Working Woman

When I graduated from college and got my first job, my first thought was, “Oh! But what am I going to wear?!” I remember stressing out about work outfits and telling my mom that we had to go shopping right away. Since last summer, I’ve been able to slowly build up my work wardrobe as I figured out the “do’s and don’ts” of office attire. And you know what? Corporate wear doesn’t have to be plain and drab. Dressing for work can actually be fun!

I’ve discovered that you can dress up a plain black pencil skirt with fun accessories and pops of color. The quickest way to make a black dress uber chic? Leopard print heels. Want to make a statement? Printed pants are the way to go.
Here’s an example of a simple outfit fit suitable for any working girl!

This printed blouse from J.Crew is so fun but also very tasteful, and is the perfect partner for this black pencil skirt. And I LOVE the blouse paired with the pearl necklace! 
Another work essential is the minnie pant from J.Crew! These are seriously the PERFECT pants for work. They are a little shorter – mine fall just above my ankles – and work perfectly with any type of blouse or pair of shoes. Another work essential is a watch – working women constantly need to know what time it is for all those meetings!
necklace / silk top / minnie pant / watch / bag / shoes

Another piece of advice? No matter if you have been working fifty years or it’s your first internship, remember this:

Even if you are an intern, dress as if you work for the company already! Dressing the part demonstrates that you are committed to the job and the company. Dressing professionally also conveys that you are a professional. Wearing clothing that is too casual, too tight or shows too much skin does not portray you as the dedicated, hardworking woman that you want to be perceived as.

On a completely different note… you may notice a (big) difference in these photos… my hair! For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I have “gone to the dark side” haha. I was tired of the natural ombre and wanted my hair to be all the same color of the brown. It is quite a bit darker than I was expecting, but I’m hoping it will fade after a few washes!

Love, Cait

Leave a Comment

38 Comments

  1. I love this post! I'll be applying for internships this year and am always looking for good pieces to wear to interviews and future opportunities ๐Ÿ™‚
    Great post as always, Cait ๐Ÿ™‚
    xx

    Meggie
    meggiejuly.blogspot.ca

    8.25.13Reply
  2. I love love love this!! I am going shopping soon so I am currently on the market for some new clothes. Thanks so much for posting!

    <3, Charlotte

    8.25.13Reply
  3. Really chic and elegant! That blouse is a delight!

    <3
    https://zazzish.blogspot.com/

    8.25.13Reply
  4. This outfit is perfection! Your hair looks great, it will definitely lighten up after a few washes ๐Ÿ™‚

    xx
    Megan
    IG: megawat
    http://hellonewlywedlife.blogspot.com/

    8.25.13Reply
  5. This is a gorgeous work look, Cait! That blouse is so unique and fun – perfect for jazzing up a classic pencil skirt ๐Ÿ™‚
    And your hair looks amazing!
    -Carley
    xx

    8.26.13Reply
  6. I am loving the hair! It will of course lighten up but I think it looks good on you. I love this post. I am still working on building my wardrobe but like you it is getting there!

    8.26.13Reply
  7. Your blouse is super cute! I love the print. I also couldn't agree more about Minnie pants – they're the perfect pants!

    SHF
    thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com

    8.26.13Reply
  8. you own my heart

    8.26.13Reply
  9. Dressing for work is really important for me too! I have accepted the fact that even through I'm a professor, and most professors dress pretty casually, I can't – because then I just look like one of my students! Accessories are so key too!

    I'm also on the lookout for a great watch – our classrooms don't have clocks, ha

    jess
    Quaintrelle

    8.26.13Reply
  10. Great tips for a collage girl entering the workforce! Adding 1 fun accessory can spice up a simple outfit. And your hair looks beautiful!! Then again, I'm pretty sure you could look stunning even if you shaved your head.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.com

    8.26.13Reply
  11. I love this. I am always looking for ways to expand my wardrobe for work. Your new color looks beautiful!

