Friday, November 18, 2011

Dressing for Comfort & Thoughts on Casual Friday



Sometimes I'm more comfortable in a dress and tights than in anything else.  It's funny how often this is my go-to outfit even when I'm not feeling 'dressy' - just because it's easy and comfortable.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good pair of jeans. It's just nice that they're not my only option when it comes to more comfortable outfits.

I find that I'm almost always in skirts or dresses on the weekends.  Again, not because I'm feeling super dressy, but because I can wear jeans to work on Fridays (yes, it's exciting). But what I can't wear (and wouldn't even if I 'could') are short skirts/dresses.  Not like I'm one to walk around in super short things anyway, but I'm tall(ish), so even the length of this dress is inappropriate for my office.

Just a tip for anyone who runs into this issue: If you ever find yourself standing in front of the mirror asking yourself 'is this dress/skirt too short for work?' - the answer is YES.  If you have to question it, even for a second, YES IT IS TOO SHORT.  No matter how cute or comfortable you are in it, even if the hem is an appropriate length after all, you will worry about it all day. And on this particular day, you will undoubtedly be called into a meeting with very important people at your office.  Happens every time.

On the Casual Friday topic, let me preface by saying that I know ALL office environments are different and have varying dress codes.  Fortunately, looking like a polished and classy professional is generally expected on some level at any company.  I'm all for taking the opportunity to wear jeans and dress down a little - but if you have any interest in climbing the corporate ladder, get used to dressing every single day in something that you would be proud to have worn the day you met your _____ (insert CEO/CFO/VP of Whatever here...you get the point).  You can still wear jeans and have a more relaxed look on Fridays, just understand that 'Casual Friday' is NOT meant to be an opportunity so that all of your peers at work can see you in your jeans, t-shirts, and flip flops.  Essentially, everything else in your outfit stays the same on Fridays - you just substitute dressy trousers or skirts with denim. NOT super skinny jeans, and NOT distressed jeans.  I love them both for weekends but they are absolutely not corporate office appropriate.  You may have a bit more freedom in your work wear on Fridays, but remember that you are still at work.  Well, not for much longer... because it's Friday :)                






Blue Juice dress , Karen Millen belt, Spanx tights, Michael Shannon booties, F21 bangles, NY&Co earrings, Michael Kors watch, Anna and Ava giraffe ring, studded ring from Posh boutique

29 comments:

  1. LOVE it Sarah! One of my favorites from you up to date :) Oh, and totally agree about short skirts/dresses... If you wonder about them even for a second they are probably too short for work... unfortunately :D

    Happy Friday!

    xxx,

    Fashion Fractions

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  2. Loving this outfit!!
    And fortunately my office has no dress code, but I do think I am one of the more dressed up people in my office, though I do wear jeans quite a bit. I don't even own a suit though (I do own dressy pants but if I wore those in my office everyone would think I'm crazy because they all wear jeans or khakis)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  3. Oh, I totally agree. My office is actually very casual (unless we are having clients in), but I still find myself dressed up many days. I remember years ago having to tell people on my team, if you can wear it to the beach, club, etc. then it's not appropriate for work!

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  4. Love this dress and tights, and hysterical about the length. SO true! We're not 18 anymore. Though tights are awesome making a potentially questionable length a little more appropriate. :) Very opaque though! lol

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  5. Love this outfit...the belt is an awesome accessory!

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  6. SO in love with this look, gorgeous! :) That tunic is awesome! I want to snatch it from you and wear it right now!

    xx
    Jen

    http://belledecouture.com

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  7. Love this look - and your advice on dressing for the office. Also agree with you that a dress is often more comfortable than jeans. Jeans can be too tight! Haha. I want to wear something I can let it all hang out in and a loose dress is perfect for that.

    My office environment is biz casual and we have casual Fridays when we can wear jeans. But some seem to think jeans includes denim mini MINI skirts. Yikes. And then there's the women that think leggings are pants, tunics don't need leggings, HALTER tops....men in jorts. Goodness. You gotta wonder!

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  8. Very well put and I couldn't agree with you more! I cringe at the thought of someone wearing a mid-thigh skirt to the office. Dress code has always been important to me. I would rather be overdressed than under for any occasion.
    xo~C

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  9. great look! i agree, i wouldn't wear it to the office but it is a super cute look :)

    http://forallthatjas.blogspot.com/

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  10. Gorgeous Sarah as always. Since I now work from home, I have become more and more of a jeans girl. But I try to dress up when I go out with J on the weekends.

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  11. working for a start-up, pretty much anything goes over here! I love your outfit - I saw something similar to that dress at Madewell... love the simple, classic cut, and the drape of the fabric. Looking good! (Happy FRIDAY!)

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  12. Great tips for work dressing! Upon approaching two years in a coporate setting, I'm still trying to get used to it! I particulary loved the tip about short skirts/dresses. As someone w/ long legs, this is always a problem for me!

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  13. You look very chic! I love this outfit! love your accessories and awesome tips for dressing in a work environment.

    http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/

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  14. Love seeing what people wear to work!

    Thanks for stopping by :-). I'm following you. Stop back and follow too if you like!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    http://www.oddandchic.com

    xxx

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  15. Your Giraffe necklace is fantastic, I love giraffe's!
    Agreed on the doubting a dress length bit, especially at just under 6ft I run into hem length issues often and since I love dressed this can be a pain!
    Love your dress with the tights you look ready for all kinds of weekend fun!

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  16. I get so self conscious about short skirts at work too. I LOVE this dress on you, however. The mocha color is great and I love the patterned belt!

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  17. Love how easy it looks and yet so pulled together! those tights are so pretty!

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  18. I keep buying short skirts and dresses, but I can't wear them at my office either. This dress is so cute on you! I really love that color on you :)

    GlamCake

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  19. Love what you had to say about short dresses. If you have to think about it, then "yes" it's to short! I agree!!

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  20. A very sexy but respectable look :) I'm the same way about dresses and skirts. It's a quck and easy way to create a cute outfit.

    http://whichmewillibetoday.word press.com

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  21. The dress is really nice and just short enough. And you paired it perfectly with these tights.

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  22. Love the dress!! I always end up feeling more comfortable in dresses as well - and since I'm shorter I like 'em a little shorter (not so work appropriate though)! I need to invest in some warm tights so I can wear more of my dresses up here in the freezing cold. :)

    Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
    xoxo
    CK

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  23. Dressing for the office is definitely something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I work in a strange environment where dressing too smartly is... not looked down upon but definitely questioned. Television as an industry is definitely more scruffy than most but I am trying to ease myself out of the jeans and tees and into something a bit smarter.

    Sorcha x
    Bonfire Brunette

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  24. I 100% agree with your comment "If you have to ask if it's too short, then it is." Why risk tarnishing your professional reputation? Not worth it.

    I really like the gold hardware details in the dress though. It definitely gives it a more polished look.

    xo, Abbey (District Dress Up)
    http://abbeybrandon.blogspot.com/

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  25. I have a leopard print belt that I wear in exactly the same way - I love it, such a nice outfit. :)

    www.southmoltonststyle.com

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  26. I agree that tights and a dress are more comfy than jeans, but I when in doubt don't wear anytihng too short to the office. My office doesn't have casual Friday. :(

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  27. I always feel most comfortable in a dress! Love yours!!!

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  28. cute top!

    xo Ashleigh

    www.thedaileigh.blogspot.com

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