It may just be my style, or lack thereof, but I’ve decided to follow some simple rules when it comes to clothes for the workplace:
Must Have’s:
- It must not itch. ANYWHERE. Not at the seams, not at the frills, not in the collar, not under the armpits, ANYWHERE.
- Similar to the above, it needs to be COMFORTABLE. You need to feel like you can run from your house (with clingy kids) to the minivan to the train station to the office and sit/stand/present/walk around and then back again back home without the clothes getting in the way. You have enough things to worry about let alone having your focus misdirected to your damn, uncomfortable clothes.
- It must be FLATTERING for you. It must work with your body and make you feel sexy. I know you are a mother, but you are also a woman. You need to feel like one. You need to feel like the clothes are enhancing you – looking good on you. DO NOT BUY SOMETHING THAT ONLY LOOKS OK BUT HAS A GREAT PRICE-TAG. Absolutely do not do that. You will wind up filling up your clothes with mediocrity, wasting your money, and not feeling good about yourself.
- The simpler, the better. Anything too trendy does not pass the test of time, and my closet (and bank account) is limited — I simply cannot have several closets of clothes and cycle through them through the years when things come back in style. So call me a frump. I have thick skin.
- It must not break the bank. I don’t like paying full price on clothes. Suggested retail price is a fabrication of imagination. I don’t mind paying more for simple, muted classics though (e.g., black blazer, black pants, etc.).
(not me, but a dress by Three Dots)
Nice to have’s:
- I absolutely love it when I buy something that I feel can take me to the office yet also be worn on the weekends, or with the kids, or out to a casual dinner. You get it. Time is too limited for changes. Space is too constrained for multiple sets of clothes in bulk. Streamline your life.
- I love it when it is made of a fabric where I can launder it myself. I despise the cost of dry cleaning and also the piles of clothes and the extra trip/errand that needs to be done. It is so much easier for me to collect the stuff that I can launder with gentle soap on a gentle cycle and then hang dry. I don’t mind it at all, especially when I know it is saving me money and giving me versitility with what I am wearing.
My favorite in terms of brand is three dots. Very comfy clothes that work well and play well. My favorite stores right now are Amazon.com (of course — they make it so easy to find things, sort, filter, and find great deals) and believe it or not, Kohl’s (especially at the end of the season – you can find DIRT CHEAP clothes that feel and look great – again, the simpler the better – so great for layering or even waiting until the next season).
When it comes to shoes, I still have a lot to learn. I keep some heels in my office drawer but have not yet perfected the shoe thing in terms of comfort, style or durability. I’ll think about that going forward. I have some favorites, but nothing I can fully endorse.
In short, have your clothes work for you, versus you working for your clothes. ‘Nuf said.
What other ideas do you ladies have??? Please share!!
Hope everyone is having a good start to the week
– Mama K
Mama In Motion™ 
I am with you on point 1. Itchy clothes is a definite No-No
I know it seems so simple yet it took me so long to figure out. I always thought that maybe a shirt underneath, or a good washing would fix the problem and then the stuff just sits in your closet. What a waste!
I am far from being an expert, but a well made pair of point toe flats in black or another neutral are a great addition to my closet. They elongate the leg and work well with most styles of pants, and the point toe makes a flat look dressy enough even for more formal offices. I am a Jeffrey Campbell fan, but I work in a more creative setting and I don’t think he always makes the best toned down options.
To add to the list of things that you despise, I despise clothing that pills! It drives me nuts, and even more expensive fabrics can do it. J. Crew occasionally makes silk linen blend sweaters. These are fabulous because not only are they lightweight and good for layering but they never pill. Whenever I see them (and especially see them on sale) I buy multiples, because I will wear them to death. Even if you have to buy them at full price, they are worth it because they are work horses. On the same J. Crew note, unless you need it and have to have it then, wait a few weeks and check back online for the same item. Chances are it will be on sale – steep sale.
Thank you so much for these tips! I will definitely check out the J Crew stuff. Glad you mentioned this “evil” pill/pull thing. I’m with you on that!! I keep trying to fix the stuff too and it never turns out right! Evil. Just evil. Thanks for commenting and also sharing your ideas.