Monday Outfit: Keeping It Casual

A few weeks ago, I started a new job, which greatly limits my time in court.  As a result, I still need to look professional on Zoom calls, but I don’t need to wear a suit more than once or twice per month.  This outfit looks “lawyer like” on Zoom, but is still casual enough to wear around the house.  Let’s build it.

Once again, Pinterest has hidden the exact origin of this photo.  It appears in multiple street-style roundups for black blazer looks, but I can’t find it anywhere on its own.  But whoever the subject is, she has mastered the effortless, weekend blazer look.

Blazer // I originally wanted to use this impeccable Maje Valilou blazer in this set (which if anyone who buys holiday gifts for me is reading this, is what I want for Christmas), but it was a little pricier than my normal pulls.  So I went with a double breasted blazer from Banana Republic, which I just ordered.  It is lovely in person.

Looking for a single button option?  J.Crew’s Dalton blazer is a nice option under-$250.  Need a plus-size option?  This City Chic blazer is nice, you’ll just need to swap out the black buttons for gold ones.  Also, if you have a black blazer you love, but it needs something, swapping buttons is a great way to give yourself a new look from and old piece.

T-Shirt // I have read so (so) many articles over the past year extolling the virtues of the X Karla t-shirts.  It seems like every fashion editor owns five of them.  They are described in loving tones as perfectly opaque, just thin enough, and just fitted enough.  So I added her crewneck tee to the set.  Did I mention it’s <$50?

As for myself, my go-to t-shirt right now is, take a deep breath, Fruit of the Loom.  They’re under-$15, and they’re pretty good quality.  Frankly, I just got tired of paying for $50 t-shirts that I was throwing away after six-months.

Jeans // I know that ‘hard pants’ are not anyone’s favorite right now, so I chose a pair of affordable jeans from Old Navy.  This way, you can wear them when you want, but you’re not out a significant sum if they’re only worn occasionally.  I also tried to choose the pair that looked the least like ‘Mom jeans.’  The young ones pushing this trend clearly do not watch enough SNL.

Shoes // These Rio Bronco trainers are my favorite for the 1980s gym look.  If you need something under-$100 you can’t go wrong with a classic Nike Run Swift or a pair of low-top Chuck Taylors.

Bag // Can a backpack be chic?  The AllSaints Kita backpack is.  I love this thing.  It’s convertible to a tote or satchel, and it has cool details like a braided strap and the perfect pebbled leather.  For something under-$150, this Frye Backpack is worth a look.

Bracelets // To finish this look, I chose these easy Baublebar cuffs.  They’re thin enough to wear together and chic enough to be worn separately.  Prefer a bracelet with a clasp?  Baublebar’s Hera chain bracelet is the thing.

Styling // As for how to put this all together, I think the inspiration photo is spot on with a pushed up sleeve.  And since it’s Monday, I’ll probably need a bit of dry shampoo and black honey lipstick.

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