May 22, 201208:24 AMGirl Next Door
British fashionista Charlotte Crowley tells you what to wear—and what NOT to wear.
How to Remix your Working Wardrobe
Alexa Chung rocks a work-appropriate white shirt for a night out
As you will know if you've read my last few posts, I am a huge fan of remixing. I never buy anything unless I can think of three different ways to wear it, involving pieces that I already own, and I'm always trying to create new outfits from things I already own. But sometimes it's really easy to ignore perfectly remixable (did I just invent a new word?!) pieces already in our wardrobes because they're pieces that we've bought for a particular occasion. How about your prom dress? Or an old band tshirt you bought when you were sixteen and only wear to the gym? What about your work clothes? Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be showing you three new ways to wear pieces that you usually only reserve for certain occasions, bringing a whole new lease of life to your wardrobe.
Today I'm going to show you three ways to wear formal wear for a night out.
Being able to transform an outfit from office to bar is a lifesaver, especially if you work in a more formal environment. Work clothes can be a little stuffy and uncomfortable, and that's the last thing you want to feel when you want a relaxing drink after work. The three pieces I have chosen for remixing are fairly formal pieces, in order to err on the side of caution if you work in a particularly formal environment. Of course, if your dress code is more relaxed, then you can play around with prints and patterns and colours, but I've decided to stick to three basic pieces; a plain white button-up (the style is entirely your choice), a black pencil skirt (again, if yours has hearts or polka dots or owls all over it, then go for it!) and a black blazer. I am yet to enter the grown-up corporate world (but I'm only a few weeks off!), but I own all these pieces and consider them closet staples. Here's how I would wear them for drinks after work...
1. Pencil Skirt
Swap the formal button-up for something a little more fun. I personally love pencil skirts paired with a band shirt or graphic tee to create a fun juxtaposition of formal and fun. Give your feet a rest too by swapping your heels for ankle boots or flats.
2. White shirt
I wear a white shirt almost every day. Honestly. I like to wear them under a printed dress (preferably with some kind of scoop-like neck so the shirt shows through at the top), or with a pair of high-waisted shorts (with or without tights). The fresh, young feel of the shorts is a great contrast with the formal shirt. Very Alexa Chung! For an extra modern update, tie a piece of black ribbon around the collar of your blouse.
3. Black blazer
A black blazer is a wardrobe staple. Look for one with a great fit, especially if you plan on wearing it frequently for work and play. I absolutely love Zara for blazers- they're a little more expensive than Forever 21 or H&M, but they are an investment and will last forever. Pair with skinny jeans, a printed blouse and heels for a laid-back feel, or layer over a floral dress and pair with ankle boots for a night on the town.
Email
Print
