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5 Ways to create a Business Casual Outfit using Classic Pieces

business casual

It’s important to look your best while feeling your best for work and the best way to do this is by dressing up with a business casual outfit. This lets others see you as someone who has their shit together but you don’t feel stuck up or restricted. You’ll feel free and ready to take charge. 

When I first started working in corporate America I had a uniform. But it wasn’t like any normal uniform. We received a clothing allowance and were able to choose preselected clothing items from J Crew and then Anne Taylor. During this time I learned how to use these pieces in different combinations in order to find my look.

After reading this post you’ll see you only need 5 different pieces in your wardrobe in order to achieve the ultimate business casual look. It’s all about mixing and matching these pieces with everything else that is in your closet. So have fun with it and don’t let your wardrobe stress you out. In fact, let it inspire you.

This post is all about how to create the perfect business casual look.

Business Casual

Business Casual Outfits

1)Blazer

A blazer is probably the business-like outfit piece that I dislike the most. But boy does it make a difference. It spruces up any outfit and it is what I gravitate towards the most when it’s time to present at work. So how can you use a blazer in a relaxed and I totally own this place type of way?

First, use it with a pair of dark jeans. There’s nothing that says I don’t care what you think about me, but I own this place, more than a blazer with a pair of jeans. Also, it’s incredibly easy to style. Literally, just pick out any old t-shirt to finish the ensemble.

Second, use the blazer with a day dress. Most day dresses are strapless or spaghetti strapped making it an oh hell no, don’t wear this here type of piece. But once you throw on a blazer it looks like you are the most presentable person in the world.

Lastly, don’t wear a blazer at all. Keep a blazer nearby, in your desk or locker and if you get called into a meeting last minute..then you’re ready to rock and roll. There’s power in wearing a black blazer. You look polished and put together and those shoulder pads (even the ones that are barely there) give you an air of sophistication. Don’t be scared to tap into this power. If you’re like me and prefer something cozy. Then get a blazer that is made of cotton or some sort of soft fabric. It’s the shape that holds the power, not the texture.




2)Button-down shirt

When I think of a button-down shirt, I think of Tom Cruise in Risky Business. A button-down shirt lets others know that you’re willing to follow the rules. However, how you accessorize it and the fabric you choose lets people get a better feel for your personality.

When it comes to fabrics again opt for soft cotton. But try to stay away from linen. As nice as linen looks, it could be a pain to keep ironed. Also having a sheer button-down shirt can be incredibly chic. Just make sure you wear a nice (well-covering) tank top underneath. Please don’t just wear a bra underneath.

As for accessories look at statement necklaces. After all your outfit should always be about you and your face. A statement necklace forces the eye to look up. If you’re not interested in statement necklaces you can try something dainty or statement earrings.

When it comes to bottoms you can wear jeans or trousers just make sure to tuck them into your pants. The only ones you wouldn’t tuck into your pants are button-down dresses. If that’s the case make sure you wear a belt over it. Otherwise, it looks like you’re in pajamas.

Button-down shirts are all about finding the perfect interpretation for you and that can come in the form of fabric, length, color, or accessories. Needless to say, start with a white button-down shirt above other formats. It’s like the little black dress for the office. It can virtually be worn everywhere. It’s just how you wear it.

3)Pencil skirt

Can you say va va voom? Pencil skirts are the epitome of a girl boss. It’s someone that doesn’t shy away from her sex appeal while she takes control of the boardroom. Also, they’re incredibly easy to wear. The options are endless.

First is the super easy way to dress this up. With a matching tanktop. Now you don’t just want to wear a tank top. You need to select one with thick straps. Doing this gives the illusion of a little dress. In fact, my favorite little black dress of all time is a black tank and pencil skirt. It’s also easier to make sure everything is well-fitted. Personally, I’m heavier on the bottom so I need a very small top while I need a medium size bottom. With this outfit you’re ready to go out for a happy hour and throwing on a jacket at work keeps you professional. It’s the best of both worlds.

