MY TAKE ON CASUAL FRIDAY

I often get emails this time of year from recent grads asking about outfits appropriate for their new jobs and I always find myself wishing I could be more helpful! While I had three internships during and after college (followed by a very brief PR stint in New York), I’ve been self-employed for almost six years now and admit that I’m not the best resource on office-appropriate outfits. That said, I do dress for meetings and work events so I thought I’d share a few components of a (rather casual) workwear look. I understand that many offices don’t allow denim, even on casual Fridays, so if that’s the case for you I would swap out the white jeans for J.Crew Maddie pantsJ.Crew Martie pants (which are on sale in some amazing colors right now), or J.Crew Factory Winnie pants (some of which come in under $50).

I love a crisp peplum top for any number of occasions. As long as it’s not a casual cotton, the look is perfect for summer workwear, but you could also layer on a blazer come fall. These Alice + Olivia pumps are a pretty high heel if you planned to wear them all day but still a pair I wear to lots of weddings because they’re more comfortable than most. And if you’re looking to give your work look a little personality, this gold necklace from Julie Vos is a worthy investment. I wouldn’t recommend wearing costume jewelry or anything too statement-making (at least when you’re first starting out), but a classic piece that’s not too flashy can take you from desk to drinks easily. Lastly, a simple tote is a workwear must; I rotate between this Annabel Ingall satchel (which does not fit my laptop) and this Mark & Graham tote (which does).

Again I know this workwear outfit is probably more like a casual Friday outfit for many of you and so if that’s the case, my friend Mary’s blog Memorandum does a much better job with more formal workwear than I ever could!

casual friday outfit inspiration design darling

design darling work outfit

julie vos gold link necklace on design darling

casual friday work outfit design darling

annabel ingall annie satchel in ink on design darling

Nordstrom peplum top (sold out, also love this and this)  //  J.Brand white jeans

Julie Vos necklace c/o  //  Annabel Ingall satchel  //  Alice + Olivia nude heels

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