There came a point last November when I realized that I couldn’t wear leggings every day anymore.  Something about it made me feel less professional.  So I bought a pair of cool jeans and started trying to wear denim more frequently.  It was a small step, but an important one.  

Wearing denim felt like I was getting dressed for work and it showed in how I felt about myself during the work day.  Then, I got sick and stayed sick for six weeks.  So it’s time to dive back into wearing work clothes to work, even if they are casual “work” clothes.

This look actually came from the Net-a-Porter website.  I was looking at that Khaite tote bag that everyone is raving about (more of it later), and I thought, “Wow, that would be a great work from home outfit.”  Everything is comfortable, washable, and still pulled together.  So I saved the photo, and here we are recreating the look with pieces that are a bit more affordable than one finds on Net-a-Porter.

The Sweater // This slightly slouchy sweater is an awesome selection for a winter-to-spring wardrobe.  It’s relaxed, modern, and the stripe is an easy look to wear.  I also like it because it has a great California cool vibe.  

Black is the anchor color for my wardrobe, so I swapped out the navy sweater for a black one.  This loose-fit sweater from H&M is the perfect recreation.  Prefer the nautical vibes of the navy sweater? This Quince look is similar.  Really love a turtleneck?  I found this chic Mango sweater while shopping for this post, and it has the same vibe in a different cut. The sizing runs XS to 4XL.

The T-shirt // Layering a tee under a loose sweater is how I keep warm in winter.  If the fabric isn’t close to the body, even if it’s a heavier layer, I get cold.  My current favorite tee comes from Banana Republic Factory.  It’s very soft, and just $15.

Jeans // You’ve heard me talk about my Paige Leenah jeans before.  They come in both cropped and full-length styles.  I love them.  They look great on, are comfortable to wear, and (because my closet was feeling a bit stale post-pregnancy) they feel like a breath of fresh air.  Need the look for less?  This NYDJ pair are worth a look, they also come in plus.

Shoes // These New Balance 327s have a retro feel that I really enjoy.  The cognac-accented color palette feels a little bit more mature than plain white, but they come in three additional color ways if this one isn’t for you.  And I love the overall look with a pair of jeans if I need to run errands or head to lunch.  They’re cool but not trying too hard.

Earrings // I decided this is the year I purchase a pair of square hoops.  They give basic a run for its money with a little something extra.  I own a few Mejuri jewelry pieces and the quality is really fantastic, so this pair seems like the perfect option.  They also come in white metal if you’re not a yellow gold person.

The Bag // As I mentioned above, a lot of influencers are extolling the virtues of Khaite bags, particularly this Khaite bag.  For me, $2,700 is just too much money to spend on a purse, but this is a personal decision, and what anyone else chooses to spend is their business.  Luckily, for those of who prefer a more modestly priced bag, this Rebecca Minkoff bag gives the same slouchy, late 90s feel without being a direct copy.  If you prefer an even more modestly priced bag (and frankly sometimes they hold up the best), this $40 pick from Amazon has a great look to it.

The Lipstick // My lips are so dry this winter.  Luckily, this Lawless tinted lip balm gives a little moisture and a little color.  I also like the Burt’s Bees tinted chapstick because I just want to look less like a pale winter corpse, and there’s no reason the solution can’t come from an end cap at the Target checkout stand. #thisisreallife

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