Pencil skirts are easy to commute with because sneakers actually look very cute with pencil skirts. Also, there’s no need to wear a blouse. You could wear a jumper, sweater or a t-shirt with a pencil skirt. As long as you don’t wear a ripped shirt or ripped tights then you’re golden. Pencil skirts are incredibly effortless and allow for the most appropriate and flattering curves you can hope for in an office environment.

Lastly, I would wear a pencil skirt when I wanted to lavish in my femininity while having a sense of corporate power. It’s fantastic. I totally recommend it.




4)Wrap-sweater

If you haven’t been in an office setting then I have some very serious news to share. The temperature will never be perfect. I mean, after all, you’re in a shared space. There’s only so much you can expect. With this in mind, obviously, I’m going to share the importance of staying warm.

However, you want to stay warm in a way that lets you look professional, doesn’t mess up your hair and in a way that it would compliment what you’re already wearing. Now there’s a specific sweater that follows these requirements and that’s a wrap sweater. It’s seriously perfect.

First of all, a wrap sweater makes you look snatched. The fact that you can pull it tightly around your waist really accentuates your waist. Also, you could always wrap it around where you’re coldest. Many times I style my wrap sweater as a scarf but you could also wrap it around your chest or just over your whole upper body like a normal sweater.

Next, the wrap sweater doesn’t interfere with your hair. I love jumpers and hoodies but the worst is when it messes up and frizzes up your hair. There’s no need for that kind of behavior. Be smart and get a wrap sweater.

Last it matches literally any outfit. Just make sure you select a color that goes with the rest of your wardrobe. Also, you should have a wrap-sweater on your desk or office. As I said offices get super duper cold. Don’t let the temperature changes creep up on you. Have this sweater with you at all times. Also, wrap sweaters are professional. So it’s a win-win.

5)Low heels

Shoes mean a lot to a lot of different people. News flash I’m not one of those people. However, nice shoes are needed when you’re trying to make a good impression at the office. So people like me need to compromise with low heels.

The beauty of low heels is that they go with anything. If you’re wearing a dress it’s perfect. Wearing jeans? They’re a classy touch. Maybe you’re wearing trousers? Then get it, girl. Add some heels. There is no wrong way to style heels.

So what kind of low heels should you get? Do not get open-toed shoes. They’re typically against the dress code. Plus you’d probably want your toes protected in an office setting.

The low heels should be comfortable and they should be a muted color that matches everything. So get some black or nude heels. They can be round-toed or pointy it really depends on your preference. As for fabric everything but suede works. The problem with suede is it can get funky in bad weather or it can stain your clothing or it can be stained. Personally, I had white suede shoes and I wore them with jeans. Well, those heels are now blue.

Last but not least. As I mentioned with every other item on this list, keep them at the office. Traveling in heels can be pretty horrendous. Also, you may need them for a last-minute catchup or meeting with someone important. Or you can wear them for yourself because you’re just as important as anyone you could be meeting with.




This was all about how to dress business casual with 5 must-have pieces.

Business Casual

 

 

Categories: All Blogs, Professional

Professional development institute of Life and the people who make you grow

Professional development institute

It’s a hard knock life for us. We shuffle from schools to training to classes to become the best that we can be. But the truth is that sometimes the best lessons are all around you. The best professional development institute you could ever attend is the one called life. And this post will cover who those teachers are and the lessons they preach.  

I love taking classes and I adore reflecting on my own life. And there’s one thing school could never give me and it’s the relationships that teach me something special. Every connection is an opportunity to bloom in a new and shiny way.

After reading this post you’ll see that there’s a professional opportunity available for you with every turn that you make.

This post is all about the professional development institute of life and the marvelous things you learn.

Professional Development Institute

The Professional Development Institute Cast of Characters

1) Family = Work Ethic

There are a ton of things that you can learn from your family. Obviously. But the one that takes the cake is your work ethic.

Your parents unintentionally train you to view work ethic in a very specific way. Through their own personal struggles, you learn how to confront your own issues. You’ll either solve or run away from a problem based on what you saw growing up.

Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t learn the value of hard work through our parents and this is something that we have to come to terms with in life. Or we see how it negatively affected our parents and we decide to break the chain.

Nonetheless, this is one lesson your family teaches you and it can either make or break you.

2) Friends = Loyalty & Trust

A solid working relationship is based on trust and loyalty, and who better to teach you this lesson than your friends?

Only through friendship do you mutually start relying on others when it comes to similar interests. You also begin confiding in others and telling them your secrets. Without these kinds of interactions, you’ll never learn how to build intimacy with others. You’re born into this level of intimacy thanks to your parents but you’re friends don’t owe you anything. You have to earn their loyalty and trust.

So make sure to be social, get some friends, and learn how to build solid relationships. Besides building solid relationships, your friends will train you how to be cool. They’ll let you know when you’re wrong, you don’t make sense, or what they need from you. It’s a great practice for life.




3) Teachers = Discipline & authority 

Teachers are really the first authority figures that come into your life. You find yourself in an environment where a group of people are being supervised and managed by an authority figure. And you need to answer to this figure and abide by their requests.

This is the perfect time to work hard and prove yourself not only to your teacher but to yourself. Learning how to provide a service or submit work to your teacher provides you with real-world practice. No matter where you end up working, where you’re working, or what your dream job is, you need to provide for someone outside of yourself.

Bam and that’s how teachers train you how to create a level of discipline and how to work with authority figures.

4) Classmates = Networking

Classmates are people that are everywhere you turn. Maybe they’ll be your friend, maybe they won’t. Either way, it’s definitely awkward to spend so much of your life around people that aren’t necessarily friend status…but it doesn’t have to be.

Small talk is so incredibly important in life. It’s not always the most entertaining but being able to small talk allows you to be perceived as more personable and opens you up to a world of opportunities.

So who is the best person to learn how to small talk with? Maybe it’s the people that are floating around you? Talk about the weather, your day, and your favorite dinosaur. Literally the more random the topic the better.

5) Pets = Responsibilities 

Having a pet is the best way to learn about the horrible world of adulting and responsibilities. Pets force you to be the best version of yourself. You learn that what you do impacts another beautiful life. So don’t even think about being selfish.

For example, we have all seen people walk their dogs in the cold, rain, and snow. I used to be one of those people that said “Oh I would never get a dog and walk him through these torturest conditions during ungodly hours.”

Welp, I’m that person now and it’s not that bad. In fact, I look forward to doing it, because I know how important it is to our family dog. And the look of love that they share with you afterward makes the whole act completely worth it.




6) Children = Purpose

Disclaimer: I have no babies. But I have nannied and I have super duper loving parents, so this option has been inspired by them.

Children make you reconnect with the desires and wishes you had long ago. They’re driven by curiosity and excitement and everything just becomes way more magical. And all you want to do is protect and support them.

Children give you purpose and if you’re like me with no babies, other children matter just as much. We want to create a better world for future children. Not just our ancestors but the children of the world. Everyone deserves the best and it’s a beautiful thing.

7) Boss = Negotiation & Partnership 

We all have or will have a job at some point in our lives. When this happens you’ll find yourself with a boss. The one person in your life who has some financial power over you. I mean they are the ones who control your salary and livelihood.

So where does this lead to? Conversations where you have to talk about how valuable you are. Moments where you need to stick up for yourself and negotiate. Opportunities to create a partnership with your boss and knowledge on how to make all of this happen.

8) Coworkers = Collaboration 

You won’t always be working on something alone. Sometimes you have to work with others that are above, under, or at your level of seniority and accolades. Whatever the class distinction, this is your moment to collaborate.

Where individual parties come together and contribute equally in the pursuit of a goal. This will happen many times in your life and it never becomes easier. It just becomes more manageable as you become better at communicating and pinpointing individual strengths.

The better you can work with others towards a similar goal, the more successful you’ll be in life and the greater the impact you create. Without collaboration and working with others you’ll never be able to lead.




9) Customer Service = Hospitality 

Who needs to be a good host? Absolutely everyone. The greatest hosts are the greatest leaders.

