Readers have asked me several times if the outfits that you see on the blog are what I wear to work…
THE STORY
…actually, for the most part, yes they are. With the exceptions of my most favorite jeans, the uber-distressed boyfriends, my distressed skinny jeans and of course my denim shorts pretty much everything else shows up at work at some point. I’m fortunate in that I work in an environment where more laid back attire is perfectly fine. I most definitely can throw down a professional look when need be, but even then, there’s at least a small dose of “me” included like this striped dress and leopard pumps look that I wore for a meeting with the state education auditors.
The dress code for teachers in public schools varies district by district. I believe that the location of each school district plays a role in this as well. While we are expected to dress “professionally”, that can be a pretty subjective term. What’s considered professional in one environment isn’t necessarily considered professional in another. For example, my undying hatred for tights is well documented so I’m fortunate in that bare legs are acceptable with dresses or skirts. On the other hand, my best friend works for a bank and they are required to wear tights/hose if they are wearing a skirt. Very few of the men that I work with wear shirts and ties…okay, ya, they all wear shirts of course (thank God), but ties are in the minority. The majority of the women are pretty basic in their work wear; for the most part it’s dress pants and tops with skirts/dresses being few and far between.
You can probably guess that I am somewhat of an anomaly in the group. While my outfits almost always fall on the casual side of the spectrum, my love of print mixing and layering anything and everything is something you pretty much only see in my classroom. With perhaps one exception; my lovely friend who happens to reside in the principal’s office. Yep, my principal is the one who gives me a run for my money in regard to style. One day she is full-on Audrey Hepburn with her gamine pixie cut, flippy skirted dresses and ballet flats and the next she’s rockin’ a pencil skirt and ankle boots. Girlfriend’s got it goin’ on. Maybe one day I can convince her to make a guest appearance on the blog…
In any case, what you see is what you get. Like I said, with the exceptions of anything distressed as well as anything that shows too much skin e.g., a cami or cold shoulder top, or graphic tees that are too risque I wear pretty much everything you see on FFD to work.
THE OUTFIT
Today I’ve got a mix of professional and casual going on. The sleeveless plaid shirt, ankle boots and tee shirt skew casual, while the cardigan and skirt lean more towards professional. Can I tell you how pleased I was when I found this sleeveless plaid shirt? Seriously. I love plaid shirts, but oftentimes they seem more fall/winter due to the material and sleeve length. This one is perfection for spring/summer with it’s sleeveless cut and lightweight material. And what better to pair plaid with than stripes? Um, nothing…except maybe leopard of course.
Speaking of outfits, take a minute and stop by to wish Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood a happy birthday. In celebration of her birthday week she’s featuring a group of bloggers for her Red Shoe Birthday Party. Pop on over for some red shoe (or in my case red boots) inspiration!
THE TIP
When dressing for work, whenever possible, try to wear things that speak to who you are. Even within a more restrictive dress code, try to find creative ways to express yourself. Even if it is through something simple, for example a piece of jewelry, a unique bag or fabulous pair of shoes, try not to lose “you” in your work wear.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
**IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, STOP BY YESTERDAY’S POST AND LINK UP WITH MYSELF AND MY EIGHT LOVELY CO-HOSTS FOR THE MONTHLY AGELESS STYLE LINK UP!!!
Plaid shirt: JCPenney; Skirt: Forever 21 (Similar); Cardigan: Walmart (Similar); Ankle boots: JCPenney (Similar)
