Pinterest Mondays: Smart Casual

1. Vince Long Sleeve Tee ($95) // 2. Lanvin Textured Pencil ($766) // 3. Michael Kors Flex Pump ($99) // 4. Ray-Ban Wayfarers ($150) // 5. Nicholas Gold Plate Belt ($120) // 6. Vince Camuto Jace Satchel ($298) // 7. Athena Ela Scarf ($368) // 8. Nyla Star Chain Bracelet ($70), Kate Spade Locked Bracelet ($65) and Michael Kors Bradshaw Watch ($250) // 9. G. Pressed Ring ($55) and Pressed Taner Ring ($25)

Many women work in offices that fall somewhere between business casual and conservative attire, a dress code that I’ve heard referred to as “smart casual.”  Today’s Pinterest outfit found on Riches for Rags, with a relaxed tee and a slim-fitting pencil, is an excellent illustration of this style.

My advice for wearing t-shirts at work is three-pronged.  First, don’t wear a t-shirt under a suit.  If you need to wear a business suit, you need a better blouse to go with it.  Second, make sure that the t-shirt is a heavy material that isn’t see through or too snug.  Third, wear a t-shirt bra, smoothness is critical.  I like this Wacoal Smooth Complexion bra.

I like these Vince tees because they’re a good thickness and very soft.  If you’d like something in a lower price point, this Bowery tee from Gap is a great alternative at $13.  I know some of you own J.Crew t-shirts, but I find them to be too thin for the office.  I like a bit more weight for work.

Since Lanvin is out of most price ranges, substitute this Hugo Boss Vida skirt is on sale at Off 5th for $84 with most sizes still available.  If you want something with a bit of texture, this under-$75 Aqua pencil skirt is a good choice.  Plus-size?  The only option I could find was this Eileen Fisher skirt.

When you’re dealing with two simple pieces in neutral colors, choosing accessories that add style and flare without overwhelming the look can be a challenge.  I like how she used the scarf, with shades of blue and orange, to bring the purse into the outfit and add more color.  For a less-expensive option, this Olsenboye tribal-print scarf is a great $20 alternative.

The shoes are the “nude” pumps that many women wear all spring and summer long.  These Michael Kors Flex pumps are very comfortable in either the 3.5″ height or the 2.25″ height.  I cannot recommend them enough.

As for the rest of the accessories, I like the relaxed-cool that the Wayfarers bring to the look and the gold plate belt.  Need a cheaper belt?  This ASOS plate belt is under-$30.

This outfit is perfect for offices that hover between casual and conservative.  It’s also a good choice for when your casual wardrobe needs a jolt or for a casual Monday in a more conservative office.