Monday Outfit: Keeping It Casual

Sep 20, 2021

A few weeks ago, I started a new job, which greatly limits my time in court.  As a result, I still need to look professional on Zoom calls, but I don’t need to wear a suit more than once or twice per month.  This outfit looks “lawyer like” on Zoom, but is still casual enough to wear around the house.  Let’s build it.

Once again, Pinterest has hidden the exact origin of this photo.  It appears in multiple street-style roundups for black blazer looks, but I can’t find it anywhere on its own.  But whoever the subject is, she has mastered the effortless, weekend blazer look.

Blazer // I originally wanted to use this impeccable Maje Valilou blazer in this set (which if anyone who buys holiday gifts for me is reading this, is what I want for Christmas), but it was a little pricier than my normal pulls.  So I went with a double breasted blazer from Banana Republic, which I just ordered.  It is lovely in person.

Looking for a single button option?  J.Crew’s Dalton blazer is a nice option under-$250.  Need a plus-size option?  This City Chic blazer is nice, you’ll just need to swap out the black buttons for gold ones.  Also, if you have a black blazer you love, but it needs something, swapping buttons is a great way to give yourself a new look from and old piece.

T-Shirt // I have read so (so) many articles over the past year extolling the virtues of the X Karla t-shirts.  It seems like every fashion editor owns five of them.  They are described in loving tones as perfectly opaque, just thin enough, and just fitted enough.  So I added her crewneck tee to the set.  Did I mention it’s <$50?

As for myself, my go-to t-shirt right now is, take a deep breath, Fruit of the Loom.  They’re under-$15, and they’re pretty good quality.  Frankly, I just got tired of paying for $50 t-shirts that I was throwing away after six-months.

Jeans // I know that ‘hard pants’ are not anyone’s favorite right now, so I chose a pair of affordable jeans from Old Navy.  This way, you can wear them when you want, but you’re not out a significant sum if they’re only worn occasionally.  I also tried to choose the pair that looked the least like ‘Mom jeans.’  The young ones pushing this trend clearly do not watch enough SNL.

Shoes // These Rio Bronco trainers are my favorite for the 1980s gym look.  If you need something under-$100 you can’t go wrong with a classic Nike Run Swift or a pair of low-top Chuck Taylors.

Bag // Can a backpack be chic?  The AllSaints Kita backpack is.  I love this thing.  It’s convertible to a tote or satchel, and it has cool details like a braided strap and the perfect pebbled leather.  For something under-$150, this Frye Backpack is worth a look.

Bracelets // To finish this look, I chose these easy Baublebar cuffs.  They’re thin enough to wear together and chic enough to be worn separately.  Prefer a bracelet with a clasp?  Baublebar’s Hera chain bracelet is the thing.

Styling // As for how to put this all together, I think the inspiration photo is spot on with a pushed up sleeve.  And since it’s Monday, I’ll probably need a bit of dry shampoo and black honey lipstick.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}

Casual Fridays, Style, Work

share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Kat says:

    I vastly prefer vneck over crewneck for basic white tees and have had a hell of a time finding a white vneck. I ordered fruit of the loom but did not like the neckline. What are other decent options?

    • Chloe says:

      I agree with this – I crewnecks are not as flattering on me. I have really liked JCrew v-necks or banana republic’s as they’re a nicer material (i think pima cotton?) and wear well. I tend to go a size up so I can sneak a tank top underneath as they aren’t the thickest t-shirts.

    • Belle says:

      Everlane has a nice one.

    • Mary says:

      The luxe tees from Old Navy are great. Super affordable with a nice fit.

    • Ana says:

      This will be a controversial one, but head to a craft store and find where they keep the T shirts for Cricut’s infusible ink line. They’re thick, brown-girl opaque, and easy to clean. Size up since they run a little small, but they’re $5-7 at most places.

  2. chelsea says:

    Are you still wearing your Burberry trench?

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

November AMA: You Asked, I Answered

Another month has come and gone, and between a busy work schedule, illness and the search for new childcare, I almost forgot to ask for questions for the AMA.  Luckily, I remembered late last night.  So here we go. I always think it’s funny when people send rude or overly personal questions when I put […]

1

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

Gift Guide 2023: Stocking Stuffers, Pt. 1

I love stocking stuffers.  They are the best part of Christmas.  There’s just nothing quite like an affordable gift that’s funny or useful or chic (or maybe all three).  So here is Part One of my stocking stuffer gift guides, where nothing costs more than $30.

8

READ MORE 

You Have, You Need: Camel Sweater Edition

In the name of fiscal responsibility, I’m taking a shopping respite through the end of the year.  When you write a fashion blog, not shopping is like being a person on a diet who moves into a McDonald’s.  But I’m determined to flex some self-discipline now that my holiday shopping is done.

4

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | November 30, 2023

November AMA: You Asked, I Answered

Another month has come and gone, and between a busy work schedule, illness and the search for new childcare, I almost forgot to ask for questions for the AMA.  Luckily, I remembered late last night.  So here we go. I always think it’s funny when people send rude or overly personal questions when I put […]

1

READ MORE 

Features, Gift Guide, Posts | November 29, 2023

Gift Guide 2023: Stocking Stuffers, Pt. 1

I love stocking stuffers.  They are the best part of Christmas.  There’s just nothing quite like an affordable gift that’s funny or useful or chic (or maybe all three).  So here is Part One of my stocking stuffer gift guides, where nothing costs more than $30.

8

READ MORE 

Posts, Style, You Have You Need | November 29, 2023

You Have, You Need: Camel Sweater Edition

In the name of fiscal responsibility, I’m taking a shopping respite through the end of the year.  When you write a fashion blog, not shopping is like being a person on a diet who moves into a McDonald’s.  But I’m determined to flex some self-discipline now that my holiday shopping is done.

4

READ MORE 

Add to Cart, Features, Posts | November 28, 2023

Add to Cart: Five Recent Amazon Purchases

Since my daughter was born, Amazon has claimed so much of my money that I had to buy stock just to get some of it back.  Between the formula, onesies, fruit pouches, diapers, wipes, and ever evolving list of baby development gear, I could not survive without Prime.   My husband no longer notices the […]

7

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO