on April 11th, 2012For some reason, I’ve read a number of articles lately about how women dress for success, and it got me thinking about my workwear inspiration. As much as I’d like total creative freedom when it comes to my 9-5 outfits, I work in a male-dominated industry where suits and conservative-ish attire are the norm. But according to a Harper’s Bazaar article, this might not be as incompatible with the latest trends as I thought: “Where three years ago, women wanted to look pretty and sparkly, now they want to look smart and polished. Suits are back, hemlines are longer, button-down shirts are de rigueur.”
And while I adore all things menswear inspired, a pantsuit doesn’t have to make you look like you’re trying to be a man. As Tory Burch insists, “If it’s cut beautifully, there’s a way of being really feminine in a suit.” Remember my workwear roundup from S/S fashion week? Diane von Furstenberg showed the most beautiful pantsuits! And as the article explained, suiting isn’t the only option for women today. “It’s 2012 – a woman doesn’t need to look like a robot,” says Rachel Roy. So what is your workwear uniform? Jacket over a dress? Pants and a blouse? Here are some of my favorite ideas for 9-5 appropriate attire!
PS – If you don’t already, consider following me on Pinterest. I pin lots of these kinds of images and just started a “Work Ready” board for office specific outfit ideas!
Filed under: 
Tags: 
I’m sporting the pants and a blouse today at work but I’m a sucker for a lady like dress! So easy to throw on and go!
I rarely wear a jacket (broad shoulders make it hard to find ones I love on me), but pencil skirts and dresses are my go-to. Hands down.
My workwear default is a pencil skirt and blouse! I really need to find more pants to wear. Really loving the pant/blouse outfit inspiration!
I love all of these. My go to look is usually a pencil skirt blouse and a colorful cardigan, but I want to start trying some brightly colored pants for summer too!
I love these photos. As a teacher I do not have to dress up quite like a normal professional but I find I do feel more grown up & professional with a pencil skirt or blazer. Love how these looks are still fashionable- great points!
Those pink pants are glorious!
I love all of these looks. I often wear GW tees to work and pairing them with pencil skirts or blazers. But still, I’m probably the biggest fan of the dress!
I’ve run into this issue too so I’m very glad you did this post! I’m loving all the skirt and blouse combos!
Best, M.~
http://fadedmstyle.com
Those looks are very great to model. I especially love the last two looks from the first round.
I’ve been loyal to the pants + blouse work combo lately. I do need to spice it up a bit. Thanks for the inspiration!
As someone who works in finance during the day, this post really hits home. I try to incorporate trends into my workday attire via structured lines and minimalism. Thanks for the inspiration!
i love the pants & blouse ; and def. the pencil skirts <3
[...] my attire and it may be time to reevaluate! First place to start, tear apart my closet. Second? Reread this post (I kind of love it, if I may say so myself) and this one from Wardrobe Oxygen (love all [...]