Sweatshirt (Splurge here, Steal here) // Black Suede Pumps (Splurge here, Steal here) // Leather Handbag (Splurge here, Steal here) // Gold Braided Cuff (Splurge here, Steal here) // Cat Eye Sunglasses (Splurge here, Steal here)
As you can tell from the Philosophy tab, for me, comfort is a key component to any outfit. Luckily, designers have taken a hint, perhaps because so many of us spend endless hours chained to our desks, and we just can’t do it in a stuffy, stiff suit. Relaxed silhouettes and cozy fabrics have taken over, and the days of uncomfortable professional dressing are long gone. The best part — you can still look classic and chic.
Nothing conjures up images of comfort in my mind more than an oversized, super-soft sweatshirt. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it just makes me happy! And it’s the perfect transition piece for spring or fall, when it’s too warm for a coat, but still too cool to go without some extra coverage.
A few things to consider:
First, in order to pull off this look you need both structure and an interesting cut or unique detail. Your ratty, stretched out old college sweatshirt, although a cherished item in your closet no doubt, isn’t going to cut it at the office. My sweatshirt here provides a great example. By any measure, it’s a sweatshirt — it’s soft, roomy, and comfy. However, it’s a thicker material, which creates a structured, streamlined silhouette. And the wide funnel neck adds elegance to what would otherwise be just an ordinary sweatshirt.
Second, go for a solid, neutral color. As you may be able to tell already, I tend to prefer neutrals in general — they’re classic, can be worn anywhere, and always make an outfit look richer and more luxe than bright colors or busy prints.
Lastly, a note on versatility — you can’t tell from the pictures above, but I actually layered my sweatshirt over a sweater dress. See the pictures below of an entire new look after a simple shoe switch and removal of my sweatshirt. The dress is great as a standalone, but it’s also the perfect foundation for all sorts of looks, just add layers! The point here is to think broadly about the clothes you already have in your closet. How can you use them in unintended or unexpected ways? Using each item to the fullest extent possible will save you both space and money, so get creative.
I could have easily used one of several pencil skirts I own, but the texture of the dress paired well with my sweatshirt, emphasizing the element of comfort, and the side slit added an additional touch of femininity and provided a good counter-balance to the boxiness and full coverage of my sweatshirt.
Classic black pumps and cat eye sunglasses keep things sophisticated and streamlined. Who knew dressing for the office could be so comfortable!
Yours, Kristin
Sweater Dress (Splurge here (now 45% off!), Steal here) // Wedge Sandals (Splurge here, Steal here) // Aviator Sunglasses (Splurge here, Steal here)
more options to make it your own
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