Outfit ideas was the number one request from a recent reader survey, and I am here to oblige!
I know at the beginning of a season, sometimes you want to shop and other times you’d like to just know how to use what you already have in your closet…in a fresh new way.
Today’s outfit ideas inspo comes from the struggles I see in so many clients’ closets.
You have nice, albeit really dressy pieces, that were real staples for work, but they just feel a bit too formal in our casual society and work environments these days.
I’ve even had one of my attorney clients tell me she’s mostly wearing jeans, blazers, and sneakers in her office. And she’s a partner in a major firm!
The looks I’ve created for this post combine one of my favorite styling techniques…juxtaposition! We’re juxtaposing those dressy or what feels like too conservative pieces you’re probably not wearing with casual ones for a fresh look for spring.
I know you’ll be thrilled with these! And if you don’t have the right pieces…Just click each photo to shop and see other items to create the outfit…I make a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Let me know if I can assist you with a purchase. Thanks for your support!
5 Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion
Outfit idea: The Black Sheath
As a professional woman, you probably have the “little black dress” in your closet. It’s a fantastic basic to always have! (Psst…if black isn’t your thing, substitute another neutral color, even white or cream for spring/summer.)
But if you find yourself not grabbing for it often…maybe it feels a bit too corporate, modernize your look with some edge!
This is a great dinner outfit, when you want to look special without feeling too girly or over the top dressed up. This outfit would also be great for an art opening or networking event when you want to look stylish and stand out.
Oversized jackets have been a trend for a while now, but this spring, cropped jackets are creeping into the fold. These abbreviated jackets are perfectly proportioned over dresses and are a natural topper with high waisted pants and jeans.
Outfit ideas: Tweed jacket
That’s right…tweed jackets are trending. First introduced by Coco Chanel in 1925, tweed jacket are a classic style (obviously they’ve gone through tons of changes!) And now they’re trending again in 2023 for spring.
As I mentioned above, shorter, tailored jackets are making their way back, but you can try out these looks with just about any tweed jacket in your closet. (Yep, fashion is often an experiment!)
Sure, you can definitely pair this jacket with jeans, but since it’s inherently dressy and classic, why not pair it with something super trendy like leather shorts, pants or a skirt for a girls night out or possibly a baby shower if you like to push the envelope a bit.
Want a bit more of an elegant look? Instead of the ubiquitous cardigan or shawl over your slip dress, try the tweed jacket. Be sure to choose extra dressy accessories (especially shoes), so you don’t look like like you’re heading to the office.
And if you’re worried the tweed jacket might make you look like a grandma…it won’t if your dress is super fitted and chic…just steer clear of anything floral!
The slip dress/jacket combo will take you to a wedding, dressy dinner (think evening awards banquet where you’re receiving an award!) or of course a special date night.
Outfit ideas: Cargo Pants
One of the biggest trends for spring 2023 is utility and cargo pants. Do you have them in your closet?
Of course these aren’t the cargo pants you garden or hike in, but they’re casual nonetheless. If you normally grab a t-shirt or possibly don’t wear your cargo pants much because “why not wear jeans,” this one’s for you!
Instead of your usual t-shirt, try a pretty blouse. Your pretty blouses want to come out to play! And now that the weather is warmer, you don’t have to cover them up with a cardigan!
This look can take you from brunch to date night. Your big key will be to level up your shoes and jewelry to create a stylish look.
This next outfit idea is for you if you have blazers in your closet but find yourself not wearing them much…maybe they feel too dressy? Dress down your black blazer with cargo pants! Again, accessories make or break the look, so don’t forget them.
This is a fantastic casual Friday outfit for the office!
Sometimes getting dressed for work can seem easy, and it’s other occasions that stump us. Today’s outfit ideas have you covered for almost anything outside of the office: brunch, date night, girls night out, awards dinners, weddings, and networking events.
If you want a few more tips on how to create outfits, check out this video post.
I encourage you to head into your closet and experiment…If this feels daunting on your own or you’re just not sure how to get started, contact me and I can help!
Before You Go…
At Last, a complete resource with all the stores with sizes and proportions to fit your unique shape!
No matter what your body type, in this guide, you'll find more shops and sites than you ever knew existed... that cater to just your size, height and shape!
Was just talking to friends the other day about how there are not a women’s version of the means “khaki pants.” Most everything you see is cropped except jeans. Love the cargo pants! Any idea where I could find some that come in long/tall? Thanks Dana!
Hey Sheryl! Great to “see” you! Have you gotten the Ultimate Shop Your Shape Guide? I have quite a few stores in it for tall women.
Here’s the link,
https://elementsofimage.com/shop-your-shape-guide/
Do you know what your inseam is?
BTW, Full length pants are coming back AND I remember wearing khaki pants when business casual was very first a thing…they were really uncomfortable!
These are long! https://go.goodpix.co/p/6439d2200e54f10008ba5725
Also, the ones in the blazer outfit are 33.5″ inseam.