With the summer season comes pool days, beach vacations, and…casual Fridays at the office! I jump at the chance to temporarily escape from suit separates and button downs when the sun is beating down on me and the humidity is already at 80% by 8am. Speaking of the heat/humidity — it’s never easy dealing with the summer sun outside while the office building inside is colder than the polar vortex. To compensate, I try to reduce my outfits to layers — like sleeveless shells or dresses with blazers or fitted jackets. (Blazers are also a quick way to professional-ize my outfit if I suddenly get called into a more formal meeting.)
When pairing together a business casual ensemble, I focus on structure; structured pieces help keep a casual look polished and office-appropriate. This means I typically sport cropped pants (though my office does allow dark denim), a blouse, and a blazer. This combination can easily be replicated with other casual-esque pieces. I’ve been meaning to find some office-worthy fit and flare dresses to add to my casual Friday ensemble — and take me straight to a post-work happy hour or dinner.
LOFT Cropped Pants (similar here, here, and here) // GAP Striped Moto Jacket (similar here and here) // Forever 21 Surplice Top // Adrienne Vittadini Perforated Pumps // J. Crew Patent Belt (similar here and here)
