making work clothes work

The final count down of summer!
I go back to work on Monday and will get my actual students the following Monday.

During this time I mope around the house and try to lift my spirits by heavily drinking shopping for new work pieces and going through my closet trying on every pencil and tulip skirt that I own.

If you know me- you understand that my work wardrobe consists of fitted skirts and extra high heels. I actually went and counted for you that don't see me in my work realm. I own 19 skirts composed of pencils and tulips- that is almost enough for an entire month! Luckily I have been collecting these since college. I love the fact that a well structured skirt will always be in style.

Now what you do with that skirt is where it counts.

urban outfitters $38

blue and cream $228

Personally I like to wear my skirts with a much more casual light t-shirt or top. I think it takes that serious edge off the skirt and makes it seem more youthful and fun.
Otherwise you could run into the possibility of looking like an 80's power queen in a skirt suite with those square toes loafers or mules...not so cool.

steve madden $89

Last school year I loved grabbing whatever color of platform (hidden/or not) slightly rounded toe stilettos from my closet to pair with my skirts. I felt it just dressed up the outfit enough to pull off the t-shirt or top of choice. I ll always go back to my staple stiletto but I decided to accept a new option:

After much coaxing and convincing myself- I decided you can wear the last year booties and newer sling back high heeled clogs with skirts. In fact, I love it. I would gladly take any of these shoes with a fitted skirt or even a trouser

enigma $56

topshop $160

steve madden $150

carvela

The last few days I started looking at some of my favorite places/brands like modcloth, urban outfitters, asos, topshop, anthrologie and noticed a vintage feel and bright colors on several of their skirts. What a nice change over the same old grey black or blue today question I ask myself every morning.

asos $27

harmony lane $169

urban outfitters $140

asos $20

Skirts are my essential work attire. They say serious but with a hint of sexy. You can play them up or down and accessorize them with just about any style. Have fun and stay fashionable with your work gear. Black pants and button downs are too predictable.

What's your essential work attire?

Love,
Ashley

ps this my feeble second attempt at posting this since my lovely daughter decided to delete all just as I was publishing. ahh one of the many joys ;)