Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

5 Easy Updates To Your Work Outfits This Year

This post is sponsored by J.Crew Factory.

Curating chic work outfits can be so easy and affordable with the right pieces. I’ve been busy exploring the new office-ready styles at J.Crew Factory. Today, I’m sharing some essential pieces to give our work outfits a 2020 style update. And, the best news? Everything is 50% off right now in the 9-5 Event.

5 Tips for Updated Work Outfits
1. Feel the blues

No matter how conservative or casual your workplace, choose work essentials in shades of blue instead of the usual black. Shades of blue are having a well-deserved style moment this year. Nothing is as classic and sharp as navy blue. And, the color (and overall shape) on the cotton blazer I’m wearing is simply perfect.

updated work outfits

Wearing: Blazer | Bermuda shorts | Blouse | Blue-light glasses | Flats (similar) | Earrings

2. Play with silhouettes

There’s been a refocus on silhouette in fashion in recent years, and I’m loving it. I’m especially a fan of the pant trends. From the return of kick flare pants to Bermuda shorts, there are some cool ways to add fresh elements to your work outfits. If you work in a creative workspace and can wear shorts, opt for Bermuda shorts in your suits.

updated work outfits

By the way, these Bermuda shorts come in a few colors, including Smoky Wisteria, the same color of my blouse. Can you see a style moment happening if I pair them together? Yass!

If  long shorts won’t be appropriate for your workplace, the wide leg cropped pants is an ideal option to add something fresh to your suiting wardrobe.

3. Add pearls of wisdom

Not your grandma’s pearls! Pearls have become go-to accessories for fashion enthusiasts in the last couple years. And, the faux pearl options at J.Crew Factory are so stylish. I’ve been rocking these tiny pearl hoop earrings every week since receiving them (seen also here). If you want something a tad bolder, you must see the larger pearl hoop earrings and the even trendier hook pearl earrings.

updated work outfits

4. Reimagine Neutrals

You’ve probably heard it before. Animal prints are the new neutrals. There’s a lot of truth in that, especially when the print you wear is the chic, soft, snake print I’m rocking below.

Wearing: Blazer | Camisole | Pants | Blue-light glasses | Flats (similar)

updated work outfits

I was instantly drawn to this print when it launched. My only struggle was deciding between the pieces. You see, the print is also available on a dress, sweater, midi skirt, and button-up top. I tried a few combinations, all beautiful, but the camisole and Pants are the winning combination in my book. It gives the look of a jumpsuit without the fuss of a jumpsuit. To make it office appropriate just add the cotton blazer.

updated work outfits

5. Protect your eyes in style

Don’t need glasses but love the look? Stare at tech devices for several hours a day? Blue-Light glasses are the in-thing right now. In full disclosure, there is limited research on the effectiveness of wearing blue-light glasses when staring at screens, but many users swear by them. To be totally honest, I grabbed these classic femme blue-light glasses because of their look. If they help reduce the eye strain I often experience, that’s an added bonus.

Wearing: Classic femme blue-light glasses

updated work outfits

Like the items in this post? Now is a great time to get ’em! Everything is on sale. Today through 3/1, you get 50% off all office-ready styles in-store. You can also get 50% off during The 9-5 Event online through 2/22. Look out for more work style daily deals online from 2/24 to 2/28.

Shop essentials for your updated work outfits:

How To Look Fresh In All White In The Fall

It’s understood. That fashion rule about not wearing white after Labor Day no longer applies. In fact, the right all white outfit can look super fresh and crisp in the fall. In today’s look, I’m combining some off-white faves. They don’t match, but they complement each other well.

all white outfit

What I’m wearing:

Blazer | Pants | Tank (similar) | Wrappy | Mules c/o

Bag (also here)| Anklet | Earrings (similar, similar) | Watch (similar, similar)

all white outfit

My blazer is an old style from Ann Taylor (see a similar blazer here). It has a beautiful, off-white color that’s perfect all year round (see it worn before here) and is especially pretty in fall ensembles.

all white outfit

The high-waisted pants from Zara are a new find. They have a similar color that pairs well with my blazer. They also have one of my most flattering pant silhouettes–relaxed around the hips and tapered around the ankle. I’m excited about all the outfits they’ll easily anchor, with tops worn tucked in.

To add a little pizazz to this look, I reached for my Fendi wrappy. The combination of the leopard print and the signature FF motif is quite striking on the scarf. This little twilly is pricey for what it is, but I’ve found it so useful. See how I’ve worn it here and here. For a lower-priced option, check out these styles.

Location: Lafayette Square, St. Louis

Essential Pieces For Creating Chic Work Outfits

This post is sponsored by J.Crew Factory.

We’re fast approaching the official start of fall, a perfect time to breathe new life into our styles and wardrobes. Since we spend a significant portion of our days working, I thought it’d be fun to share some of the essentials I rely on to create chic work outfits. Because…aren’t we more productive when our outfits make us feel fabulous? There’s more. Since everything in this post is from J.Crew Factory, the quality is superb and the price point (especially during storewide sales like the one in full swing right now) is affordable.

9 Essential Pieces For Creating Chic Work Outfits
1. A sharp blazer

A classic blazer is a wardrobe workhorse. And, you simply can’t get more classic than the Schoolboy blazer. And, in the color camel? This blazer is like the secret sauce to great work style.

