Guest Post: Anne

Hello from across the county (and on top of another country)! While I’m on vacation this week, I have some wonderful bloggers here to guest post for me. These aren’t just any bloggers though, these are actually all bloggers that you’ve seen before on Something Good! While I’m on vacation, I thought it would be fun to check in with girls who have participated in my Work Appropriate for Who series and check back in with them to see how their work style has evolved since.

Guest Post Anne

Kicking us off today is Anne! There are so many ways I could describe Anne: my blogging muse, my shopping muse, my potential mind reader…all of that to say I love reading her blog! We have such similar styles that I constantly find myself buying things that she’s posted on her site or recreating outfits that I’ve seen her wear. Even better, she’s a reader too, so I can always count on her for good book recs (which is a major bonus in my book). Anyways, I can’t wait for you to read on and learn more about Anne!

work appropriate clothes from Guest Post Anne

When we last spoke, your job was Managing Editor (of two academic journals). How has your role changed since (if it has)?

Well, since then I have added a third journal to my roster, on a freelance basis. And in my normal job, I started managing all of the social media for the academic organization I work for (on top of the social media for the journals). Plus, the organization’s smaller publication and its newsletter. Since all of that didn’t come with a raise, I got them to at least give me a fancy new title: Publication and Social Media Coordinator.

When you first started your job, how would you describe your style?

Undefined. I was 22, and all I knew about was “dress pants” and button-downs, which gradually changed over to cardigans.

Guest Post Anne wearing sleeveless top and white pants

How would you say your style has changed?

Now that I’m 32, I just have a more defined style in general, which I like to call “basics with a twist.” I still like the more classic type of items. Like I was picking when I first started my job (though unimaginatively). But, I know how to make the basics interesting, with layering, or pops of color or texture (red flats are a fave). Also, a slightly unexpected twist, like a skirt + chambray combo, for a little fancy/casual action.

Working from Home

But my work style has also changed a ton by default. I’ve been working from home for the last 6 years and can wear whatever I want. Of course, except for the 4-5 times per year I travel to meetings for my job. Thus, my closet is much heavier in jeans and casual things. But I make sure to have pieces as well that can remix well into workwear for when I need that. These photos of some summer work outfit examples show the versatility I get from “work” items in my closet. The sleeveless silk blouse can get everyday (or date night!) wear with some white jeans, but then it gets tucked into a flare skirt for work meetings or church.

Ponte knit dresses are my top pick for versatility; they’re cute with sneakers or sandals and a denim jacket when I’m working from home (and work just as well for taking my toddler to the park when I’m done with that!), but then they also work with fancy flats/jewelry, or blazers layered over top, for official business. Usually I love the fit & flare options from J.Crew Factory (I have them in 3 colors), but recently I found this great thick knit t-shirt dress with fun button detail from Talbots that I’m loving.

woman wearing blue dress for Guest Post Anne

Where do you shop for work attire now?

Actually I have kind of stopped even checking the places I used to shop for when I needed more office wear (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor); instead, any workwear comes from the same places I’d shop for regular attire. Alos, since it’s very rare for me to buy anything specifically for “work” but instead make sure to have a couple of key remixable pieces for the couple of times a year I do need.

Now, J.Crew Factory is my go-to for dresses and skirts that are suitable for daily wear but can be dressed up as needed. Madewell and Loft are my go-to for blouses that are great with jeans for date night. But then work for a work setting later. I do have a couple of more work-specific items that I keep in my closet to professional-ize the dresses/skirts and blouses like blazers. My go-tos: J.Crew or Gap and for ankle pants, I recommend the Sloan from Banana Republic.

What’s one thing you would still never wear to work?

Pantsuit. In the business casual world, I think there are such better ways to get a professional look and show off some personality, like a blazer over a fit & flare dress, or slim ankle pants with a silk blouse. Elements of the pantsuit, but separated! But I rarely need to be that formal for work, even at the conferences I attend, anyway, so it’s kind of a non-issue.

Finally, do you have a go-to outfit (or uniform) for those mornings that you’re too tired to think? What is it?

Workout clothes. Ah, the luxury of working from home. But if we’re talking real clothes, in the colder months it’s jeans + stripes + colorful flats. Also, if you can’t wear jeans to work, you could easily switch them out for skinny ankle pants. Then, it”ll just as easy and comfortable and cute!); in the summer it’s a dress + white sneakers + denim jacket for a fancy/casual (plus coffee shop a/c ready) look.