Friday, February 24, 2012

Make it Work: How To Dress Up A Casual Friday


Pants: Ann Taylor (Similar HI, Similar LO), Shirt: Banana Republic, Cardigan: Zara, Shoes: Aldo, Bag: Fendi, Watch: Michele, Bracelet: Tiffany&Co., Necklace: Fantasy World Jewelry in Miami, Brooch: Twinkle, Twinkle in Miami, Earrings: Charter Club, Sunglasses: Gucci

















What better way to celebrate the goodness that is Friday, than to talk about the ever-confusing "Casual Friday." The term Casual Friday means different things in different office settings. But, here are a few tips that should have you looking casual and office appropriate no matter where you work.


  • DO choose wider legged jeans/khaki's/trousers. Wider legged bottoms are more flattering and can appear less body-conscious. This is important because you always want to look professional at work, even when you're rocking a casual outfit.

  • DO pick jeans/khaki's/trousers in a darker colorway. The lighter the bottom, the less formal the look. Although I'm a huge fan of light jeans, they are definitely hard to pull of in a more conservative workplace.

  • DO steer clear of printed or ratty t-shirts.  While t-shirts may seem like a natural choice for a casual day, they can seem a little "living-room," as opposed to "board room." Try wearing a cotton button-down shirt or silk blouse to add a little polish to your casual outfit. However, if you're a t-shirt fanatic, covering up a crisp and solid-colored tee with a sharp blazer is a great compromise.

  • DO top yourself off with a cardigan or blazer. I'm convinced that you could throw a blazer on top of pajamas and still look chic. It really is the cure-all. When in doubt throw on a blazer or a cardigan and you're instantly office ready :). Here, I chose my trusty $10 cardigan from Zara

  • DO accessorize. Casual Friday is the day to throw on cute nail polish and that statement necklace that you've been dying to show your office buddies. I usually whip out my brooches on Casual Friday's. Here, I used the brooch to close up my cardigan, instead of using the cardigan's buttons.

  • DON'T think too too hard about this. It's Friday, and you're hours away from freedom!!!

Have an amazing weekend loves! I'm planning on getting my hair done. What are you doing this weekend? :)


Lots of Love,
Jillian

at

40 comments:

  1. Love your tips, very well thought out and the oufit looks comfy and professional!

    www.stilettogoddess.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you miss! Glad that the tips were helpful.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  2. That's a great casual Friday look. I know a non-fashion blogger who is an atty also that could sure use some fashion pointers from you! You prove that you can be fashionable AND professional without being suited up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Awww thanks so much Missy! It's so hard to wear what you love and fit into the corporate world sometimes.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  3. Fabulous!!

    I love what you did with your cardi and brooch...very unique!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much Ms. Candyce!

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  4. Very classy. Love all these pieces, you look great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much missy! It's always great to see you lovely!

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  5. I love this outfit and the tips are great, casual Friday's as opposed to the 'do-it-up' Friday's from University in the states (beauty of HBCU's)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. LOL! So true! One of my biggest regrets is not going to an HBCU for undergrad. Ohhh all the fun I missed..... :)

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  6. Love all the details like the brooch and how you chose to reinvent the way you wear a cardi. Tres chic!

    Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much madame! You know I'm a sucker for a brooch! If I could wear it on my forehead, I would LOL. Thanks for visiting.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  7. Great tips and a great outfit!! The brooch is beautiful!!



    Carsedra of:

    http://embracingtherealme.blogspot.com/

    http://sweets4yourtooth.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you sooo much! I'll let you in on a secret. That's actually the brooch I wore on my wedding dress. Every time I look down at it, it brings up such good memories :)

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  8. Ah, Jillian! Thank you so much for clarifying this for your in-the-know readers. Now forwarding this link to some repeat Casual Friday offenders (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. LOL!!!! Your comment is making me laugh out loud right now! You are too funny. I know I committed quite a few offenses in my day and I would've appreciated a girlfriend tapping me on the shoulder.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  9. Your tips are perfection. I am a professional who works in a very non-traditional work environment and although I've exclusively worked in the non-profit sector throughout my professinoal career, I have always tried to maintain a certain level of "fashion professionalism." Your tips confirmed that I'm "meeting the mark!" Thanks for sharing. P.S: I am so totally going to borrow your styling of the brooch and cardi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. That means so much to me! Thank you for taking the time out to let me know that the tips were helpful. It's always good to know that your thoughts are well received. Girl, please do. We're gonna put the brooch back on the map! LOL

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  10. Gasp!! I am LOVING the way you wore that brooch! I usually wear my broach on my pant legs if I feel a shirt looks better when it falls low and doesnt scrunch up at my waist so thats how I swear but the broach turn the entire outfit around. So I WILL be heading to get a big ol broch like that to do up my cardigans ASAP. Looovin the necklace, its fierce. Blahblahblah color is good...blahblahblah you look GREAT!

    Where are good places to buy brooch cause all of mine...I stole from my mom...

    http://vaintastic.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. LOL! I wear my brooches on my pant leg as well!!! They're such handy little things! My go to brooch store is definitely my mom's house. Island ladies love all sorts of knick-knacks, so she has a ton. Besides that, I find a lot of my brooches at thrift/consignment stores.

      This brooch is the one I wore on my wedding day, so it's a little jazzier. I bought it at Twinkle Twinkle bridal in Miami. They make all sorts of custom swarovski pieces for weddings.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  11. Perfection. I especially love the color of your cardigan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much Ms. Eboni!

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  12. Lovely look as always! Have a great weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Girl, I definitely will! This has been a LOOOOONNNGGG week! Your sweet comments make it feel shorter though.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  13. You are so fabulous! I think I am beginning to look up to you for style tips. Really loving this look especially the brooch. I like the way you wore it.

    http://www.fabellis.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Ms. Ellis!!! Girl, you know I'm a softy! You can't tell me stuff like that or I'll start tearing up. You are the best. Thank you for taking the time out to visit me :)

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  14. Number one you look fabulously professional, I wouldn't have guessed you were dressed for casual Friday. Number two, I am so stealing the cardigan brooch I idea, look out for it next week, lol. Three, I am so guilty of breaking rule number one, I always wear skinny jeans at work. Lastly, I think I am going to check out that accessory store this weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much Missy! Please do. We're putting brooches on the map over here. LOL. You've gotta tell me how you like the store. I'm sure you'll fall in love!!!!

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  15. I am completely in love with this look!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much Ms. Carolyn :)

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  16. great post, loved the tips and those awesome shades

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you missy! I wear these shades with everything! They are so comfy. I have gigantic cheeks so these are the only pair that don't hurt when I smile. Thanks for visiting.

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  17. Great advice here! Love the brooch a the waist....perfect.

    leticiabenita.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you so much Missy!

      xoxo
      Jillian

      Delete

  18. I love how you used the brooch to create the look of a wrap-style cardigan, great idea!

    ReplyDelete

  20. Yes! A cardigan or a blazer always does the trick! I love me a brooch any chance i get. On blazers, hats, necklaces, pants, shorts.....BUT this ive never done! Great idea...Will def be stealing this one missy! :)

    ReplyDelete

  22. Definitely loving the brooch that was used as the button. Very unique. It is great to know there is people that work in the law industry but also have a knack for fashion too.. You doing great things!!! Check out our blog!!!

    Jean Marc Edma
    http://fashionthroughyoureyes.com

    ReplyDelete

  23. u look marvi!!!!!! a great way to turn up a simple cardigan!!!! loving the look head to toe

    www.wirehangeronline.com

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)