hard working girl :)! Also adore the silhouette you created with the wide leg pants, and yes those pearl details really added that little something that made the whole outfit stand out. It’s always fun playing with classic pieces that have a fresh twist. Have a nice weekend! xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
I used to think office wear was too stuffy, and since I never worked in a real office environment I never knew how stylish it can be! you look amazing!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Gorgeous outfit, love the bag!
http://bellemelange.net/
Love those sleeves! Happy weekend babe! x
http://www.fromluxewithlove.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/from-luxe-with-love-14590195
Love your style!
http://changeable-style.com
Those flared pants are gorgeous! I totally agree about dressing for success xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
I love love love your trousers, I’m so scared to wear anything close to them though. Since I’m really short, I’m scared of making myself look shorter than I really am
http://www.thelushstyles.com/
I love the outfit, especially the top!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
This truly is a classy look.. Something I’d wear!
Great post as usual.
This top is stunning! I am obsessed with those bell sleeves!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
This bag is completely gorgeous girl, you look stunning and super chic!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Love the bell sleeves look for work!
I’m pretty unimaginative when it comes to work wear so having some tips like these are so helpful!
Xx
Siree
The Hidden Thimble
http://www.thehiddenthimble.com
Such awesome tips!
And I love the outfit, the pants are awesome and the bag is absolutely exquisite!:D
http://thewonderfashion.blogspot.com
wow you looks so stunning!! love your pants and purse so much <3
xx,
http://www.liviapangdoko.com
Love this bag!! Such an amazing design.
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
OMG that bag is so gorgeous. Love it. The look is just perfect.
Check my Work wear series here : http://www.vivaciouswish.com/2017/05/03/work-wednesday-ii/
Vaishali
Omg that bag is just to die for! You always pick the cutest, most unique pieces and I love that about you & your style Miki! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/top-3-toms-shoes-season/
@stylelullaby
Omg, I am obsessed with your bag, such an it piece 😉
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
beautiful shirt <3
xxPamolina
http://www.pamolina.com
I am loving this whole look hun, great tips too 🙂 xx
You are definitely dressed for success. Thank you for sharing all those helpful tips on updating classics pieces to help elevate an office look. Those pants and blouse are a perfect combo. The details on the pants are fabulous. Your bag is such a unique and stunning pieces.
Xx
Nikki
http://www.nikkilivinglife.com
#girlboss and my professional goal setter! Definitely agree with incorporating trends in a practical way is a fun way to stay on trend and still be ready ro meetings!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/05/10/Peachy-Keen-Sweater-Review-with-Inu-Inu
I am in love with your bag so much, I don’t think I’ve seen anything so pretty 🙂
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
My Instagram | Instagramr
Such great tips and such a great look! You look stunning and I love that bag!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
love your advises!
The Fashion Matters– Travel & Fashion Blog
Great look and tips my dear Miki! This is a perfect outfit for work, with the perfect fashionable touches like the pearls on your jeans! I always get anxious when I have to dress for work, but I am working on it and actually your tips make me realise it’s much easier and fun than I always though 🙂
Thanks for sharing, hope you have already unpacked hihi!
Love,
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Those pants r everything!!! SOOO SOOO COOL! Love how nautical they are and the white buttons on them rock!
kisses
xoBeckerman Girls
http://www.BeckermanBlog.com
Been looking for these pants everywhere, they look amazing on you!
Thanks so much for the inspiration Miki!
Love from https://tbymallano.com/
I love the detail on your pants. And those bell sleeves bring a lot of drama to this look, just the right amount though!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
These are great tips, almost making me wish I had a corporate type job I could dress up more for. Almost hehehe.
Sxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
This is absolutely gorgeous – such a beautiful outfit!! 🙂
I love this – hope you’re well and having a wonderful week!
Layla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
OH MY GOODNESS! I’m drooling over the top and pant. They are so PERFECT for work wear. Thanks for this amazing post, Girl. ^_^
Love,
Manavi
http://www.beforbeauty.com
you look super stylish in the work ensemble!
xoxo
style frontier
Beautiful! Those pants!! Your top!! That BAG!! Gorgeous!!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
This look is so gorgeous! I love your sleeves and ruffle bag! They make such a great combo! 🙂
xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/styling-silky-textures/
What a fantastic look, your ruffle bag is so quirky and suits you ever so nicely!
You look gorgeous!
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Those statement sleeves are just gorge! Love how you put your looks together. Great combo 🙂
♥Kumari
http://stylesociety.co.za