I was recently asked via Formspring about my work attire, and more specifically, if I dress more conservatively for work. The short answer is: I do. In my own way, of course. The person who asked the question followed up with an email to me, in which she wrote:
I’ve always worked in the cultural sector so most of my 20s was spent sitting at my desk in jean and converse. Now I’m 31, so so old, I’m struggling to find a ‘uniform’ for work is appropriate but still reflects my personality. I don’t know what the grown up me is supposed to wear.
Would love to see some posts on work wear.
And I think that is a spectacular idea, because when I’m not in full-on glam mode, at least three days a week, I’m in my work attire. In fact, in several of my Friend Friday vlogs, I’m wearing ensembles that I wore to the office earlier in the day (I often come home and shoot video immediately after work, before I change into my play clothes). You can’t see a head-to-toe shot, but you can get a taste for other outfits I’ve worn to work in my Conspicuous Consumption, Sizing Up Size in Fashion, and Privacy in the Blogosphere videos.
Limited sweater, BCBG skirt, LOFT belt, Sam Edelman pumps.
PS: Thank you to all of you who completed the G&G Reader Survey. A post about the results—and how they can help me and you—is coming soon.
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
My sisters have often said to me, “It’s a good thing that you’re going to be an artist. You’ll be able to wear whatever you want to work.” My oldest sister is part of the very “Corporate America” division of her job, but the creative division get to dress all whacky and awesome, which actually does excite me.
While I haven’t made it there yet, I can see how dressing for work can feel like identity theft. Conforming to the understood standard can be a bit boring, but your shoes are the perfect example of how to change it up.
Great outfit, and the shoes are gorgeous! I was eying a similar pair back in May, but decided against it for the time-being. I think you’ve sparked my interest all over again.
Melanie´s latest post: Chanel Iman
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Melanie, it can feel a little like identity theft…I agree. But it could be so much worse; I have no complaints. What would kill me would be a khaki-pant/golf shirt uniform or having to wear a lab coat over my clothes every day. I’m pretty lucky that I can wear what I want within reason, including no hose, sandals, and sleeveless shirts. I love my office mates and the vibe, and no one has complained about my crazy shoes ye!
Thanks for your comment.
@noguiltfashion
August 23, 2010
I LOVE this work outfit. Like you said it is tamed down, but the shoes still make it look like you.
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you NGF…you’re right. That’s kind of my philosophy.Adapt, but still look like me.
Gorgeous as always V.
Classic, chic & still has a little touch of personality. LOVE your shoes!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Hello lovely, thank you! Mwah!
‘So glam and gorgeous. And the shoes are wicked-hot, too!
A-Dubs´s latest post: Not Yet Back to School
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
A-Dubs! Thanks, doll. I appreciate that.
So are you going to eventually reveal what you ended up wearing for the first day of class? I want to know!
@MJ_Beauty
August 23, 2010
Yes!! You rocked the shoes!! LOL And the belt is awesome!
I work in an office five days a week and have been an office professional since I was 16. I always take basics and dress them up with trendy accessories (within reason of course!) or cute shoes! My new found office attire are crop cardis or really long,ones. Of coures, you can never go wrong with a pencil skirt!!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
I agree, MJ, I’m loving the long cardis. They’re the new version of the jacket. A so much more comfortable for desk jockeys like me.
Thanks, sweets!
Damn girl, look at you in that dress… STUNNING!! And those are Sam shoes? Gorgeous!!
Never been to your blog before but I’m so glad I stopped by tonight… I love it!!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Jen, well thank you honey, and WELCOME! I’m glad you stopped by, and I’m glad I stopped in to see you too. Anyone with this at the end of their blog is a friend of mine:
“Travel more, drink more wine, have more sex and love life.”
Amen.
@FashionNextDoor
August 23, 2010
1. HOT DAMN!!!! You’ve got it going on
(comments like this are why my fiancee says I’m 25% lesbian! hehe)
2. This look is fabulous on so many levels. It is classic with just enough edge compliments of the subtly sexy slit in the skirt and THOSE SHOES!!!
3. Did I mention THOSE SHOES are FIRE!!!!!
I am now going to be a mad hunt to find a skirt like that!
Eboni Ife’´s latest post: Friend Friday- Conspicuous Consumption
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Now THAT was a comment to behold. I love it and thank you, especially since you are one hot mama yourself.
Did you mention those shoes are FIRE?! Did I mention that YOU are?
@thestyleconfess
August 23, 2010
You look amazingly hot for work! I wasn’t sure about the shoes when you posted them but oh my gosh they look spectacular on you, and they make a very simple outfit look, for lack of a better word, rad.
Heather Fonseca´s latest post: Fashion magazines – a gripe
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you hon! I appreciate that.
@tanvii
August 23, 2010
This is a great wok-outfit. Love your heels!!!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you Tanvi!
