How to Style a Blazer Outside of the Office
Just last week, I officially celebrated being full-time at my corporate job for 5 years. Many of you may not know this, but my 9-5 title is 'Loan Closer' at a mortgage company here in Annapolis. It may not be glamorous (in fact, it definitely is not). However, it is one of the reasons that I enjoy blogging so much. When I jumped on board as an employee in a corporate setting, I immediately knew that I needed a separate, creative outlet to spill all of my ideas and inspiration into. Even if that meant clicking away at my desk for 9 hours in an office and turning right around to spend another 5 hours at home editing and promoting blog content.
Working in a corporate office and also as a fashion blogger has forced me to get creative about my wardrobe choices over the past few years. For the most part, when I am shopping for a new piece for my wardrobe, especially if I consider it an 'investment piece', one of my requirements is that it works seamlessly for both a professional setting and a casual setting.
I see a lot of people caught up in the assumption that a professional style essential must be solid, black, and boring. I think that's why office style gets such a bad reputation. There's no rule against a pretty pink piece, an embroidered pant, a funky collar pin, or a bold colored shoe. You don't have to dress like you are going to a funeral every day in order to look professional.
Wouldn't these "fun" pieces be so much more rewarding to invest in anyway?
That way you can feel confident styling them not only in the office, but on a date night or a weekend out with friends. This blush-toned blazer is a perfect example. I recently snagged it from Tobi for $100 with the intention of pairing it with a white, flowy blouse on Monday morning, and a sexy, pink tank on Saturday evening. This piece can truly go from day to night in under 5 minutes.
This evening in particular I decided to style it with an open-back bodysuit, wax-coated jeans, nude heels, and my Rebecca Minkoff embossed cross-body. It was perfect for a quick change from the office to dinner downtown with Sam.
Needless to say, one of my favorite transitional pieces is definitely a blazer. There is an endless supply of gorgeous blazers out there - from structured to boyfriend to cropped, and beyond. And they are designed in some of the most amazing prints and fabrics as well.
It is almost guaranteed that if you work in an office (or any professional setting, really), you already have one of these in your closet. My question is: do you wear it with a pretty silk dress and heels, or a graphic tee and flats, maybe ripped jeans and sneakers? There are SO many ways to wear a blazer outside of the office.
What are you waiting on? I want to see what your signature look is. Tag us via Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured!
Shop this look:
Jaymes Drape Blazer (size xs for reference - it runs a little big, comes in 2 colors)
Buena Wrap Bodysuit (size xs for reference - fit is accurate, comes in 7 colors)
*This post was done in partnership with Tobi. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that I wear and love!
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xo Anna Elizabeth