What To Wear To Work: Appropriate Office Attire for Grown Women (Plus, Tocorra in Italian Vogue and a Hot New Children’s Line from Veronica Chambers)

Yesterday I came across an article on The Root titled Growing Into My Big Girl Clothes. It discusses how challenging it can be to transition into a corporate culture of Brooks Brothers suits after wearing sweats and jeans as a college student. The author writes, My jeans and club clothes had their place. I finally realized it's not in the office. Cute, right? I thought so. The thing is, I wear jeans to work ALL the time. And occasionally, even my boss’s boss does. And I’m a professional working in an office setting. But, I work in a relaxed, creative environment. I once met with a now mentor for an informational interview and she chided me for showing up dressed like I was going to a bank teller conference. In some fields, it is actually a negative to appear too "stuffy".

A few months ago my girl who is a manager in the marketing department of a major bank in D.C. revealed to me that she would NEVER go to work with bare legs. I gagged. In that very conversation I learned just how wide the spectrum is for what is considered acceptable work attire. Shucks, my company’s president and CFO are always doing the bare leg look. (I do realize that region is a huge factor as well and NYC where I work can be more laxed than our nation’s capital about this kinda thing.) Just today I wore a scarf on my head to the office and I literally thanked God as I tied it that I’m not employed by Goldman Sachs where such attire would simply not be tolerated. Now I would probably have a lot more money in my 401k but hey.

While the author of The Root piece seemed to connect maturity with office wardrobe choices, I think it has much to do with occupation as well. At 32 and very much a working woman, there are indeed certain items I have convinced myself I should own: a black pencil skirt, a cashmere sweater in a complimentary color and a black pair of pumps are all on the list. Next week I will post items every, or at least most, working women (creative or not)should own. Too tired to complete that now. I have to be at work in 8 hours. But in the meantime, what are your go-to staples for work and why?


P.S. - I have been to no less than 10 newsstands and a Barnes & Noble searching for the July "All Black" issue of Italian Vogue. The last dude in the East Village store I inquired about the mag in asked me in a very concerned tone, "What’s in it?" At that point I knew he had been bombarded by dozens of others before me. When is it gonna hit the States already???!!! UHG. Hopefully, I can score a copy sooner than soon but I did notice these pics of Tocarra online earlier today and wanted to share. I like. Already I read someone complain about these images being overly sexual. I disagree and feel this is a case of a tree simply being a tree. I doubt anyone would care if she were an A cup. What do you think?

P.P.S. - As if I needed another reason to think she was dope, Veronica Chambers went and started her own clothing line for little girls. The sweetest stuff. I believe her daughter inspired the current collection. I will be purchasing something for my nieces for sure. Check out the very affordable line, Florabunda Tots, for yourself.

P.P.P.S - I wasn’t gonna mention this but I can’t help it… What the doggone is wrong with Jesse Jackson? Seriously.