What I’m wearing:

Blazer | Button-up shirt | Pants | Pumps | Tote (similar) | Earrings

2. Black pants

A fabulous pair of black pants can take you from work to an evening out. And, this slim cropped Ruby pants in stretch twill is perfect. It has a slimming silhouette and a cropped straight leg. Once you find the right size, the pant will surely become a staple for you too. TIP: Size up. I had to size up to an 8 (I’m usually a 6 in similar styles) to get that relaxed fit I love.

3. A crisp white shirt

From meetings to vacation, looking chic can be as simple as throwing on a crisp white shirt. As you can imagine, then, I own quite a few variations on this classic. This button-front style in stretch cotton is one I keep on repeat (also see it worn here). It’s true to size.

4. Sensible and stylish pumps

A pair of high-heeled pumps can be quite the confidence boost, and we can all use a little more of that at work. Painful pumps have the opposite effect. I’m thrilled, then, that this pair of super chic, cap-toe pumps is as comfortable as they are stylish. How fresh are these colors (beige and black) together though!?!

5. Mini jewelry that makes a big statement

Finding the right accessories to complement without detracting from your work style can be tricky. These tiny pearl hoop earrings take all the guesswork out.

Pearl earrings, by the way, are the accessory you’re going to see everywhere this fall. Grab these quickly while you still can.

7. Sweater jackets/Cardigans

Have you heard? Knit toppers are must-haves for fall. This Vanessa sweater jacket, available in 4 colors, is a top choice for sure. It’s an ideal alternative to rocking a blazer. It’s versatile as well. I’m wearing mine with my Ruby pants, but it looks equally amazing with a pencil skirt and also jeans.

What I’m wearing:

Sweater jacket | Button-up shirt | Pants | Loafers | Tote (similar) | Earrings

8. Fabulous flats

Flats can be a cool addition to any work outfit, especially when they’re as chic as these Edie loafers. When you rock this style, you won’t even notice you’ve been on your feet all day. They’re that comfortable.

9. Tote bag

What’s the bag that’ll hold all your essentials from your laptop to your planner to your water bottle? The tote bag! And, it does so with such style. I love the Burnished Pecan color on this style. I’m also here for the top zipper for security (aka peace of mind).

Location: Downtown, St. Louis

Check out the widget at the end of this post for all the items featured today as well as a round-up of additional work outfit essentials.

Shop essentials for fall work outfits:

Make Bold Moves In Bright Suits

The power suit dominated trends in 2018, and I’m thrilled to see the trend holding strong in 2019 as well. In addition to oozing with woman boss vibes, I love how easy it is easy to make a power suit your own (read more about that here). Want an easy way to update your power suit for this year? Choose tailored trousers and coordinating blazers in bold and bright hues. Yes, bright suits are having a moment.

Bold Bright Suits

What I’m wearing:

Blazer (also here, similar, similar) | Tank | Pants (new style!) | Shoes (similar, option, option)

Lip: Mac “Heroine” | Nails: Essie “Minimalistic”

Bright suits are bold, but they’re also quite versatile. You may recognize my pink blazer because I’ve shared how I wear it with jeans (see how here and here). Expertly tailored separates can be worn in so many different ways.

In today’s look, I’m wearing the blazer with a coordinating pair of pink pants. By the way, the pants aren’t the same shade of pink, they’re just in the same color family. I ordered the pink high-waisted trousers hoping they’d be the same color as my blazer. When I realize they weren’t, I decided to embrace the opportunity to create a beautiful tone on tone outfit. Besides, these pants were too fabulous to return. For reference, I’m wearing them in a size 8.

To play with color even more, I added my orange d’Orsay pumps. Pink and orange are always happy together, right?

In lieu of a red dress, I’m thinking about making this bright suit my Valentine’s Day outfit. What’s your ideal V-day outfit?

Non-red valentine's day outfit

Location: The Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis

Favorite Bright Suits:

The Scarf Print Trend Continues To Be Huge This Year

Scarf prints were a huge trend in 2018. If you were a fan, you’ll be excited to know that the trend is holding strong this year. The updates? Silky scarf prints are getting more colorful. As you can imagine, I’m so here for that.

Zara was a go-to source for scarf print styles last fall. If there’s an item you had your eye on, you might get lucky and get it for about 60% off right now. Remember my favorite style? It’s now on major sale with limited sizes left. I will certainly be rocking that dress into spring because of its perfect-for-spring colors.

Zara scarf print shift dress

What I’m Wearing:

Dress | Belt | Booties (similar, option) | Lip: Mac “Media”

Today’s dress is another discounted Zara find. When the price dropped below $20, I couldn’t resist ordering one. It comes in a few difference designs. I gravitated toward this one because it looked like a perfect complement to my Gucci web belt. I was right. I’ve been so pleased with how versatile this standout belt has been (see it styled here, here, here, here, and here).

Would you believe it’s been warm enough for me to be outside with no tights nor coat in St. Louis? The temperature has been in the 60s for a minute. But, we’re currently preparing for some serious snowfall today. I fully enjoyed the warm weather while I could.

Location: Lumiere Place Casino, St. Louis

Shop the scarf print trend: