I heard a comedy skit this morning about the difference between going out and going OUT OUT. If you know, you know. If I don’t commit to going OUT OUT, it’s hard to motivate my 40 year old body to get out the door when it’s dark and cold. Going out always sounds great in my head, then as soon as the sun goes down it often takes everything in me to channel my inner college-self and not retreat to sweats/couch/wine/movie. Just me? Having a few going OUT OUT tops in your closet is always some good motivation – a far second to the prospect of making memories with good friends, obviously. This post is all about those dressy, wow-factor one-and-one blouses that just need jeans, leather pants, a fun bag and swipe of party-ready lipstick. Evereve’s curated top selection is always my first stop when looking for something to wear that warrants booking a sitter and a few days worth of pre-event hydration. Like I said, I’m 40 (more like 41, but who is counting….)
Round up your girls because we are going out… OWWWWWWT tonight!
And a true sign of a good night? I’d say posing on a pumpkin is proof….
There is no denying that work looks different these days. For me, anything goes. I am writing this post in my house in an oversized sweatsuit with the Today’s show playing in the background. A cup of coffee (with extra frothy oat milk and sugar) sits next to my laptop. A kid, who is slightly under the weather, is laying on the couch watching slightly-too-loud YouTube videos. When you are slightly under the weather these days, you stay home…. t-minus three hours until I regret that decision when he is bouncing off the walls, but I digress. I’m here to talk about workwear wardrobes and if you are in the camp where you GO to work, well I can’t say I’m not a little envious. There is something so sophisticated about putting on a chic outfit, driving to an office listening to a savvy podcast, pulling into your spot, swiping a little red lip in the rearview mirror before waltzing inside to crush it. Shoes clankity-clanking through the lobby, obviously.
If you WFH, don’t tell me you don’t have a little “going-to-work” fantasy. I won’t tell.
If you actually go to work, you are laughing and shaking your head and telling me it’s really not that sexy. You never know what to wear, you listen to Kidz Bop on the way to work while making three stops to drop off your kids on the way, you pull into your spot and the only thing you are doing in the rear view mirror is making sure there is no everything bagel stuck in your tooth before you sprint into the office in a semi-sweat. Thirteen minutes late. Always.
But let’s meet in the middle shall we? Who says you can’t have lipstick and bagels and Kidz Bop and shoes that clank? It starts with some effortless pieces in your workwear wardrobe that require less thought. Let me explain…
A Long-Line Sleeveless Cardigan
How easy is this look? It’s essentially an all black outfit with a layer that pulls it all together. It’s polished and practical and also offers that extra layer of warmth.
A Boss Babe Bag
The work tote. The laptop bag. The catchall. Whatever you want to call it, make it a good one. Rebecca Minkoff is the ultimate working mom (did you hear she is pregnant with her 4th?!) so I think she knows a thing or two about making bags that can do it all.
Double-Take Worthy Shoes You Can Wear All Day
If you don’t believe me, check the ratings. These loafer are SO good, they come in lots of colors, and if you listen really closely……they clank. Need I say more?
An Interesting Knit
Who says work is all about blouses and blazers? Shake things up with an of-the-moment sweater silhouette. Wear it alone or layer it over a thin turtleneck for a super chic look.
You just got the memo: you’re going back to the office. So you are going to need some work outfits. After a year and a half of working from your dining room table or makeshift office set-up, “going to work” is going to be a literal thing again. Are sweatpants and leggings considered business casual? I vote yes, because who shouldn’t be comfortable at work, but probably not. So like a good co-worker would, I am helping you out! I have styled five different, budget-friendly looks for heading back to the office. You got this!
For a few other work related posts be sure to check out our Teacher’s Guide to the NSale and our Workwear Favorites from the NSale (that includes a workwear capsule!)
Business Casual Work Outfits
Give your basics a little boost with a pair of cropped wideleg pants. From running meetings to running to the copier 10 times a day, these pants will keep you comfortable but put together. A neutral pair of heels helps sharpen up the look!
