25 Goes Pro

For the last few weeks my fashion life has been devoted to figuring out this elusive style known as business casual. I know what it is. I understand the basic concept. I’ve seen the photos in magazines and the way that it’s depicted in movies and on TV, but I’ve never actually worked anywhere that required me to dress the part.

In anticipation of the new job I started a few weeks ago, I’d been scouring the internet and flipping through fashion magazines in search of the perfect inspiration for my work style.

That was easier said than done. There were none. 

Okay, that might be a stretch, but there were very few that I felt reflected: 1) where I am in my career, 2) the industry that I work in, and 3) my budget – I am not a 25 year old with a limitless budget, so lusting after Louboutins seemed a bit pointless at this stage, and depressing to be honest, I want to want things I can actually have in the near future without having to sacrifice my love for food.

So, this blog will be reflective of what I’ve been trying to figure out: how to be office appropriate without looking age inappropriate (NB: there will be very little mention of nylons – they instantly make me feel old, I’m wearing them right now as I type and all I can think is old). 


Think 25 goes pro.

By no means have I figured this fashion beast out, but I’m already being presented with my next challenge. Over the next few weeks I’ll be trying to figure out how to transition between seasons without accidentally entering the slutty-zone.

Hopefully this boat will float, but stay tuned to find out!

First day

That Monday was my one and only chance to make a first impression. Outfit choice was imperative.

Dressing for the first day of work is on par with dressing for a first date: Make a good impression, offer a glimpse into your personality, but don’t give away the farm. Hours can be spent standing in front of the closet trying to achieve the right look, and this is exactly what I did on Sunday night.

I thought I had the perfect outfit selected, but Mother Nature threw a wrench into the whole thing with a thunderstorm Sunday night that not only kept me awake during my critical RIM hours, but threw the humidity factor out there. After weeks of near zero temperatures Ottawa was disgustingly humid with a high of 20C – so my challenge became dressing office and age appropriate without sweating to death – and dealing with my crazy puffy hair.

So here’s what I came up with:

In hopes of looking professional I wore my favourite black pencil skirt with a short sleeved grape sweater and paired them with tights and black suede boots (bought at Aldo four years ago and still a staple in my closet).

The ensemble did exactly what I hoped it would: make me look capable and professional without making me overheat! All in all, huge success! Finger's crossed my luck continues.

The clothes:
Tank - Smart Set
Sweater - Smart Set
Skirt - Jacob
Tights - "borrowed" from mom
Boots - Aldo