3 Key Pieces styled for Work & Casualwear

I’ve been doing a gradual wardrobe clean out over the past few months, and going through my closet with a critical eye has really highlighted some of the key pieces that I reach for the most! I wanted to share 3 of these versatile pieces that I reach for regularly, along with similar, well-stocked options. Below I’m showing how these key pieces can be styled for both casual and business casual office settings.

1. Key Piece: Sleek Black Top / Bodysuit

Tucked into jeans or trousers, a sleek black top or bodysuit makes the easiest yet chic outfit that can go from everyday casual, to date night, to the office. I have variations of this key piece for all seasons, from a sleeveless black tank for summer and a simple black turtleneck for winter. To keep it from being too basic, I love an interesting neckline or a thicker material like A+F’s ponte. Here’s a few similar options with a chic neckline:

• A+F square neck bodysuit
• A+F dip neck bodysuit
• J.Crew square neck top

Office: Abercrombie top xxs (similar), Express pants 00 short (updated version), Sam Edelman heels 5.5
Casual: Steve Madden  sandals 5.5, Polene bag c/o, Everlane jeans 24 (very similar)

I recently tried Everlane’s cheeky jeans (see the full length on me) and found them to be the most similar, currently-available option to an old pair I love. I find the off-white color to be very versatile year-round, and the high rise and slim straight fit are nice and flattering. These jeans come in 3 inseam options – I got my usual size 24 with the 26.5” inseam, which is their shortest option. I will note that the 26.5” inseam is full length on me so I’ll be hemming about 2 inches so that it hits like the length shown above on the right side.

For sizing and fit notes on my Steve Madden strappy sandals, please see this blog post!

2. Key Piece: Cardigan Dress

Or any similar long, neutral cardigan. I’ve had my EP sample for half a year now and it’s cozy enough for me to fall asleep in and easy to throw on over jeans or shorts. You can read about the fit/sizing of this one and see other ways to style a similar long cardigan in this post.

Office: Edited Pieces cardigan dress xxs and reversible belt xxs, Sarah Flint pumps 5.5, Polene bag c/o
Casual: WHBM jeans 00P (also in short), AT tank (similar), EP slingbacks 5.5

These WHBM jeans have been a runaway hit with so many rave reviews from you guys! You can see my blog post here with different ways to style them. It’s very rare for me to find jeans that actually hit above my ankle in a slim but not skinny fit.

For those looking for a timeless, high quality pump, I also wanted to call out that I got my Sarah Flint discount code reactivated – you can use code SARAHFLINT-JEAN50 for $50 off your first purchase of any full price shoe. Their perfect pump is beautifully crafted with their unique, signature arch support cushioning inside.

3. Key Piece: Tailored Navy Blazer

Tailored with just a hint of nautical flare, this is amongst the favorites in my blazer collection. You can read my review here and see it paired simply with blue jeans. While cleaning out my closet, I noticed that (non-suiting) blazers in neutral colors ranked high for timelessness and longevity. I’ve barely gotten rid of any such blazers that I’ve purchased 5, sometimes 10 years ago, so it’s worth it to me to splurge a bit on quality blazers that fit well!

Office: BR blazer 00P, AT tank (similar), Express pants 00 short, AT pumps 5, Chanel bag
Casual: SE SANDALS 5, AT tank (SIMILAR), Everlane shorts (similar), Goyard tote

For sizing and fit notes related to these outfits, see my Express ankle pant review and Sam Edelman flat sandal review. My Everlane shorts are unfortunately old, but they have a new, slightly similar pull on short I’ve been eying that have a shorter inseam than the updated version of my canvas shorts.