    8.26.13Reply
  12. Great post! I completely agree about Minnie pants–I stocked up during graduate school, and I wear them so much for work. I second watches, too!

    8.26.13Reply
  13. love the top! ๐Ÿ™‚
    kw ladies in navy

    8.26.13Reply
  14. My work environment is casual (but we still must look put together), so I always forget that people have a more professional dress code for work. Love all the outfit suggestions and of course your dark hair! I noticed right away that something was different!

    – Kaitlyn

    Boardwalks & Boulevards

    8.26.13Reply
  15. OMG what a pretty Bracelets. Thanks for sharing.
    Cheap Bracelets

    8.26.13Reply
  16. Your hair looks great! And it will fade a bit I'm sure!

    8.26.13Reply
  17. Love your hair!! So pretty! You look great! ๐Ÿ™‚

    8.26.13Reply
  18. Love the statement necklace! You look great in your pics & great outfit!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.blogspot.com

    8.26.13Reply
  19. Your hair looks great! The color is perfect for fall!

    I'm loving your pretty pearl necklace, too!

    8.26.13Reply
  20. Love the look…and your darker hair!

    XOXO Jess

    http://www.fashionlifeofmarlowe.blogspot.com

    8.26.13Reply
  21. Love both looks. I am quite the fan of pencil skirts and the J. Crew Minnie pants! And I am definitely a believer in dressing for the job you want.

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

    8.26.13Reply
  22. Beautiful!! Thaks for the ideas!!!

    Xoxo!

    8.26.13Reply
  23. I have like, seven pairs of Minnies and I basically wear them every day of my life (that isn't a weekend). I don't know how I would dress for work without them!

    xoxo Julie

    The Jort Report

    8.26.13Reply
  24. You look gorgeous! Stop by my blog if you want any work ideas! ๐Ÿ™‚

    xo
    Mel
    I Pink i Love You

    8.26.13Reply
  25. I think it looks for very fallish and pretty! I wear minnie pants constantly to work! Thank god my office is creative/casual, allows for so much more flexibility!

    8.26.13Reply
  26. The darker hair looks great!

    8.26.13Reply
  27. Love this idea! Thanks Caitlin! I'd love to see a similar post with advice for students! I started my freshman year of college a week ago today, and would love to hear your thoughts on school style!

    Much love,
    Caitlin

    8.26.13Reply
  28. Anonymous

    I love how you took black and navy which people are usually leery of pairing together and totally made it work! PS your new hair color looks great!!

    -aPn
    lifeinlilly.blogspot.com

    8.26.13Reply
  29. thank you so much for the tips! love your new hair!

    xx

    bellesinbows.com

    8.26.13Reply
  30. I've always had a lot of fun dressing up for work.

    8.26.13Reply
  31. Love the hair and the outfit! I remember being so confused by office wear, especially business casual for my job. These tips work great for any office setting.

    8.27.13Reply
  32. I love the top!! It's so versatile…from work to play ๐Ÿ™‚
    Your makeup looks absolutely flawless.
    Very beautiful ๐Ÿ™‚
    XOXO

    8.27.13Reply
  33. Such a great work look and I agree that you should always dress for the job you want.

    http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com

    8.27.13Reply
  34. Your new hair is BEAUTIFUL!

    xoxo,
    Chelsea & The City

    8.27.13Reply
  35. Stunning outfit, that blouse is so cool! โ™ฅ

    8.28.13Reply
  36. I really like what you said about dressing for the job that you want. I think this is good advice and will help out young those just starting out to gradually build up a professional wardrobe so they don't end up in a position where they suddenly need professional clothing but only have casual clothes! It's always a confidence boost when you feel good about how you're dressed. Great outfit ideas! ๐Ÿ™‚

    8.29.13Reply
  37. Nice post… Buy Pencil Skirts for Women online from Ebay. we are the fastest growing fashion retailer in uk. our prices is better then market. Buy now and get free delivery in Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom location.

    9.18.13Reply