Your career is arguably one of the biggest aspects of your life. And the long and the short of it is, you can't achieve your dreams when you don't show up for yourself. That includes the way you look.
No matter where you work, there's a rise in casual work environments these days.
It's long been proven that your wardrobe influences your attitude. This is why your everyday work style has a bigger impact on your career than you think. Even if you don't work in the corporate world, the past few years introduced a bevy of networking workshops, seminars, and conferences for almost every industry. It's no surprise that the wardrobe for these events mirrors that of the working world.
I would love to spend my mornings sipping coffee and catching up on the latest news instead of scrambling around my house picking the perfect yet effortless work look. Turns out, you don't need an endless closet to be stylish at work, especially in the world of smart casual.
Look 1: Denim + Blazer
Smart casual is an elevation of your everyday style and, for many, that includes denim. This is not only a fundamental piece of clothing when building a smart-casual wardrobe, but it's also extremely affordable. The versatile nature of denim makes it simple to mix it up by alternating combinations to create fresh looks effortlessly. This look offers the most comfort, flexibility, and sustainability. You can update this look over the seasons by adding or subtracting layers, playing with heavier or lighter fabrics, and adding the right seasonal footwear.
While style experts will tell you to stick to dark, non-distressed denim, personally I believe you can have a bit more fun. It has to be styled a bit differently (adding a more modest top to spice up the professionalism, for instance), a rule to keep in mind is less is more. You don't want to teeter the line too much.
Look 2: Midi Skirt + Loose-Fitting Top
The comeback of tea-length skirts and sneakers allow for an extra look in the smart causal box. This is a more polished look than the first one but it still allows for the same ease and comfort. You can reserve this look for a client meeting or out of office lunch; pair it with your favorite flats for that annual review you're prepping for. An essential aspect of pulling off this look is to dress it down. A chunky sweater, long-line cardigan, or loose-fitting tee is what categorizes this as smart casual. Don't overdo it and risk losing the "casual" part.
Look 3: Cigarette Pants + Loose-Fitting Tee
The most polished of the looks, this is a fan favorite for the constant meeting-goer. In reality, this would be completely "business" if not for the loose and relaxed fit of the cigarette pants. Since it means an athletic silhouette, there's a sense of ease and comfort that accompanies the style. Like the prior look, you can dress this down to make it even chicer. Instead of flats, opt for white sneakers or loafers. This adds fun and a bit of mystery, having your coworkers asking, "Who is that impeccably styled woman?"
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Featured image by Tom Foltz
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RELATED
As we transition from summer to fall, there’s no need to spend too many coins curating a brand new seasonal wardrobe, especially in this economy. Instead of shopping targeted ads, we interviewed fashion-forward influencers to spark our imagination and gather insight on what they’re already wearing leading into the upcoming season. Keep scrolling to get the scoop on essential items these fashion-forward women are looking forward to wearing this fall.
Helecia Williams, Houston
Comfort
Helecia’s style in three words: “Structured, bold, and explorative.”
Helecia’s outfit inspiration: “I am most interested in comfort as a trend. I am truly enjoying the mix of flats with elevated outfits and the incorporation of street-style elements into the looks. I have seen so much juxtaposition that makes the outfits interesting and intriguing. I love the pairing of fitted caps with [suits] and ballet flats. That mashup is impeccable, and we saw some of that peeking through last fall, and now it's taken on a life of its own.
"As a sneaker lover and comfort sneakers, bringing back flats is just a reimagination of past trends with a fresh twist.”
What color(s) is on Helecia’s fall mood board: “Hands down, red! It's such a bold and bossy color. Now, we see it becoming much more accessible in fashion and realize how easy it is to style and incorporate into a look for that extra pop. It also pairs well with so many other shades and tones. Some of my favorite combos are red and burgundy, red and yellow, and red and brown. Even if you aren't fully convinced that it's the color of the season and still have reservations about it, you can go classic and incorporate it in an accessory or makeup like a red lip.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? “I will be returning and recycling all of my 2023 fall wardrobe and just styling it differently or giving it new life. Despite my love for trends, I've curated a wardrobe that I love so I will mix the old in with the new. And not to toot my own horn but a lot of my fashion moments are ahead of the times and still very relevant for this upcoming fall. Expect to see tons of texture, juxtaposition, unexpected color combos, and street style.”
