One of the discussions we often have on this blog is how to dress for a casual office when you’re the boss/manager/director. It’s not an easy question to answer, because you want your wardrobe to convey your position, but you also don’t want to be overdressed because that can create a deeper separation from your team. It’s a lot to balance. But I think this outfit gets the job done.
Yes, cargo pants and a blazer. Take a moment. Take it in. See the vision.
This outfit, found on The Daisy Edit, mixes very casual pieces — cargo pants and a tee — with a professional, but cool, blazer. The outfit is work-appropriate, but it’s not taking itself too seriously. Which, when you need to be the boss of a casually dressed team, is what you want. Here’s how to recreate it.
Veronica Beard Battista Jacket ($698) // Wilfred Cargo Pants ($138) // Splendid Kate T-Shirt ($48) // Madewell Remy Flat ($168) // Quince Hobo Bag ($144) // Lakur Nail Polish ($16) // Jenny Bird Lennon Ring ($128) // Quay Tortoise Sunglasses ($100)
What makes the blazer work here is the longer cut. This is often referred to as a long line jacket. You can find it with one button, and occasionally with two. But the extended length gives it a drapier feel, and when you push up the sleeves (invest in sleeve garters), it looks very relaxed.
I own this Veronica Beard jacket in black, and it is phenomenal. It is the perfect jacket to layer over dresses. It’s spendy, but the quality is better than anything else I’ve found in the past 20 years. Banana Republic and Theory (via The Rack) have lovely options under-$300. If you need something for under-$150, Tahari is always the best option.
The cargo pants I picked are from Aritzia. You’ve seen them here before, because they give a sleek look that is still cool and relaxed.
If you want something more washed out and casual, closer to the inspo photo, Rails, Wit & Wisdom, and Everlane. The Everlane pants have a very cool utility styling, which is very on trend for summer. For something really affordable, Everlane has these cargo pants for $42, also in black. Plus size? LL Bean has a great pair.
For the t-shirt, I forgot how great Splendid tees are. They sent me this Kate t-shirt as a PR gift, and holy f**k, is this nice material. You can snag it on Nordstrom at a discount, or grab a similar style at Gap (tall and petite). But look for something with a slightly looser fit to keep with the chill vibes of the overall outfit.
The inspo photo footwear is a strappy kitten heel. They’re cute, and they achieve the Allison Bornstein “wrong shoe theory” really well. But I have never, in life, had a job where I can wear a shoe like that. Ever. So I chose a woven olive flat for something that I could walk in and blended into the pants. Other cool options include an olive jelly mule and a sleek flat sandal you can wear with anything.
For the rest of the accessories, don’t miss on this Jenny Bird two-tone ring that sells out every time, in every size. Revolve has it, if JB doesn’t. Another cool, textured ring, is this silver piece from David Yurman. For something under-$80, Quince has this ridged ring.
I added in an espresso hobo bag, which is sleek and chic, but bit enough to hold work essentials. It will not, however, hold a laptop. So if you need that, try this Banana Republic bag. To match the bag, I chose an espresso-colored nail polish with purple undertones, to make it really dark. It’s so chic on for summer with a bit of a tan (real or bottle, up to you). And I added my favorite tortoise shades.
As for styling, I like this look with hair down, in a relaxed wave or worn with your natural texture. I would even leave my big, Texas hot roller hair in for less time to get a looser wave. Then, add makeup that feels natural to you, with just a hint of bronze shimmer on the cheeks.
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