Do you ever struggle to know what to wear to work? Shopping for professional clothes can be overwhelming and “meh”. Basically, totally uninspiring. But looking professional and put together is incredibly simple and you don’t have to break the bank.

Weekly style edit is back and I’m so excited!

Last week I showed you how to style vintage Levi’s. I’m barely scratching the surface on how to serve you better with these Style Edits. I was texting with my friend Sam last night and she had some great ideas like “how to style jeans 5 ways” for example.

If you have any style questions or need help styling something, in particular, please let me know in the comments section.

What to wear to work?

This week is dedicated to a new friend (my coworker Ruthie) and her friend Melody. We were chatting after work one-day last week and the subject of clothing came up.

What to wear to work?

Ruthie just graduated from college and Melody works in a professional setting. Both gals were commiserating over how hard it is to find affordable work-wear that’s both cute and comfortable. But they also felt a little lost as to how to style it.

In another blog post, I’m going to create an entire work/professional capsule wardrobe for you so that you can see how easy it is to style an entire week’s worth of outfits.

But for now, we’re going to stick to one cute outfit with a few accessories.

one / / Mleko Weekly Journal

Everyone needs to stay organized! I try my very best but without my Moleskine journal and my Passion Planner I would be utterly lost. Holler at me if you’re a list writer!

Although I love the Passion Planner, I’m thinking I need to try something new for the coming year. I found this minimal and well-organized planner from Polish design studio Mleko. It’s made from 100% recycled paper products and manufactured ethically.

I love everything about them and will be on the lookout for more of their products.

two / / Meyelo Leather Tote

I just can’t emphasize the importance of a high-quality bag. I wear really only a couple of purses. I have one leather bag which I showed you in last week’s post about finding designer items at the thrift store.

If there’s one thing, ok two things, I would recommend making a good investment in it would purses and shoes. The higher quality, the longer lasting. It’s worth it, I promise.

Though this bag is a little out of my price range at the moment (still saving and paying off student loans) I think you could find a well-made leather handbag at the thrift store if you just keep looking.

Meyelo is an ethical company and 10% of every purchase goes directly to A Voice Is Heard to support sustainable community development projects in Kenya.

three / / Plumo Striped Linen T

If there’s anything you should know about me it’s that I love stripes. I even wrote a research paper on the history of stripes in college.

Needless to say, stripes are a must.

four / / Lesca Sunglasses

Aren’t these sunglasses the best? I stumbled upon them on a men’s fashion website called No Man Walks Alone. They are handcrafted in France. These are a dreamboat pair.  Yes, these are pricey – so here’s an alternative pair that I think are just as snazzy.

five // Madwell Paulina Suede Boot

A classic suede boot will take you a long way. You can wear these in almost any season. I particularly like these from Madewell because they have medium height heel plus they’re on sale right now.

I have a similar pair from Clark’s that I got several seasons ago a discount shoe store in town called Marty and Liz. A pro tip is to always check eBay, Poshmark, and Thred Up before buying retail. It’s a shopping rule I live by!

six / / Living Libations Rose Glow Creme

I’m obsessed with this brand I just discovered. The founder of this company, Nadine Artemis, is health guru and went on to create this exquisite line of natural and organic products like this Rose Glow Creme.

When I’m rushing to get out the door in the morning, I definitely focus on the face. It’s the first thing people see and even if I don’t have time to put makeup on or even wash my face, I will always invest in the proper moisturizer.

Check out Nadine’s Instagram account. It’s is amazing.

seven / / Uniqulo + Ines De La Fressange Wool Slacks

Who wouldn’t love anything that model and French “It Girl” Ines De La Fressange touched!? But aside from being drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also a two-time author on top of being a clothing designer. She’s basically my hero.

Ines has actually done more than one line partnership with Uniqlo.

When you can get your hands on some of their exclusive lines, it’s worth it. I first discovered Uniqulo on a visit to New York back in 2006 and discovered that their basics are great. I call them the Gap of Japan.

Plus, if you’re in New York or have access to a Uniqulo, they offer free hemming on all pants and jeans that buy.

In conclusion

Getting dressed for work doesn’t have to leave you in a bind. Stick with basics, keep yourself well-armed with a good planner and an even better face cream and you’ll be ready to rock it.

I can’t emphasize this enough. A basic outfit is made outstanding when you pair them with unique and artful pieces.

Let me know what your #1 work style struggle is in the comments below!