How Helecia is accessorizing this season: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is bold jewelry, particularly in gold. I've realized that accessories can do wonders, and the Schiaparelli era has me shook. I am a ‘Stan’ of Shop Khoi, a Black-owned jewelry brand that creates some of the most amazing, high-quality fashion jewelry. It just sets off any outfit no matter how simple it may be and easily becomes a conversation piece.”
Courtney Blackwell, New York City
Courtney’s style in three words: “Vintage, oversize, and sexy.”
Courtney’s most anticipated fall fashion items: “The fashion item I am anticipating wearing is vintage leather in all colors!”
Courtney's color picks for fall: “Cherry reds, forest greens, and different shades of gray.”
The trend that has Courtney in a chokehold this season: “Skirts! I’ve never been a skirt girly, well mini skirts girly, but I think I’m going to step it up with the minis this fall.”
Shaniqua Jordan, New York City
Timeless
Shaniqua’s personal styling tip for fall: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is any oversized outerwear piece, especially oversized blazers. And as basic as it may sound, I can't get enough of them. They instantly elevate any look, and they're so versatile, whether I'm going for a polished vibe or something more casual. Plus, they are perfect for layering as the weather cools down.
"I know most people wouldn't typically opt for suede, but if you've been following my style, you know I'm all about my outerwear. I love adding texture to my looks, even if it's subtle, and a good suede jacket does that for me. The soft texture and rich hues of suede add that cherry on top for any fall look. Whether I'm rocking a bomber style in a jewel tone or a tailored trench in a neutral shade, a suede jacket is one piece I'm looking forward to wearing to elevate my fall wardrobe.”
These colors are all over Shaniqua’s fall mood board: “The colors on my fall mood board are rich earth tones like deep browns and olive greens paired with classic neutrals like camel and cream. I'd like to throw in a pop of butter yellow. I know it might seem more spring-like, but I love how it pairs with deep browns, oxblood, and even grays. It's the perfect way to brighten up those cozy, moody fall vibes. I'm also loving pops of bold jewel tones like emerald and burgundy to add a bit of luxe to the season. These shades give that cozy yet elevated feel I'm always aiming for in my fall wardrobe.”
Shaniqua describes her fall wardrobe in three words: “If I describe my fall wardrobe in three words, they would be chic, layered, and timeless. I love combining unique pieces with a classic touch, creating looks that stand out without trying too hard. It's all about finding that perfect balance between staying true to timeless fashion and adding my own signature flair.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? "I am definitely an outfit repeater, so not only will I bring back pieces from my 2023 fall wardrobe, but I also have so many oldies but goodies that I’ll be incorporating into my fall 2024 looks. I think that's what really helps convey my personal style; buying pieces I genuinely love and being able to work them into my style season after season. It's all about longevity and staying true to what I love."
Alasia Allen, Los Angeles
Provocative
Alasia describes her style in three words: “Opulent, sleek, provocative.”
The fashion item Alasia anticipates wearing the most this fall: “I’m really into gloves this season. Whether it’s biker style or long, sleek, leather gloves, they add an interesting take to a fall look.”
The fall colors catching Alasia’s eye: “I’m loving navy or a super deep purple this season so I’ll be adding those into my wardrobe. They’re both so sophisticated and a good alternative to black.”
The fall staple Alaisa plans to bring back from her 2023 wardrobe: “Every year, I wear a shearling coat. It’s timeless, it’s warm, it’s my thing. There’s something very elevating about shearlings that have drawn to me year after year, and that’s what makes them my favorite style of outwear.”
The accessory that has Alasia in a chokehold this season: “Boots. I love a good boot as my go-to accessory for the fall/winter season. My favorites are boots that have a little flair to them and an interesting shape.”
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