This was harder than I thought it would be.
My challenge, and yours, should you choose to accept it, was to show one business outfit for the upcoming season and one social outfit, using only items that are generally affordable. Here’s what I scrounged up, most pieces previously shown around here
:
Business
Characteristic of the individual with a strong contemporary classic style influence, most of my looks have a business edge. Unfortunately in my lifestyle I have zero need for traditional business clothing. If I did, I would wear this, but only in the fall/winter. Because of my idiom, I might also wear this for social.
- Base: black velvet skirt, thrifted for $1
- Top: white shirt, thrifted. I don’t remember the exact price, definitely under $10
- Layer: velvet paisley blazer, thrifted for $7
Social
This one can mess me up. I think I should be able to wear a sateen jacket for “smart” casual, but I just can’t – it’s too dressy, shiny.
- Base: year-round weight wool high-waisted pencil skirt, thrifted for about $6.
- Top: sequined tee, purchased on clearance several years ago for about $2
- Layer: magenta sateen blazer, thrifted for $1
See why this was hard? My business clothes looked dressy and my social clothes looked tailored. And I have no dresses, except the pink silk, my ball gown separates, and a couple of killer LBDs.
What are you wearing socially or for business this fall? Real Fashion for Real People is for everybody, I hope you’ll send in some pictures to share. 🙂
Rebecca, I see what you mean! There is a fine line between the two categories for you. I would have guessed that the velvet blazer and skirt was the social outfit. Because of the head-to-toe velvet and dark color, and also the shorter skirt, it just looks like evening to me. But then, as a hazel-eyed and reddish-haired person, I almost exclusively wear shades of brown, olive, and moss green (and some denim!) in the fall and winter. Wearing black to me really says it’s a special event!
P.S. I love, love, love the paisley velvet jacket. What a find! Both outfits are gorgeous.
We’re having such a nice go of summer weather I’m reluctant to think of fall — but I think that sateen jacket would be just adorable with jeans, Rebecca!
I was thinking the same thing as Wendy — that pink jacket would look awesome with a pair of jeans – so fun!
I don’t even think I own any buisiness clothing anymore!
Sheri ~ I think it’s just because I avoid certain categories of clothing that are normally associated with social, specifically dramatic and romantic looks, that the two categories end up overlapping so much for me.
I hadn’t realized until I did this project that the two skirts were such different lengths. Actually on they aren’t that different, because of the waists. They are both right around knee-length on me, the high-waisted one is a little bit longer, but the velvet one is worn lower.
Wendy and Carrie ~ I have worn that jacket with jeans – to a spring women’s event at church, with a sleeveless tee much – oh wait! I picture it here: How to Wear an Intense Color When You’re Not. 🙂