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8/6/12

Business or Casual? Tips for City Office Attire...

Hi everyone!

I have to say I missed you guys so much! I was hoping to get some blogging time in while I was away but those crazy New Yorkers party way too much and way too late. Honestly, I did not get back to my hotel room until AFTER midnight each night - I can't even remember staying out that late here in SD!

Anyway, it was a fun, but exhausting trip and I am so glad to be back on the slower paced, early night schedule of So Cal.

Before my trip, I was a little worried about what to wear to my new office. I heard it was "business casual" but really, what exactly IS business casual these days? I have always stayed on the "it's better to be overdressed than under dressed" side of things so I made sure to pack a lot of pencil skirts, blouses and heels.

To my surprise, "casual" seemed to be outweigh "business" in not only my office, but the NY streets as well. I saw a lot of sun dresses, flip flops, skinny jeans and tank tops; even on the high level executives. I felt a tad overdressed but I did get a few compliments on my outfits so I think I was OK.

During my week, I learned a few key things about dressing for work in New York City...

1. ALWAYS bring a flat pair of shoes (flip flops, flats, sneakers, etc). You will be walking everywhere and if you don't bring anything else, you will end up with HOLES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEELS. No joke...I think I have scars for the rest of my life. Speaking of flats...I just got these babies. Cute right??

Glitter Pointed Toe Ballet Flats from Forever 21

2. Dress in layers. NY heat/humidity in the summer can be brutal and the air conditioning can literally freeze you to death. OK, not literally, as I obviously did not die but there were a couple times I thought I was close!

3. Think of day-to-night outfits. Many work days in NY start as work but end in a fun night out. Try to plan your outfit to go from day to night by bringing a different top, some fun jewelry or killer (non-office) heels. Keep those flats handy for walking, though (see #1)

Here is one of my day to night outfits. The cardigan was perfect for the office and the gold accessories were great for a little sparkle at night!

Coral Skinny Jeans, Asymmetrical top, Platform Shoes, Black
H&M Asymmetrical Tank // J Crew Black Cardigan & Gold Necklace 
(mine is a knockoff from So Good Jewelry (shhh!) // Coral Skinny Jeans (these are fab btw!) // 

4. Bring a small purse if you also have a work bag. I had a BIG purse and a BIG work bag. Having both at the restaurants and bars we went to after work was not fun!

5. Be observant. Find a style inspiration and try to mimic them. Now, don't go out and buy the exact same shirt as a co-worker (that could get weird) but be influenced by their overall style. If your boss is always dressing up, you probably should be too. If your CEO runs around in flip flops - you probably could get away with it too, but you might want to keep those stashed for the walk home (see #1)

To make sure I had the right pieces before my trip, I hit up J Crew and H&M to get some basics. I love mixing pricey items (ahem...J Crew) and affordable items.  Here are a couple of my favorite outfit days...(yes, I own the same shoes in multiple colors and have only one work bag...don't you??)

Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt Work Bag Pearls Platform Shoes

Lace Skirt Work Bag Enamel Bracelets Nude Pumps
Gucci Sunnies // Enamel Bracelets

What are your thoughts on business casual attire? Are you a fan? What items are key in your "office" wardrobe?


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36 comments:

  1. This was a great post. I don't live in NY, but these tips are applicable everywhere. I always mix and match inexpensive with expensive.

    Just followed through GFC - looking forward to more!

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    1. Thanks Ally. I totally agree...these tips can be for anywhere. It's a little more laid back in San Diego where I live but if you are dressing BC, they definitely apply!

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  2. Great tips! I'm all about the flats and layers, no matter where you are! I also love your inspiration outfits... have to file those for later!

    peace&love, Jill
    Favor the Brave

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  3. Stopping by for the Blog Hop. I really love the lace look an the neon yellow belt is great too.

    ~Danette
    www.danettedillon.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Danette. Great to "meet" you via the blog hop!

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  4. LOVE the business casual looks!!!Stopping by from the GFC blog hop and am now your newest follower:) Hope you can come check out Crazy Mama Drama !
    http://crazy-mama-drama.blogspot.com/
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-Mama-Drama/259491484156846

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    1. Thanks Brooke. I checked out your blog and LOVED it. :)

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  5. Hey there lovely! I am a new follower thanks to the blog hop. Super excited to keep up with all that you have going on your blog :D There are so many great link ups today, but I just had to be a part of this one. I am actually hosting one myself today called FOR THE LOVE OF COFFEE. I don't know if you are an addict like myself, but I would love for you to swing by and link up with us. Plus! There is a giveaway too! Hope to see ya there. http://dalaynadillon.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-cup-of-joe-link-up-giveaway.html
    Dalayna

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  6. All great tips about NY, I always traveled with flip flops into work. Tons of walking! Great post! Sounds like you had a great time in NY.

    Amy


    Leopard and Lillies

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    1. Thanks Amy! I now know better for future NY trips! No more blisters for this girl!

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  7. Ahhh I wish (WISH!!!) I could go to NYC! My hubs & I wanna go there as our dream vacay...so, I loved reading this. Anyhow, I found you via the blog hop (GFC) and am now following you...would love if you could please come visit and take the time to follow back & comment! :)

    ~Kristen★
    mamawinkle.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kristen! I hope you get to go sometime...the city is pretty amazing! I will definitely check out your blog too!

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  8. Great post! And I like your collages and writing style too...

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  9. I'm crazy for this post,honey!Love,looove!;)
    xx
    B.
    http://www.beeswonderland.com

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  10. Great advice! Flats are a MUST. I love the second business casual outfit with the neon! I just wore something very similar last week (but with pants) and wedges!

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    Replies
    1. Ooh...I bet that was cute. It's fun to add some neon to the workplace, don't you think? :)

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  11. Love all your picks!!

    Thanks for linking up today!

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  12. love all this advice and the pictures! those flats are such a necessity! stopping by from the link up! so glad i did because your blog is super cute! cant wait to read more :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Cait! I love your blog too...am now a follower! :)

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  13. I think these are some great tips and I love the business causal looks that you put together. It's so true about bringing an extra pair of shoes along because walking around the city can be harsh on your feet (trust me I know). Diamond A. http://styleonedge.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks Diamond. I learned the hard way about the flats & walking but now I know! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. Following from the GFC hop today! Yahoo :))

    Katie
    Lady Million

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  15. one-i wish i lived in NYC, two-these outfits are amazing! love the pink flats!

    Have a fantastic day! Drop by nichollvincent.blogspot.com and say hi!

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  16. Those pink flats are too cute! I'm glad I came across your blog! Check out mine if you have a minute. I am now following you!
    Shadow
    http://www.fitfabulousmom.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Shadow. I will definitely check out your blog too! :)

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  17. I love that neon and black outfit! New follower!

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    1. Thanks Jamie! I'll check out yours as well!

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  18. Ok so first, thanks for following our blog! Returned the favor! Yours is adorable! Also, i loved loved loved reading your about me section! I have to say we were quite similar on some things and quite opposite on others (I love avocados, cheese, etc) :) Excited to get to know you better!
    Laura
    abrunetteduet.com

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If you take the time to leave a comment, I will take the time to respond back! Be sure to leave your blog URLs so I can check out your posts too!

xo, jill

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