A reader named Anne wrote in to request “`Grownup’ clothes for those of us in arty/casual professions that don’t cost a million dollars. I’m a comedy writer/professor/director and I’ve started doing a bunch of keynotes, Ted Talky presentations, and panels. I’m happy with my normal funky jeans, button down, and boots aesthetic but in the clothes for these kinds of events I feel frumpy and some combination of under or over dressed.” I only ever worked in casual-ish workplaces, so I feel I’m in a good position to advise here, but on the other hand it’s been eight years since I stepped foot in an office, so there’s also that. In any case, I feel like a cool blazer in an unexpected color is a nice place to start.
And a corduroy blazer is excellent for dressing up or down..
Plaid pants are so snappy, and look especially good with a crisp white button-down. If your office is especially arty/low-key, you might be able to get away with these too.
Leather trousers won’t work for every office, but I often throw mine on with a blazer if I’ve got a big meeting. This pair is the cheapest I’ve seen lately.
The striping on these trousers is just subtle enough to make them really wearable.
I like the idea of a leopard print pencil skirt worn with anything from a white tee to a black silk blouse, depending on how dressy you need to play it.
This leather skirt is not exactly cheap, but it’s pretty well-priced for what it is, and is the kind of piece you put on and instantly feel more confident.
I very much like the touch of hardware on this easy A-line skirt.
As for tops, here is where you can have a little fun and inject some personality into your outfit. The tuxedo ruffles on this blouse are pretty fun.
And I love the abstract print and pretty neckline on this top.
This is quite elegant, and just the tiniest bit sexy.
Just a good green floral on a very versatile button-down.
I’d throw this floral top on under a blazer.
A grey sweater would be aces with a skinny pencil skirt.
A cashmere cardigan might not be the most exciting item in your wardrobe, but you will reach for it repeatedly, and this one comes in a multitude of colors.
This yellow dress is very day-to-evening.
I like that this striped dress is fitted up top, but then flowy at the bottom—very flattering.
I’d leave the neck tie untied on this pretty jersey dress.
My stalking of leather skirts/pants online is now validated and I dig that green blazer!
Thanks!
This post is **aces**. Such good stuff. I work as a creative director and this is just the kind of stuff I gravitate to. On the pricier end I also love most things from Philip Lim and Humanoid. Funky, stylish, and stand out pieces. I’m trying to resist clicking through on so many of these pieces! I will fail. 🙂
Hi! Could you pretty please do some kind of piece on sweater/midi dresses that aren’t boring? I adore the Eliza J Navy striped Midi one you posted in this article but it only comes in an XXL and it’s impossible to find a dupe other than the Proenza Schouler one for $900.00!
I’d love to see a piece on clothes that are attractive on large-breasted women. I agree with commenters that it can be a problem looking sharp but not dumpy
I’d love to see a piece on clothes that are attractive on large-breasted women. I agree with commenters that it can be a problem looking sharp but not dumpy
The blazer comes up the A-line skirt when the link is clicked.
Link fixed! Thanks for the heads up.
What a great selection! I have a part-time job, so I really like that so many can go office-appropriate to more casual. Love that leopard print pencil skirt and the gray-and-black striped pants.
I identify with what Anne wrote, and feel like the trick I can’t quite master re grown-up clothing is finding items that are unique in some way (structure, color, texture). I’m drawn to images like this https://www.bishopikediblog.com/2018/09/icon-of-change-chimamanda-adichie.html and this https://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/authors/harvey-cig/
recently but don’t know how to replicate them. Especially affordably.
I’m the Anne who wrote in and this is so much of what I struggle with – something that feels “interesting or unique” but isn’t a zillion dollars (I especially like your second link).
The newsletter popup keeps popping up and won’t go away. Sadly, I can no longer read your website.
Nora
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The answer to this kind of question always seems to involve blazers, which I understand that fashionable people love, but I can only imagine that’s because fashionable people tend to be, if not skinny, at least small-chested.
I’m an aggressively medium-sized person with a 32 DD bust and the advice to “throw on a blazer” to instantly make myself look put-together is laughable because throwing on a blazer — no matter how expensive, or how well-chosen the rest of the outfit — instantly makes me look frumpy and uncool.
Anyway, this is all to say that a few years ago I discovered IRO’s jackets, which come in several different non-blazery cuts and give a polished, blazer-like illusion (with the requisite cool-looking underlayer) while somehow not doing whatever it is that blazers do to me — they’re not cheap new, but are often on The RealReal, The Outnet, etc. Just a suggestion for other blazer-haters out there!
Heather, I feel your pain. I’m 5’8 with linebacker shoulders and 34DDD . bust, but I LOVE blazers and wear them all the time. Here’s the secret: softer drape-y fabrics, single breasted only, longer lengths, no boxy cuts or staff lapels. Here’s a good example of the cut/fabric that works: https://www.zara.com/us/en/crepe-blazer-p08316778.html?v1=7561006&v2=1074648
stiff lapels, not staff
I agree! I’m 5’8″ with a 34D chest and Shoulders with a capital S. Un-blazer-y blazers work way better than anything in a traditional shape. Lapels just don’t lay properly.