Hi V,
It took me awhile to get past the 31 is old comment (says the almost 44year old blogger), but once I did, WOW. That’s all I can say, WOW.
B
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Ha! Yeah, I neglected to address that. 31 is so so old. Until you get there, right?!
Thank you B!
Those are some seriously gorgeous spiked heels! Looking like a gal that means business!
xo Lynzy
http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com
Lynzy´s latest post: Giveaway with A Box For My Treasure!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Ha! And I do mean business! Thanks for your comment, Lynzy!
@mrsbossa
August 24, 2010
*looks down at current work, sighs, and gets up to go and get changed*
MrsBossa´s latest post: Lust for leather
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Ha! And what did you change into? That’s what I want to know…
My what a silhouette you cut! I just posted on these shoes too – glad you wore them to work! They look awesome on you and your outfit is as always perfect!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you so much. Going over to read your post now.
I totally second this ” I usually wear basics with at least one thing totally wild, be it my shoes, my nails, lipstick, or jewelry. ” I am the same -and it feels soooo good to have at least one bit of crazy on you at work
My line of work requires me to wear suits and stuff but let me tell you that the shoes are never far off being fit for a night out and the bag is usually the same !
Those shoes….why do we bother with cloning cows when we could make millions of women happy by cloning shoes and sending them to each other?! I want those!
xxx
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Exactly…what can’t we just clone shoes?!
Thanks for sharing, Lady N. It’s always such a treat.
@leia12
August 24, 2010
Worker V is just as gorgeous as everyday V
Those pumps look amazing on you, although I don’t know how you stayed on your feet all day!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you Leia! I don’t stay on my feet all day, though. I’m a desk jockey! Yay! That means I can always wear crazy high heels because I only have to walk to my car and lunch.
@stilettostetico
August 24, 2010
Mmh I really like this “classical basis with an electrifying twist” ( so subtly GLAMorous) idea, AND Here Must say that this cocktail lipstick / polished nails and toes / fierce sparkling heels does not fail to illustrate it !!!!
ps: The “toe cleavage” , just like a “Fetish-issime décolleté à part entière” . . .
à Bientôt, Antoine
Antoine´s latest post: SUN-KISSED Fantasy – Fernanda Motta par Riccardo TINELLI in ELLE ESPANA juillet2010
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Merci Antoine…I do love seeing a little toe cleavage myself!
Those shoes are dangerous and I mean that in the most amazing way possible. Like dangerously sexy! I like your approach to work attire. It can be so easy to get into a work attire rut so allowing yourself to wear one item that is totally out there and screams of your own individuality is perfect. Why should you have to completely sacrifice your own personal style right?? Your body is smokin’ hot in that dress by the way! xx
brookemeagan´s latest post: Pain in the Glass
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Brooke, welcome back honey! I agree about having one thing on that screams your name. And thank you for the compliment!
The dress is prec! I wish I could wear shoes like that to work, but I think my co-workers might drop dead. I did a post on what I wear to work (http://beautyandtherecession.blogspot.com/2010/07/dressing-for-work.html)–I’m kind of conservative, too!
Courtney´s latest post: Making Use of What You’ve Got
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Hi Courtney, and thank you! I’m sure some of my co-workers raised an eyebrow too. But I dress for me, you know!
Your post on your work wear was great. I really like how you styled your second-hand find.
Thanks for popping by!
Love those heels and I love them even more knowing you wear them to work. You look fabulous!
By the way, the email stated that 31 is so so old – ah, she must have yet discovered the beauty of being in her thirties because it is wonderful, isn’t?
Have a great day V.
Simply Luxurious´s latest post: Beauty In An Instant
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Ha! Beverly mentioned the age comment too. And she will soon realize that as a woman, your thirties are life-changing. That’s when you really grow up, so-to-speak. You really begin to know who you are and what you want—or don’t.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, and a great day to you too!
The studded pumps are killer! I so appreciate that you glam it up on a daily basis for work. Personal style is a true reflection of what is happening on the inside. I can see you a well balanced woman who is happy, healthy and loves life. Cheers V!
xo Mish
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Wow…thank you Mish! That is quite a compliment, and I so appreciate it!
I do glam it up for work, it’s true. But it’s like putting on my game face, you know? If I look pulled together, I feel good, and as you said, that leads to happiness all the way around. That’s why I hate when people regard fashion as frivolous. If there weren’t a major connection between how you look on the outside and how you feel on the inside, all those makeover shows would fail miserably, wouldn’t they?! it’s not just about labels or superficiality. It’s about being the very best version of yourself, so you can achieve what you want in your relationships, career, or dreams.
Love this look, darling, especially the shoes!
Good for you!!
xoxox,
CC
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you Carrie!
@2556 S Sierra Madre
August 24, 2010
Oh my god. I’m dying. I have to have those shoes.