Corporate Queen
Slay that meeting! Make sure all eyes are on you in today’s board meeting with a printed blouse that’s just as beautiful as your ideas. Embellished mules or wedges keep you on your toes without hobbling around. After all, being comfortable is a GREAT idea 😉
9 to 5 to 9
🎶 Workin’ 9 to 5 🎶 Dolly knew what she was talking about. But what about 5 to 9?! A.k.a. drinks and dinner with co-workers, friends, significant other, etc. When there’s no time to change after work, opt for a fun dress that’s both length and silhouette-appropriate. Throw on a cardigan for the office AC. You can always keep a moto jacket in your car for those after-work events!
The Go-Getter Work Outfits
Your office may have a “we’re totally casual here, no need to dress up!” dress code. Say what?! When you’re in a pickle about what to wear in this situation (especially if you’re new!), err on the side of dressing a bit more professional. A fashion-forward blouse with statement sleeves paired with cute mules and sleek pants is the perfect combination for the go-getter newbie. Or go-getter in general!
“Casual” Friday Work Outfits
It’s Casual Friday, but you’re leaving your jeans at home – in a good way. Whether you have a few last-minute meetings or brainstorming sessions to get through, you still mean business. But this time in a totally laid-back way. Can’t forget your office cardigan as the temps start to cool down!
Basics, but not Boring!
Take your basic button down and work pants up a notch by adding interesting layers or fun shoes! Just simply ask yourself, “What else does this outfit need?!”
Summer is officially here and all I can think about is the beach! It is one place my family and I love to be during the summer. There is nothing like those laid back days, riding bikes, the shops, and my favorite….golden hour on the beach with friends and family. It’s just heaven! When it comes time to pack outfits to wear on a beach vacation I try not to stress. After all, it’s the beach. There is no stressing at the beach. But I still want to have all the outfits for all the things! Think cute cover-ups, flowy dresses, and all the easy and effortless styles. Check out a few fun looks to wear for your vacation at the beach!
A Cute Suit
On the chance that my boys convince me to go into the ocean I like to feel confident and cute in my suit! A black one piece is classic and chic and a must wear at the beach. This suit has ruching detail that flatters and a cut out that is just enough!
A Chic Cover-Up
As cute as your swim suit should be the cover up should be cuter! You never know where a beach day will take you. No shower happy hour anyone?
Stylish Straw Hat
I’m all about sun protection…..and a stylish straw hat, or cool trucker hat is a must for a day at the beach. Bonus: A hat is also a great finishing touch to any look!
Denim Shorts
There are a few must haves for what to wear at the beach and denim shorts are one of them! They can be styled so many ways so you can wear them more than once during your vacation.
One And Done Romper
A one and done look is huge for me right now. I love how playful and effortless a romper is. Super easy to dress up or down. Great for a day shopping in town or a casual night out.
On Trend Wide Leg Pants
The wide leg pant silhouette is having a moment. And they are so perfect for summer. I love balancing out the look by keeping the top on the more fitted side for a flattering look. Throw on some sunnies and some sandals and you are good to go!
An Effortless Set
Ok so there is so much to love about a set….aside from the fact that it takes the guess work out of what to wear but the pieces can be mixed and matched with other pieces you pack. This look is giving after the beach vibes. Whether you are hanging on the deck or headed out on the town you are styling!
Must-Have Maxi
You can’t have summer with out a twirl worthy maxi dress. At the beach chances are you will be out on the town at least one night so why not dress up? Layer a cardigan over your shoulders or pair with a denim jacket to keep you covered from that cool ocean breeze!
I know what you are thinking… why would I read this post if I have no plans to go on a safari in South Africa in the near future? If you like hiking, outdoor activities, swimming pools and really cute dresses, then there is something in this post for you, I promise.
I found out a week before our trip that due to the small planes we were taking within South Africa between reserves, I could only pack one bag. I’m not talking about an oversized hard-shell spinner suitcase, I’m referring to a small, waxed canvas duffle.
Hmm. Ok. I can do this. (starts quivering)
As I contemplated taking some real estate in my kids bags, which I definitely did, I came up with a game plan. No pun intended. Packing for safari is very casual. Sporty clothes for game drives, lots of layers, some swimsuits, workout clothes, and a few nicer outfits for dinner…but even those weren’t really necessary. You can take the fashion content creator away from her computer for 10 days, but you can’t take the fashion mentality out of her. Did I pack dresses? Four of them to be precise. I will do a full post on our safari experience in South Africa, but let’s start with what I wore.