A great host is someone who is attentive, detail orientated, empathetic, has strong emotional intelligence, and is able to make people feel well taken care of. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the opportunity to work in hospitality and I think it’s a missed opportunity.

Only after working as a cashier, barista, receptionist, hostess, server, or any other front-facing client service position are you able to practice and conquer these skills.

I can’t tell you the number of geniuses I have come across in corporate America that are barely able to say hi. All the brilliance in the world will not help you if you do not know how to be hospitable.

10) Medical Professionals = Care & Attention to Detail

The relationship you have with a medical professional is completely different from all of the other relationships you have in your life. This individual has knowledge. The knowledge that can make you very vulnerable in life. Your health is a big deal after all.

They tell you what’s good and bad about you without getting personal. Leading you to a very vulnerable but impersonal relationship. This relationship teaches you to focus on the end result. It forces you to become disciplined about your actions and doesn’t question your personality or heart.

This cold-like scenario teaches you how to compartmentalize information so that you know how to operate in the long run.

11) Yourself = Faith & Belief (The spiritual professional development institute of life)

There is no greater relationship you’ll have in this world than the one you have with yourself and if applicable with your faith. Love is all around but if you have no love for yourself then everything outside of you is just noise.

Take the time to get to know yourself. Discover what you like and journal about all the thoughts that cross your mind. Doing this will lead you to discover things about yourself. Discoveries that will help you regain composure when you’re caught off guard. And strengthen you when you’re dealing with something difficult.

Also, your life is literally what you experience and if you have rose-colored glasses or the color in the world in your life is faded, then it’s time to do some soul-searching. Only then will you be able to have all of the other relationships that have been mentioned on this list.




This post was all about the professional development institute of life.

Professional Development Institute

Categories: All Blogs, Professional

7 life-saving Work Directions to give yourself when starting a new job

work directions

When you’re ready to jump into the real world and get an adult job, you expect that there will be work directions waiting for you right? The sad truth is that the training you receive is the bare minimum. After all, there’s no better way to learn than by doing right? If you’re anything like me that doesn’t seem sufficient. Read this post to learn how to save yourself from utter chaos.  

I’ve worked in many different environments, and none of them put me through a training course on how to excel at my job. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to shadow someone but that usually lasts less than a week and you never get to see all the scenarios you will find yourself walking into. It can be very upsetting because you don’t know how to navigate through these situations. The worst is when all the resources reveal themselves after they’re no longer useful.

Well, I don’t want you to experience those lousy moments. After reading this post you’ll know how to navigate through these situations. You’ll be able to conquer these unknown territories and take charge of your work.

This post is about the work directions you need to give yourself when you find yourself in a funk.

Work Directions

Work Directions

1) Share your struggle with your boss or trusted coworker

When you start a new job you want to prove yourself. It makes sense. You want to feel like you belong and provide value.

However, it is only natural that you find yourself in some sort of pickle. When you do, don’t let your pride get in the way. Let your boss and any trusted coworker you may have, know about the situation. Tell them what the problem is and let them know what you think the solution may be. Try not to just come to them empty-handed with problems. This will let them know that you’re able to solve the issue but you want to make sure that your judgment is aligned with how your business operates.

Sure you can take initiative and try to solve the issue without their advice but you have to make sure it wouldn’t affect your clients or stakeholders negatively if you fail. Otherwise, connect with your boss and trusted coworkers. Your work doesn’t just impact you, it impacts your team and whomever you’re providing the service for.

2) Connect with your clients or partners

It’s always going to be about the team. When you start at a new job your team is your ride or die…figuratively speaking. So make sure you understand what your colleagues and clients expect from you. If you don’t know how they work then how will you be able to assist them? Take the time to understand how your predecessor operated, where there was an opportunity for improvement, and what they did best.

Then connect with your clients and see if their wish list aligns with a service you can actually provide. It’s best to let them know from the get-go if one of their wish list items is outside of your regiment. After all, it’s always best to underpromise and overdeliver.

