Can we really wear denim for work?
Especially over 40?
Surely it is unprofessional, and just a little bit too scruffy?
Well....
That all depends on the denim!
I am lucky enough to wear whatever I want, for work .
{I work in a laboratory, and wear a full length Howie coat, what lurks underneath is entirely my choice}
Denim is a definite yes for me!
But, what if you work in a smarter environment?
Can you ever get away with denim?
Well, I think you can!
As long as you steer away from anything too baggy (or too revealing) and avoid the bleached/distressed finishes.
Darker denim can look smart, enough.
Especially with a few choice accessories.
A smarter bag (and shoes) can really elevate your denim from laidback cool to something a little more serious.
Today, I am styling this denim halterneck dress, in a work-appropriate way.
Of course this is not strict 'business formal', but if your workplace is a little more creative (and casual) then this is a perfect fun look.
{I last wore this halter-necked dress here, with an off the shoulder top}
Today, I am styling this denim dress with a spotted shirt.
This dotty shirt covers up any potentially bare flesh, and makes the whole outfit more appropriate for the work environment.
The spotted shirt is nice enough, but it needs a little 'something' to give this outfit more personality.
A trio of brooches was just the thing!
{See more brooches, with my dungarees, here}
I really wanted to wear these vintage shoes again.
They are so elegant and beautiful.
{See them here, last year, with a cape!}
It pains me to tell you that they are not a very comfortable shoe (I always travel in a pair of flats) but they are so very pretty...
I love the applique leaves.
Sometimes, I am willing to suffer a little in order to smile down at my feet for a while.
A smarter bag always changes the feel of an outfit.
Accessories are the best way to change up your look, and make your clothes more versatile.
A leopard belt, and a few fun rings, finished things off perfectly.
Dress: Next (a charity shop find)...this one is nice.
Shirt: Unknown...H&M, maybe? found in a charity shop... this one is beautiful.
Shoes: Meadows...vintage....these are nice.
Bag: Another charity shop find! This one is gorgeous!
Belt: Topshop (similiar)
Rings: Various Girls and charity shop finds... this one is pretty.
SHOP THE LOOK
Are there any items strictly 'off-limits' for you?
Please share your workwear style in the comments.
Or, contact me via my contact page.
I love hearing from you!
Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible Monday, Turning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday , Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday
Fab! You make this denim perfect for any office. The shoes are amazing, naturally : >
ReplyDeletePatti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you so much Patti...I love these too! XXX
DeleteYou look delightfully dressed and sooo nice!
ReplyDeleteThe denim dress is lovely and you styled it in a personal way. Beautiful and feminine look!
p.s.
Me too am one of those lucky women who can wear what they please at work ...
Thank you Dan. I am glad to hear that you are able to wear what you want too! So much more fun. XXX
DeleteGreat dress! You styled it perfectly for many work environments! I love the shoes, and I remembered right away that you had mentioned before that they are not very comfortable. But they are worth a little suffering... :-)
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Thank you Andrea, I am so glad you remembered my suffering in these shoes! You are right though, they are worth a little suffering. XXX
DeleteOh, I so agree.
ReplyDeleteI have some denim trousers, that could totally pass even in the conservative environment (especially because they are black denim).
And look at those fabulous shoes!! We really would have a fabulous time shoe shopping, you know!
You really changed the look of this dress from last time...that blouse makes it look so smart!
jodie
www.jtouchostyle.com
Thank you Jodie. I am glad you like this look. We would definately have a ball shoe shopping! XXX
DeleteI'd say this was a wholly acceptable look for work. Smart denim is always fine as far as I'm concerned. Kx
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you agree! Thank you. XXX
DeleteYou've styled the dress to perfection! It looks great worn over the shirt and the accessories are fab! I love the shoes and the cute brooches!
ReplyDeleteEmma xxx
www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much Emma! I am glad you like my trio of brooches. XXX
DeleteYikes!! I (and my colleagues) routinely wore jeans on Fridays and this is pretty common in Minnesota, public schools anyway. My teaching professionality was evident in so many other ways and it was fun to dress
ReplyDeletecasually at least once a week. There were discussions about having a faculty dress code but it hasn't happened yet.
Also the subject of "clothing as free expression" was a favorite dicussion topic in my civics class.
I LOVE the way you turned this darling dress into a jumper ( American English usage) with the sweet dotted blouse underneath. You look so pretty AND professional!!
The shoes are gorgeous!!! The colors!!
I always wonder if a good shoe repair person (cobbler/do they even exist anymore? ) could modify heal height???
Yes, Marilee there are still cobbler's here is Scotland...they repair shoes and cut keys. That is a great idea! XXX
DeleteYikes!! I (and my colleagues) routinely wore jeans on Fridays and this is pretty common in Minnesota, public schools anyway. My teaching professionality was evident in so many other ways and it was fun to dress
ReplyDeletecasually at least once a week. There were discussions about having a faculty dress code but it hasn't happened yet.
Also the subject of "clothing as free expression" was a favorite dicussion topic in my civics class.
I LOVE the way you turned this darling dress into a jumper ( American English usage) with the sweet dotted blouse underneath. You look so pretty AND professional!!
The shoes are gorgeous!!! The colors!!
I always wonder if a good shoe repair person (cobbler/do they even exist anymore? ) could modify heal height???
Thanks Judy. XXX
DeleteLove your little denim outfit sweetie - you look fabulous in it!
ReplyDeleteYvonne xx
www.funkyforty.com
Thank you for popping over to leave a comment Yvonne...it means a lot! XXX
DeleteI loved this denim dress when you wore it with the off-the-shoulder top and now look how versatile it is! The dotty shirt really does give a sharp look to your outfit and those shoes are divine. I'm happy to do a little bit of suffering too in circumstances like these.
ReplyDeleteAnna x
www.annasislandstyle.com
Thank you Anna.
DeleteI am glad you remembered it.
You are right...when I am in the mood, I am happy to suffer for a while too!
XXX
Such a shame about the shoes. They never seem to be able to make cute shoes that are also comfy.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress and how you've styled it. Layering a shirt underneath is brilliant.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
You are right Suzanne!
DeleteHigh heels can be relatively comfortable but never properly so.
Never ever walk-all-day comfort...Even the high end shoes have the same issues.
Sometimes I just have "suck it up" and get on with it...and give my feet a good rub at the end of the ordeal! :oP
XXX
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ReplyDeleteSorry but all links that do not redirect to blogs will be deleted. XX
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ReplyDeleteHi Saim, thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, all links that do not redirect to personal blogs will be deleted. X
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