[This post is part of the series The 5 Levels of Working Mom Outfits, where you learn ways to assemble outfits for any situation, whether you’re on the job or on the go.]
We’ve worked our way up from at-home weekend wear with Level 1 and Level 2, so this week it’s time to go to the office–on Casual Friday, otherwise known as Level 3.
Or at least it’s Casual Friday for those working moms in more conservative offices, like law firms or banks, that allow one non-suited day a week.
If you work somewhere with a more laid-back atmosphere like I do, maybe a non-profit or a creative agency, or even if you work for yourself, Casual “Friday” might be your everyday working uniform. (And Level 2/Weekend Chic might be your Casual Friday!)
The idea here is to bridge the gap between casual wear and full-on dressiness. It’s what’s otherwise known as “dressy casual.”
How to create a Level 3 Working Mom Outfit: Casual Friday
- Shirt: We’re still in the realm of casual here, so once again you can dip into your wardrobe of Level 1/2 tops: solid T-shirts, patterned tops, even button-downs. Or what about a flowing tunic? If your office is super conservative, you might opt for a polo shirt; there a lots of options in more feminine tailoring so you don’t have to look like you work at an electronics store!
- Pants/Skirt: Depending on your workplace, you could still incorporate your premium denim jeans. But you definitely can’t go wrong with a cute flat-front khaki trouser or A-line skirt. If it’s warm, go bare-legged; if it’s cold, this could be your day for a more experimental tight or legging–bolder colors, even patterns.
- Top layer: Your cute (belted) cardigan is still a great choice here. Other options: a cotton blazer or a collared button-down on top of that T.
- Shoes: Again, let your workplace and your normal work-week style be your guide. If you’re in wedges all week, this is your chance to slip your fit into your cute Level 1/2 flat shoes. If your office is dressier, this is where you go from stilettos and pumps to a wedge, strappy sandal or ankle boot.
- Accessories: Once again, this is our “volume knob.” A scarf looks tres chic, as does that string of pearls. It’s a way to signal that your outfit is workplace casual, not at-home casual.
And if your office actually does require a uniform? See if you can incorporate some of this advice into the way you put those pieces together; there are khaki pants with polo shirts, and there are khaki pants with polo shirts. And who says you can’t wear killer accessories and boots with them?
What to buy
$74 - jcrew.com
$88 - anthropologie.com
$106 - nordstrom.com
$68 - madewell.com
$70 - madewell.com
$85 - reissonline.com
$99 - macys.com
$100 - dsw.com
Next week: Level 4: Client meeting
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