Game Drive Outfits (a.k.a sporty casual looks)
Would you believe me if I told you I didn’t pack a single pair of my beloved jeans for our trip to South Africa!? I wore these cute pants several times and LOVE.
Coffee with amarula in the middl of the bush? Yes please. This photo was taken on one of our morning game drives. About 2 hours in, we would stop, pop up a table with snacks and drinks and turn in circles to make sure no animals were coming ;). This look was all about the pants….
Safari, but make it sporty chic. I was tempted to zip off the bottom half of these pants to embarrass my kids, but I refrained. Long pants on game drives are always a good idea. We didn’t come across many bugs, but long pants are recommended. These blocked the wind and were super light – would be great for hiking.
When the cargo trend and your safari trip coincide. Talk about timing!! I am here for this trend and I can’t wait to show you how I will dress these up for date night. Yes, you read that right. Stay tuned.
I can’t tell you how many times I thanked myself for buying this jacket before we left. I wore it on pretty much every game drive. The mornings were just plain cold and this jacket was warm, yet packable. The evenings started out warm, but being in an open air vehicle makes everything a little chillier. This jacket was definitely a wardrobe hero for this trip.
One Piece Wonders
Here’s the thing about safaris, they are absolutely exhausting due to the sensory overload. Cold air blasting your face, rocky terrain jostling your body up down/all around as your eyes steady on the most beautiful, serene landscape. Top that with an enticing blend of excitement and fear at every turn. We came back from every game drive on the highest of highs, and then quickly crashed. I’m talking “I just ran a marathon” exhaustion. BUT, if you looked at your rings on your watch… nada. Mentally drained, but physically not much happened. I packed a few workout clothes to walk on the treadmill between drives…. also helped to work off our 3 part breakfasts. More on that later.
Sleep or soak in the view?! Obviously the later… between game drives we were tired, but it was hard retreat to a bed when you are surrounded by the most amazing landscape.
What does a girl where when she her evening activities will consist of horseback riding through the bush (but don’t worry not in the lion area… just buffalo, giraffes, and rhinos) to a very fancy restaurant with a side of archery? A denim jumpsuit should do the trick.
What do you wear when you are about to board a puddle jumper plane in the Kalahari? A cute jumpsuit, obviously. Why? Because puddle jumpers don’t have bathrooms so you can cross that issue off your list. Also, I knew once we arrived in Cape Town we would go straight to dinner so I wanted to wear something that was a little dressier than my game drive looks.
City Exploring
Oh the places I wore this dress… to the top of Table Mountain (check!), to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (check!) to the wineries in Constantia (Check!). Yes, it was all in a day’s worth of our itinerary but this ultimate travel dress proved that she was ready for anything.
Dinner Dresses
When your dress matches your mood: bright and happy!! I wore this colorful number to dinner with my family on the water front in Cape Town.
(I only packed 2 pairs of sandals. Would I have liked to pair a nicer pair with this dress, yes. Did anyone really care? No.)
Did I mention there was a Nobu in our hotel? This was our cue to get the kids room service and have a parents-only dinner. The flavors, the creativity of the dishes, the presentation…. wow, just wow. I wore such a wow-worthy jumpsuit to match this vibe that it is selling out fast 🙁
Swim Suits + Cover Ups
When people think “safari”, lounging poolside probably doesn’t come to mind, but let me assure you, there was plenty of time for that. Game drives are early morning and late afternoon which means the middle of the day is all about relaxing. The lodges we stayed at had the most beautiful pools and even thought South Africa is entering their winter season, it was in the 70s during the day and we took full advantage… especially of the hot tub.
I read a meme somewhere recently somewhere that said you CAN do a cold plunge without posting about it on the internet. That made me laugh. This pool was ICY, but did feel so good!
Bikini (this brand is ONE size — it really does work on many body types! When it comes out of the package its TINY, but the crepe fabric stretches to form to your shape.) | Similar suit less $.
Out of the bush and into the city. We stayed at the One + Only in Cape Town and their pool was a highly for our whole family. The pina colodas were a close second to the breathtaking view of the mountain side. The combination of the two? Next level.
Whoops, I tried a mojito too. Yep, that was delicious too. Take me back to South Africa!!!
