Ah, spring. Now that the temperature has finally started creeping up into the 30's here in Michigan, the approaching end of winter is all that anyone can think about. Tired of having to wear puffy down coats and salt-cracked winter boots, fashionistas in the northern regions dream of bright pastels, fresh textures and patterns, and the end of bulky layers.
For this style challenge, I chose the topic "A Spring Breeze in the Office" — fitting, considering my longing for spring as well as my ongoing search for internships and professional employment in more open-minded companies (such as Zappos) that would allow more leeway and creativity in everything from attire to working methods. Check out how I style this theme in the outfits below:
1. Crop top - FOREVER 21 / 2. Lace shorts - NECESSARY CLOTHING / 3. Mango blazer - HOUSE OF FRASER / 4. Tights - JOHN LEWIS / 5. Paul Green flats - ZAPPOS / 6. Kate Spade necklace - ZAPPOS COUTURE / 7. Nixon watch - ZAPPOS / 8. Kate Spade handbag - ZAPPOS COUTURE
Leave your dark colors to winter — spring is a time for white, bold pastels, and florals! Start off with an adorable coral top whose shade is right on point for Pantone's Spring 2014 Fashion Report. Pair it with delicate lace shorts and a matching white blazer to get a trendy short suit look that's perfect for the workplace! To cover up your legs for both modesty and warmth's sake, add a pair of black tights. Gorgeous gold flats are both sophisticated and sensible for a day of running around the office. Continue the flashes of gold with a practical wristwatch and a golden floral necklace that really brings springtime to mind. Lastly, add a final pop of color with a great investment handbag that looks both ladylike and bold. Now you're ready to take on the office looking fresh as a daisy!
1. Button-up shirt - FOREVER 21 / 2. Nantucket Reds Pants - ORVIS / 3. Striped cardigan - FOREVER 21 / 4. Kenneth Cole oxfords - ZAPPOS / 5. Belt - BEN SHERMAN / 6. Armani Exchange watch - ZAPPOS / 7. Ted Baker satchel - ZAPPOS
The color palette for the men's outfit is geared more towards warm weather nautical dreams and the rich color of new spring trees. Pair a light blue, fitted button-up with a pair of bright — but sensible — slacks that echoes the color found in your lady counterpart's outfit. Throw on a striped, nautical-looking cardigan to smarten up the outfit and to guard against both winter's last chills and the office's air conditioning. Incorporate some rich brown tones with a leather belt, sleek oxfords, and a sharp-looking watch that brings to mind a ship's compass. Top it all off with a sturdy leather satchel for a look that is both professional and bookishly handsome — perfect for attracting that special someone in this time of newly budding flowers and love!
The color palette for the men's outfit is geared more towards warm weather nautical dreams and the rich color of new spring trees. Pair a light blue, fitted button-up with a pair of bright — but sensible — slacks that echoes the color found in your lady counterpart's outfit. Throw on a striped, nautical-looking cardigan to smarten up the outfit and to guard against both winter's last chills and the office's air conditioning. Incorporate some rich brown tones with a leather belt, sleek oxfords, and a sharp-looking watch that brings to mind a ship's compass. Top it all off with a sturdy leather satchel for a look that is both professional and bookishly handsome — perfect for attracting that special someone in this time of newly budding flowers and love!
