2.26.2014

nine to five

so i realize i haven't done a nine to five post in forever. this feature focuses on what to wear in more professional setting. whether it's a full time job, an internship, or job interview, my goal is to show you that you can still showcase your personal style while dressing to impress. now that i'm graduated college, and working my first "real" job, i wear professional clothes more than i wear my regular clothes. i originally thought that i wouldn't be a big fan of this. but once i focused on incorporating pieces i already had in my wardrobe, with a few new items, i started having a lot of fun getting dressed in the mornings!


 if i wore black slacks and a button down everyday, it's safe to say i would be both bored and depressed. yes, it would meet the office dress code, but there are ways to be much more creative with your wardrobe. both target and tj maxx make it extremely easy and affordable to find fun pieces that can be styled for both work and outside of work. it definitely helps you stick to your budget when you can find items that are versatile. a fun skirt can spice up a simple sweater for work, but can also be paired with a plain tee for a night out with the girls. 


a key item that is more than 100% necessary for a working girl is a good bag. not a little clutch or a small purse, but more like a female version of a briefcase. i got this gray beauty from target and have literally carried it to work every single day. i can fit my lunch, my ipad, and all of my key necessities in it no problem. i can throw a binder in it if i'm heading to a meeting or fit my laptop in it if i'm working on something away from home. it has been such a staple since i started my job! i love the color because it's goes with anything, and the straps allow me to hold it in the crook of my arm or on my shoulder. you can find a very similar one here if you're interested.




you definitely don't want to over-accessorize, but don't be afraid to wear a statement necklace or fun earrings. it's these little things that can make you feel more like yourself and can spice up a simpler look. and, of course, you can never, ever go wrong with a pair of basic, and most importantly comfy, black pumps. they can give your outfit the necessary edge, as long as they aren't stilettos. because ow. nobody got time for that.  


i hope some of these tips can help keep you inspired when getting dressed for work in the morning. looking and feeling good can help keep you empowered and ready to conquer anything! happy wednesday!

xxoo,
n

outfit details
skirt + bag + watch: target
sweater: belk
pumps: payless
earrings: forever 21

33 comments:

  1. I need a bag like that ASAP for NY!! You look so cute in your work wear, it's going to be such a change going from a work uniform to working in the fashion industry .. therefore you need to do more of these posts :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Okay . . . what a gorgeous melt. Your Ombre is so perfect.
    It makes me want to take my hair color back to that endless summer vibe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cool outfit ! Your sweater seems to be soooo comfy ! ^^

    If you have a second, I would greatly appreciate it if you could check my blog out : http://lorallure.blogspot.com
    You won't regret it =D

    Thanks
    -Laurie

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always forget to layer my watch over my sleeves! Good tip and ummm you have amazing style lady!

    Colour Me Classic

    ReplyDelete
  5. aaah in love with the prints of your skirt! so awesome!:))

    http://dreamybubblebee.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well aren't you adorable? I do consider myself lucky though, in that I work in an office with no dress code. If I ever switch, I know where to get inspiration, ha!

    http://lamentinglizzie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the sweater on you! Looking cozy <3

    http://www.vonvogue.com/
    New Post: WISHLIST: Leopard Flats
    xoxo, Claire from Vancouver, Canada

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a pretty skirt! I love how you paired it with the sweater - this look is so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great feature, love the flirty skirt in a more corporate setting, it totally works!

    xx Hélène
    www.FashionOverReason.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. cozy little sweater Nikki! I like the watch you matched with the whole outfit! :)
    Carla @ Love Cartista

    ReplyDelete
  11. Simple and elegant at same time. I like very much your skirt!
    Thank you for your comment at my blog, kisses,
    Eni K.

    http://eniwherefashion.blogspot.it/
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eniwhere-Fashion/495867350525920

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a great look....love the skirt with the chunky jumper! xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great outfit - I agree with you about the bag too, a small purse isn't so great for work. Also bigger bags are good for carrying a pair of flats should you want to change shoes on your way home :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. So classy! Love that high end look!
    http://jenessasheffield.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the outfit! So glad I stumbled upon your blog!

    xo,

    Pirate Hart
    www.piratehart.com
    www.shoppiratehart.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. This skirt is perfect!
    http://www.styleandbeautyforless.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  17. love the way the skirt looks with your sweater! so lovely combination!
    very nice blog by the way :)

    kisses from Russia,
    Juliet
    RUSSIAN DOLL

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yes! I start 9-5 work again this is a great idea! I have a very specific personal style and it shines through when I go all corporate! I often get referred to as snow white or a school girl haha.
    www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. That skirt has the most beautiful pattern. Love it!


    X Malena
    www.Fashioncontainer.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love this look! I'm about to start doing my own work-wear posts! Thanks for the tips.

    XOXO,
    Vanessa
    http://babe-sicle.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lovely look!
    http://bellemelange.net/blog/

    ReplyDelete
  23. such a lovely skirt!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your skirt from Target has a pretty print and your sweater from Belk looks very warm and stylish. You styled your outfit beautifully. Your watch and earrings look pretty and so do the blonde highlights in your hair.

    http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  25. Replies
    1. thank you, lady! your blog is one of my faves :)

      Delete