Nylons? Closed Toe Shoes? Oh you have one of THOSE jobs...

So I have traded in my waitress job for a new "big girl" desk job. Although it has its ups and downs, I am really loving what I am doing.  But with every "big girl" job comes a couple more trades. The attire: business professional dress code. Traded in the short khaki shorts, polka dot matching tank tops, and t-shirts I once wore while waiting tables at the beach and adopted high heels, pencil skirts, and nylons (yes, I said nylons). At some point in your life you will have that one day where you have an interview, an internship, a business meeting or like me, a new job. You want people to take you seriously so where do you start? Your appearance. 


At first I will admit I was not looking forward to my new wardrobe. No tank tops, no capris or shorts, if I wear a dress, nylons must be worn, no open toed shoes, and the list continues forever. One lady even told me, "Oh you have one of THOSE jobs." Yes, yes I do. But slowly each day I am finding trendy ways to still be young, fashionable and expressive while still maintaining the business professional look. So I am going to provide you some helpful suggestions to being professional while still remaining stylish while you prepare for your next interview, internship or "big girl" job!


1. Blazers and suits are in and they are cute!
We've seen them on the runways and celebrities have been wearing them more frequently to achieve a sharp professional look. There are so many options when it comes to suits and blazers. The color, the cut, and the style can all make a complete difference in making you look trendy and not... well, old lady. But one thing about suits are that sometimes purchasing one is just as expensive as paying your rent! Advice? Mix and match your pieces. Take a blazer and match it with something you already have; a pair of slacks, a cute printed skirt or even some fun shorts (of appropriate length of course).

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1. Rock & Republic Embellished Linen Blazer Kohl's $56.00

2. 212 Collection Solid Blazer Kohl's $38.99

3. Rib Panel Bodycon Skirt Forever 21 $13.80

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4. Aqua Blazer - Shirred Sleeves Bloomingdale's $98.00

5. ULTIMATE DOUBLE WEAVE COLUMNIST PANT  Express $79.90

The Professional Dress
For me it has been a challenge. All of my dresses are above my knees, strapless, or cut a little too low for dress code standards. My first thought was that I was never going to wear a dress to work. It just wasn't going to happen especially when I have to wear nylons. But then that one sunny day came around and there was not a chance I was leaving in pants. I have even worn my strapless dresses with a cute cardigan or sweater. And I found they actually do make cute, fashionable, professional dresses. 


First, the dresses. 

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1. Sweet As Can Be Dress ModCloth $49.99

2. Floridian Flirtation Dress ModCloth $44.99

3. LC Lauren Conrad Butterfly Shirtdress Set Kohl's $47.60

4.  Eye to Eyelet Dress ModCloth $49.99

5. Belted Colorblock Dress Forever 21 $24.80

6. Sleeveless Patch Pocket Shirtdress Forever 21 $27.80

Now if you are like me and cannot wear strapless or have to have some sort of sleeve there are alternatives while still being able to be you!

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1. Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Colors Target $22.95

2. Mossimo Womens Lightweight Cardigan- Assorted Colors Target $24.99

3. Cardigan H&M $17.95

Now onto the shoes. This is the one area that allows you some creativity and fun, especially if you have a very strict dress code policy. First suggestion, invest in a comfortable pair of both black heels, and brown/nude as they can go with any outfit without much thought. If you are like me and have to do any kind of walking during the day you want to be comfortable but still look all business. Occasionally if I have a meeting or have to see someone important I wear heels, (makes you look more professional), but for the most part it is flats or low heels all the way.

Flats

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Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Color$22.9

1. Womens Mossimo Suopply Co. Ballet Flats Target $14.99

2. Peep Toe Flat Target $19.99

3. Petal Grosgrain Women's Classics TOM's $54.00

Heels

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1. Patent Pointed Toe Pump GoJane $14.95

2. JustFab Women’s Stefania - Taupe $59.99 

3. COLOR BLOCK SATIN PLATFORM PUMP Charlotte Russe $35.50

As much as everyone loves wearing their skinny jeans, hooded sweatshirts, and t-shirts sometimes life requires you to to dress for the real adult world. Your first impression is going to be the one to make the mark. Remember you can still look professional and liven up your business attire in a trendy, conservative manner. 

Stay classy,
<3 Elizabeth