As I write this, my beloved Pittsburgh Penguins are playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs and I’m immersed in a city wearing nothing but black and gold.  There is a lot to say about whether we should REALLY wear fanwear for our fave sports teams in the office, but I’m going to save that for a time when my hometown won’t claim I’m bad luck.  I mean, on this week’s Whiny Winey Wednesday  I suggested yoga pants are not actual pants, so I’m not sure I want too much fashion controversy in one week!

Instead I’m going to tackle a kinder, gentler office conundrum: How do I dress appropriately for casual Friday and quickly transition my look for date night or happy hour?

Let’s start with this–I am pretty traditional and think we as a society have taken casual Friday a bit too far.  I see distressed jeans, shorts, and sports fan wear (again, I’ll cover that another day) frequently.  I also see a lot of women dressing a bit too “clubby” for work on a Friday. If your office allows jeans, I say a solid wash, unblemished, and well-fitted.  Your look should still be polished JUST IN CASE.

Mostly, you want to look like you could take a client meeting easily. What happens if a top client or great prospect can meet for an unscheduled lunch?  You definitely don’t want to show up in ripped boyfriend jeans. The work part of your day should drive foundation of the look, and you want to be prepared to look appropriate should a business opportunity arise.

In springtime, I love the easy look of a tailored white slim pant, or even white jeans as I’ve worn here. I paired AG’s  Prima Jean (cropped to just above the ankle–my favorite length) with a jacket and silk shell.  I like the neutrality of the white mixed with the boldness of the green stripe of the W by Worth jacket.  Green is totally on trend this season and always channels a mood of growth (and maybe money?) and feels like good luck for work.

    

The jacket has a hint of a peplum on the back as a flirty detail that I love!  I kept the look tailored with no real jewelry for day, a simple fold-over bag in white with nude fringe and nude wedges to accessorize.

As the day winds down and plans are made maybe for rooftop drinks or an al fresco dinner for two, this outfit has a quick-change secret.  Remove the jacket and turn the blouse around!  You’ve been wearing it backwards (and stylishly) all day! Swap your bag, add some statement jewelry and you are ready to go.

Turning the blouse around, you ask?  This W by Worth cutaway ties at the base of the neck in the back.  For the above workday look, I simply turned it backwards and left the ties open.  This created more of a traditional blouse look for day that worked well with the lines of the jacket.  But come 5:00pm…….

I love the drape of silk for a warm night out.  The jewel tone and cutaway are sexy and fun.

The keyhole detail along the neck creates intrigue that doesn’t require more than GREAT statement earrings.  I got these from Kanthabharan Jewelers during the Miss Southest Asia, Pittsburgh pageant I wrote about.  They are unlike anything I see friends in–I love the unique touches.

 

 

 

 

Found this little gem (SOOOO reasonable) on Zara to finish my look–beaded pineapple bag for under $50!! Holds everything you need for a night on the town.

 

Friday dressing doesn’t need to take a ton of work and a bag full of clothes to change into!  It is simple to jump from office to date night with a few accessory changes (and a magical top)!

Oh, and don’t forget that your date should buy you flowers.  They’re always the BEST accessory…

 

Not sure how to pull these looks from your own closet?  Did you know I do wardrobe analysis, closet clean outs, and style sessions both in person AND virtually?  Contact me to craft the perfect package for what you need to up your Moxie game!

Cheers to the weekend!

xo,

 

Sam

PS contact me to order W by Worth pieces directly.  I am offering free shipping right now!

 

 

Photos by Julie Kahlbaugh.  Thanks to the Frick Pittsburgh for the stunning location!