Olivia Jeanette

Since I can remember, blazers  have been one of my favorite things to wear for work and play. While in college, I interned at the Missouri State Capitol and I was so excited to wear my new “work clothes”– now that I think about it, this is where my style took shape. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I’d drive down to Jefferson City sporting my brand new trousers and button down shirt from Express and felt like a million bucks! I loved waking up early, getting dressed up and going to a business setting. As I walked into the building, I vividly remember seeing all the lobbyists in their perfectly tailored suits and leather shoes. As a young adult, it was exhilarating to be a part of the action. This is also where I learned so much about politics and business, I’ll leave that story for another blog post. I will say, it was an insightful internship!

For years my style has been the same, mixing and matching my workwear and off-duty wardrobe. It’s given me a lot of mileage out of my clothing. This Banana Republic suit (sold as separates, here & here) is a good example of mixing my wardrobe. Everything but the shorts could be worn to work. Depending on our office dress code, open-toe sandals may or may not be work appropriate. The chained wallet bag is multifunctional, being used as a wallet and purse. If you’re heading to drinks with friends after work, throw this in your tote and you can use this while out. Do the thing we all do, throw our work bag on the ground or hang it under the bar counter!

Back to my original point, for years workwear has been viewed as a different wardrobe than the rest of women’s clothes. My friends always ask me to go through their closet and help them get rid of things.  We will be sifting through things and they’ll show me a faded black shirt and say “Oh, this is for work”. In my head, I’m thinking, If you wouldn’t wear it outside of work, why wear it to work where it can matter the most? Obviously some things are just not meant to worn to work, shoulder tops and ripped denim, I’m talking to you. But most things can be styled for any working girl’s schedule. It’s all about being creative with your wardrobe and sticking with basic pieces. Oh yes, lipstick and fun accessories also go a long way!

Banana Republic Blazer | Banana Republic Shorts | Banana Republic Bag | Cami NYC Top | Steve Madden Heels 20% off

xo, Olivia