So, I get it – we’re not all going to wear latex mini dresses every day, right? I mean, it depends on your job, but safe to say that for most of us we have to toe the line between “work appropriate” and “high roller’s party in Las Vegas” attire. Trust me – I literally work in a church (I help with the youth program) so I can’t exactly make small talk at the water cooler with the Reverend in an outfit that requires multiple pairs of spanx, fishing line, and boob tape.
If I’m working with the students, jeans, fun sneakers, and a white t-shirt are no problem. But every now and then, I have to speak at a service – and then I have to look like I hang out with grownups. I have to remind them that I am the sort of person who pays her bills on time (thanks, autopay), owns an iron, and has an Investment Guy. Never mind that I have to have multiple alarms to remind me to eat because I have short term memory loss or that I haven’t folded the laundry I did last week.
A Time and Place for the Sweater Dress
These outfits – the more conservative, mature ones – are a necessary part of life. Do I enjoy wearing two-inch heels? No, of course not – but at least they’re cute, right? I find ways to add my own flair. Instead of a black sheath dress, how about a sweater dress? How about some architectural earrings? A fun bag?
One of my friends calls these outfits of mine the “J Lo Goes to Church” looks. You can’t get rid of the booty, or the sass, or the slight subversion of expectations (emphasis on slight – J Lo is, after all, mainstream). Nor would you want to! There should always be room for personality in any wardrobe, even if it’s toned down a bit. A little can go a long way.
This specific outfit I wore to speak at a service a few weeks ago. A sweater dress in a light knit is so effortless, aseasonal, and classic. Yes, it’s body-skimming, but we’re dealing with long sleeves, a modest hemline, and low heels: it all balances out.
How do you add bits of personality to workwear?
love,
Stig