Not only will this assist you in defining what expectations you’re trying to meet, but it will allow you to start building a relationship that is based on trust, transparency, and open communication. This may seem obvious but remember you’re the new person in town, it’s your responsibility to make the rounds and learn about everyone. It’s not the other way around.




3) Define how you can utilize your strengths

You may sign-up for a job but ultimately you make it your own. It’s up to you to add your special touch and you do this by utilizing your strengths. First, make sure you know where your strengths lie. Are you an amazing organizer, researcher, writer, or presenter…? Then make sure you use this skillset not only for your book of work but to influence how others operate.

Personally, I work in communications but my strength lies in organizing and planning. When I first started, I updated our tracking process so that it was more accessible to all of my coworkers, easier to submit information to, and more visually appealing. This tracker has become a project of its own, impacting more shareholders. That’s how I allowed my strength to impact others. I definitely have no intention, ever, of telling others how to do their work. Instead, I used my skillset to better connect with them through my book of work.

Now when I walk into projects I’m known as the resident master planner, and I do way more of that than actual communications work. As you slowly prove yourself and allow your strengths to lead the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to mold your job into one that was created specifically for you.

4) Find a partner in crime

You’ll have a job to do and there will be a lot of tasks that you will personally be responsible for. That’s great and totally natural. But you know what’s even better? Having someone to bounce ideas off of. They say two minds are better than one for a reason. It’s because you’ll never be able to see the full picture at first glance and having an outside perspective of something will help you understand the full picture.

Remember it’s about creating great work, not about being great, and for that, you need to support those around them and include their input. Also, you never know if someone could completely save you from taking the wrong step.

Lastly, you don’t need one specific colleague to reach out to for everything. Feel free to have different people that you reach out to for different things. In fact, that’s encouraged and gives you a better network of support and understanding as you develop and grow within your work.




5) Document everything you do

So what is this post about? It’s all about getting you the help you need to navigate through your job when you’re first starting. Well as you pick up tips and tricks you totally should document everything you do so that you don’t forget what you’ve done. For example, if you’re planning an event document all the steps you’ve taken. Then afterward you can reiterate the process or leverage it the next time you have to plan an event. I also like to share the playbooks I create with coworkers to help them as they develop their processes. Just because you didn’t have the resource when you needed them, it doesn’t mean you can’t help someone else.

Another great thing about documenting your process is that you can share this with your boss during your end-of-year review. Maybe they’re able to help you better prioritize some of your work or you discover methods that could help drive the whole team forward in reaching their goals and objectives.

When it comes to tracking there’s nothing you can lose, it helps you develop into a leader.

6) Set goals for yourself and make sure they align with your team’s expectations

Obviously, our first priority when starting a job is to do a good job. We do what is asked of us. However, that’s not enough, we all need a level of autonomy to carry the business forward and enjoy ourselves. That’s why it’s important to set goals for yourself.

Let’s say the whole team will be undertaking a project. Are you going to wait around and wait to be told what to work on or are you going to start looking at how you can contribute? Sometimes looking at how you plan to contribute also assists you with your workload. Let’s say this project is starting next month, but you have an hour free at work. Well take that hour to start thinking about how you’d like to contribute and if you can start now. There will always be last-minute surprises so getting ahead of any way that is coming your way can really assist you in the end.

Also, make sure that the goals you’re thinking of align with what your team needs. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel if there’s no value in it.

7) Enjoy going into the unknown and possibly failing

It can be nerve-wracking doing something completely new. You want to get it right and you don’t want to let anyone down. However, you’re only human and you’ll definitely get things wrong once in a while.

Be ok with failing or getting things wrong. If you don’t take any risks or try anything new, then you’ll never become the person you want to be. You’ll never achieve more than you started with and you’ll live your life with a ton of “what ifs?” And you’ll have to figure it out and solve the issue and not do it again.

Learn how to marinate in the downfalls as horrible as it sounds. Only then will you be able to build up your endurance and stamina when it comes to working.




This post was all about work directions.

work directions