My friend Heather posted the CUTEST photo of her in a dress- I had NO idea it was from lululemon, and decided to pop over to their website to see what else I was out of touch with. To my surprise I realized a lot of the merchandise is exactly what I am looking for to add to my professional wardrobe… who knew?! I already love the brand, so branching out from leggings and my favorite tops to sweat in, to try their other more “day to day” pieces is a no brainer. I realized that I added a lot to my cart- way more than I thought and when I went to checkout I quickly got rid of almost everything.. seriously y’all, I added like 100+ things to my cart. Instead, since I didn’t purchase most on my list, I thought I would share my favorite pieces just incase anyone else is looking to add to their closet and find new outfits to wear to work!
what makes a good work outfit?
functionality
There’s nothing worse than finding a cute outfit and being excited to wear it to work then clocking in and as you go through the day realize the outfit is incredibly limiting and preventing you from working. Not only is it annoying, but it’s sad- you just spent all this money on an outfit that’s going home and either being returned or permanently relocating to the back of the closet. So, what exactly makes an outfit functional for work? Let’s forget about style completely and focus on the basics for a moment. In order for an outfit to be deemed “good” in my eyes- especially for work, the pieces need to have the following components:
Ability to move with you:
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This means the garment isn’t too long or short.
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You shouldn’t be worried about your bum showing if you bend over to pick something up.
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You shouldn’t be concerned if the piece is see through, etc.
Comfortability
No itching or scratching. No chaffing. No fidgeting allowed!
Versatile
A good outfit can be work in multiple settings, multiple ways, and last. These pieces are durable, chic, and a go-to! Your pieces- especially when purchasing for work, should be considered to transition into different seasons, can be styled for at least 5 different outfits, and can be worn weekly without people saying “didn’t you just wear that?”
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If you travel frequently for work, having basic pieces that look AND feel good will be even more important. Plus, it will save you luggage space if you can put together multiple outfits using few pieces.
Click the photos to shop!
Outfit #1 | Casual Chic
I love these pieces separately and together. I immediately saw the bright yellow tank and thought this would be amazing for autumn. I love the tone of this piece and the versatility. While it is technically a running top, this tucked into a pair of high waisted black skinny jeans with the Roam Far Wool Bomber jacker on top would be to die for! It’s effortlessly chic and comfortable.Plus, the Now and Always Tote is durable enough for a laptop in addition to regular day to day bag essentials, so if your office/ work environment is more causal, this outfit would be ideal. It is both trendy and functional!
NOTE: There are also multiple colors of all three items shown below!
weather proof
For those commuting and living in seasonal weather, this is important! Not only should your work clothes look and feel good, they need to be functional and weather appropriate. In Chicago it can be pretty unpredictable. In one week it seems like we’ll have a tornado warning, snowstorm, and then a heat wave- the point is, we Chicagoans are pretty well prepared. When selecting workwear, take into consideration the time of year and the temperatures.
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You need things that can be easily layered. If you’re warm, you can always take layers off. On the other hand, you may want to bring a jacket because you know when you’re taking the train or walking home from work temps drop and you’re always cold.
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It’s important to also consider HOW you’re carrying these. Select jackets and layers that are warm yet easy to transport. You don’t want to lug around a giant puffy coat. Plus your work bags are probably enough to keep track of anyway.
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For warmer climates/ seasons, select pieces made with cooling materials to keep you refreshed on your way to work- no one wants to arrive all sweaty and feeling gross.
NOTE: lululemon does a FANTASTIC job of creating weather specific pieces. They use specific cooling technology to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. On the other hand, they have added straps (think backpack-esque but more comfortable and less awkward) on the inside of coats. So, if you’re feeling warm or don’t want to have your coat on the train or in a shop, you can slip the sleeves off and keep your coat on hand by wearing it with the straps on your shoulders- great for traveling, too!
stylish- Who doesn’t want to be on trend?!
Dresses + Jumpsuits
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pants
Outfit #2 | Skip The Hassle
This outfit is one of my favorites! You can do so much with it- dress it up, or dress it down. For work or girl’s night out, I would wear the skirt but pop on a pair of black tights (for when it’s colder/ for office etiquette) paired with black heeled ankle booties (or even cheetah print- but I don’t have those in booties yet). Next up, tuck the light sweater completely into the skirt and tie the skirt’s strings either as the model has it, or in a bow- don’t be afraid to experiment with the placement of the knot and test out if a middle or side tie looks best for your frame! Continue dressing this look up by accessorizing. Add a collar bone length necklace or layer your favorites. To complete the look, you can add another layer such as a jacket- especially if your office runs on the colder side. Otherwise, grab your coat, work bag and BAM, outfit complete; Plus, now you can skip the hassle of putting together this season’s trends because you most of them in this outfit!
STYLING TIP
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Those with a less full figure, tie in the middle to add more shape/ fullness.
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My advice is for those with a more full figure to offset the focal point by tying it to the side.
HAIR + MAKEUP THOUGHTS
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Keep it simple and natural since the top (and possibly shoes) pull focus. Ex: Neutral lip and eyes.
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Hair can be styled as normal or in a half up- half down style with a clip.
Jackets + Coats
Outfit #3 | Time Saver
We all have those days- our alarm goes off and we have 10 minutes to get dressed, eat, and leave the house; and we all have those mornings where we just don’t feel like doing the whole shebang- we don’t want to do the work to just go to work. But, that doesn’t mean we want to look like a slob-kebab. Enter: the jumpsuit. This isn’t just any jumpsuit though. This is the ultimate jumpsuit- the lululemon pajama like material outfit that you can getaway with wearing on the job. You’ll feel incredibly comfortable, and look effortlessly chic and stylish. No one will know you’re basically wearing a cozy blanket.
Styling tips:
hair + makeup thoughts:
black jumpsuit
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Pair with a red or colored lip for a pop of color
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