Business Casual: What To Wear As You Head Back to the Office

We’re entering 2023 with borrowed rules from both our relaxed days indoors and the structured outfits from years prior. As more businesses are transitioning to hybrid work models, some are summoning their employees back to the office full-time, or for even  ~1-2 days a week. Whether going back to the office for you is considered a cross between virtual meetings and business casual style (workleisure), or a full (9-5) at the office, it’s important to revisit your work wardrobe to adapt to an ever-shifting office culture.

Corporate office environments that have traditionally been ruled by strict dress codes are introducing business casual workwear and hybrid workwear options! We’re seeing long-term trends like pants with elastic waistbands, oversized silhouettes, and relaxed silk blouses in powerful colors that translate for virtual meetings and days in the office.

If you are ready to make a change and bring a bit more comfort and style into your business attire, consider my Return to Office Package for purchase (only available for a limited time) or shop the following casual work outfits and recommendations for men and women. Further, view my personal styling services to work with me one-on-one (or as a couple) so that you can fall back in love with your closet and come out of the pandemic as someone you really want to be in your career and in life.

The Working Wardrobe for Women and Men

The New Blazer: Collarless Jackets and Chore Jackets

We are loving these new jacket options over the traditional blazer! The new blazers for men and women are generally a lightweight and less structured option. They’re used as a layer to create texture in the outfit and yet, still finishes the look. The shoulder on a jacket is always good for an in-person or zoom meeting and offers authority. One collarless women’s jacket that we’re coveting right now is this luxe tweed collarless jacket.

Oversized Silhouettes and Unstructured Tops 

The oversized silhouette works for many! You can easily pair an oversized piece with a fitted contrast top or bottom. These relaxed shapes provide movement, while silently expressing ease. When shopping for an oversized top, be thoughtful about necklines so that you choose one that flatters your frame.

Stretchy Pants With Elastic Waistbands & Wide-Legged Pants

Instead of wearing overly restrictive tailored trousers, many are opting to wear loose-fitting pants with elastic waistbands back to work. The men’s carrot pant is a great example of this relaxed pant silhouette that shows a step in the right direction and a move away from sweatpants. When it comes to the perfect combo of an elastic waistband and wide-legged pants for women, we are loving these trousers at the moment.

Comfortable Work Dresses

A dress is an easy workwear staple, as it’s one piece head to toe! Right now, the softer flowier dresses speak to more business casual over a tailored sheath dress. To keep this look more relaxed, try pairing it with a tall boot or leather sneakers. Be thoughtful of necklines and sheerness – which can always be resolved with a topper or skin-colored slip.

Still Struggling With What to Workwear Outfits?

As a Personal Stylist, my job is to help you with transition—to consider new ways to breathe life into your wardrobe whether that be with business attire or not. Whatever the case may be, together, we can redefine your wardrobe and determine what works best for YOU as you navigate your return to the office. For more information and to see how my process works, contact me!

The post Back-to-Work Style Guide for Women and Men appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Every Casual Friday in the office is a chance to stray away from your usual uniform into more expressive territory. Despite this golden opportunity to upgrade in style, many of us are fraught with wearing the same old thing in an attempt to “play it safe”. We’re here to show you our favorite casual work outfits for men that go beyond the monotonous button-up with jeans. No matter what kind of office you’re in, there’s an outfit in here for you. Keep reading for outfit ideas that are creative, comfortable AND good looking!

The Turtleneck

Layer a turtleneck under your blazer or overcoat and pair these pieces with a trouser, chino or jeans. Keep your footwear sharp with a Chelsea boot, or play on the casual side with a sneaker. We love turtlenecks for their nod retro class, as well as their versatility and comfort. For more ideas on the turtleneck, check out our post With a Nod to Sammy Davis.

Shop Turtlenecks:

Alternative to the Denim Jacket

The denim jacket – an otherwise laid-back piece – comes across as elevated when worn in alternative colors (as well as similar-style trucker & structured shirt-jackets in fabrics such as corduroy and suede). These pieces are a great top layer over trousers or jeans, and we love the creative element they bring to any outfit.

Shop Denim Jacket Alternatives:

Spicing Up the Button-Up

Give the button-up a refresh with an outer layer! A coat, blazer or denim jacket can add interesting texture and silhouette to an otherwise tired outfit.