I love your bad-ass style!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Lang…thank you, doll! Let me know if you chase the shoes up.
@BonBonRoseGirls
August 24, 2010
Again you torture me with those shoes. AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Haaaaa! No harm meant, my lovely. Hope you’re well.
Wow hun this is an amazing outfit and those heels rock you look so glam love it xoxo
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you sweetie. I’m still hanging to see your leather shorts. I love so much of what you wear!
wow! this is how you dress for work? you look fierce!
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Hello love, thank you! For better or for worse, that is indeed how I dress for work.
I need to get me some “Monday shoes” – help me start the week on a cloud of compliments.
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Kelly, you totally should! It’s the best thing ever! “Monday shoes”…I like that.
OMG!! I am in love with those shoes! THey are awesome, and I am so excited that you wore them to work!
FAB
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Thank you Angela, and welcome! I sure did wear them to work. And I really did feel like the belle of the ball in them.
Wowza! I love those incredible heels! The whole outfit is very chic!
La Historiadora de Moda´s latest post: First Days and More Musings on Professartorialism
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
Hey you…thank you so much! Thanks for stopping by.
@leeoliveira82
August 24, 2010
31 isn’t old at all.. Tell her to wear something short so she will feel glamorous!
I almost passed out when I saw your spike heels! Stunning.
Always big heels babe because you have gorgeous legs.
LOx
Lee Oliveira´s latest post: I am not a Paparazzi – Part 2
@gritandglamour
August 24, 2010
I agree…we’re just getting started at 31!
Thank you Lee. You are so generous with your kindness. Glad you like the heels. That means a lot to me coming from someone who KNOWS his fashion. Have fun at RSFF!
@beccabellle
August 24, 2010
Those shoes are bringing some serious fierceness to the office! I work in a more conservative environment, and I often feel frustrated by the restrictions put on me. I suppose it’s the wrong attitude to have – I should probably look at it as a challenge to bring my personality and my style A-game to the office while still staying in the dress code. But, that’s also easier said than done. I find myself easily becoming bored with my work clothes, there’s a lot more interesting remixes to be had! I’d love to hear some of your general guidelines and how-to tips when it comes to office dressing.
Becca´s latest post: Tribal Summer Haze
@gritandglamour
August 25, 2010
Thank you Becca! It is very easy to become bored with work clothes, but I think looking at it as a challenge is a great idea. If you don’t have to wear a uniform, you have so much leeway! Hey, if I can stay within the requirement and feel like myself, anyone can. Maybe you can post some of your office looks…might inspire you to seriously rethink your office attire!
I’ll share some of my tips in my next Worker V post, OK?! So check back. And thanks for your thoughtful comment!
@dareingdiva
August 25, 2010
Killer shoes! I women that can pick out a pair of shoes like that MUST be added to my friends list on blogger! Can i borrow those when your finish?!
Nakia Durant´s latest post: Beautfully Adorned
@gritandglamour
August 25, 2010
Nakia, thank you, hon, and welcome! Connected via Google with you!
amazing shoes…… great post..
Napua
Napua Camarillo´s latest post: art and flea
@gritandglamour
August 25, 2010
Thank you, Napua! I appreciate it. Welcome to G&G.
drooling!
TheBrogueTrader´s latest post: Mermaid Inn
@gritandglamour
August 25, 2010
Awwww….
@metsyc
August 26, 2010
OMG! I did a blog post on those shoes! I am in love with them and you totally rock them. Who could get any work done with you looking so fashionable?!
Metsyc´s latest post: Z Gallerie Accessories Fun
@gritandglamour
August 28, 2010
HA! You’re funny with the last sentence. Thanks for your comment and compliment, Metsy.
@210 S Desplaines St, #2204
August 27, 2010
Ahh, the infamous black BCBG skirt of yours, yeah?
)
I hope your ankles are doing better, luv. (I guess that’s what happens since we’re “so so old” now…lol) Slip you feet back into these spiked, beautific heels and all will be right as rain.
@gritandglamour
August 28, 2010
Yes, doll, that is the infamous black skirt! Now you can see why I love it.
HAAA…I suppose since I’m ancient, that is indeed why I twisted my ankle…cracking up. The ankle is better, thanks for thinking of me. Heading to the gym in fact, and I need to because I couldn’t go all week.
I love those shoes!!! They add bam, shazam, and you-ness to your ensemble I love it!!!!! And Even though I will rarely have to be dressed in a business-y manner, you definitely are a good example that one doesn’t have to forsake all of ones style to a corporate dress code. Which I admire greatly.
Laura´s latest post: Necklace hanger
@gritandglamour
September 4, 2010
Thank you Laura! I’m glad people can see that you really don’t have to forsake your style to fit within the dress code. It’s all about creativity.
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