Shop Outer Layers:

Want more outfit ideas? Check out our pinterest board below!

MEN’S BRANDS WE LOVE!
If you want more great pieces, check these favorites out for unique menswear:

The post Casual Friday appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Elevate your 9-5 with our pull on Moda Operandi’s best career dresses. The ideal work dress is a smart piece with an appropriate neckline and length, that achieves a perfect balance of risk-taking and class. Shop a range of dresses that cover the everyday work grind, the creative workspace, effortless casual Fridays and impression pieces for that killer meeting!

Want a the perfect work wardrobe? Contact Meg or check out her styling services here.

The post Work Dresses: How to do 9-5 appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

This past week we visited one of Hollywood’s most glamorous gems, the Chateau Marmont, to see & share the best of Scanlan Theodore’s trunk show with you!

Scanlan Theodore is renown for lightweight, comfortable knits that flatter and strengthen the figure. Their chic workwear acts similar to shapewear, holding everything in while highlighting the feminine form. We also love their breezy weekendwear, and have included some of our favorite pieces below!

Shop Scanlan Theodore:

*photos courtesy of Scanlan Theodore’s website, instagram and LA Trunk Show Event

The post Scanlan Theodore appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Congrats, Class of 2019!
In celebration of new graduates, we’ve decided to map out some general guidelines in dressing for your next step: The Job Interview. Before coming up with an outfit, here are a few pointers you’ll want to consider no matter what job you’re going for.

What are you emulating? 
Become a master of first impressions by thinking beyond the outfits you like, and focusing on how they are perceived. The outfit you wear is a direct expression of your candidacy! From the fit of your clothes, to the colors you choose to wear – these are the details that will speak to an interviewer in ways that words can’t.

For women: Aim for a silhouette that exudes confidence and strength. You don’t want your silhouette to appear soft and short, so avoid cardigans or flat shoes. Instead, opt for a blazer with a structured shoulder and pair it with a comfortable heel. Make sure your clothes are properly fitting, and refrain from wearing too tight or revealing blouses or skirts. Wearing overtly bright colors such as red or orange can come off as overconfident and abrasive (unless you are interviewing for a direct leadership role). 

For men: If you’re wearing a suit, make sure it is well-fitting. Not sure what a proper suit looks like? The Helm has a wonderful visual guide of what to look out for! Brown suits can come across as stale, and black suits should be saved for evening attire. Instead, opt for blue or grey. For less formal interviews, stick to chinos, tailored khakis or well-fitting dark denim. 

What is the company culture?
Research the company’s culture through social media and their website. Keep an eye out for staff photos and observe what they are wearing. Consider what part of the country they are in and dress with that weather in mind. Once you have an idea of their dress code, dress one step above that. If you have a connection within the company, observe how they dress or reach out to them for advice!

How many interviews? 
Keep in mind that many companies may interview you multiple times before offering a position. It’s good to have three strong looks prepared for your interviews!

We’ve included some visual examples of what to wear to a Startup (Casual), Creative, or Corporate interview below.

The Startup (Casual) Interview

This is for the job where dress code is largely informal. You may see your future coworkers in hoodies and jeans, but you’ll still need to show up in an outfit that speaks to effort. The main thing you want your outfit to emulate is experience and confidence, so avoid trend-heavy weekend clothes. If you’re not completely sure about the dress code, bring a blazer! This is a step above that can easily be added or removed without the risk of appearing overdressed.

The Creative Interview

This is the environment where you can be more expressive with your outfit!Your outfit should be an extension of your portfolio and personal brand. However, avoid too much trend – Keep any trends in a purse, pattern, jewelry or shoe.

The Corporate Interview

The key to the Corporate Interview is entirely based on fit. In a world full of suits, take the extra time to make sure yours is the proper size – and tailor it if need be!

photos by Splash News, Stuart C Wilson, GQ, Michael Buckner / Getty Images, Brooklyn Blonde, GC Images, ASOS, Collage Vintage, Boden, Pinterest, Vogue, Stockholm Streetstyle, Cousart/JFX Images, stayclassicblog.com

The post How to Dress for a Job Interview appeared first on Madison to Melrose.