professional attire

Work Life Uniform: How to spend less time deciding your Outfit Of The Day (OOTD) /  by Jasmine Tate

As a student in college and grad school, I always dreamed about the days I would dress up for work and walk into my workplace feeling like a model on a runway. Clear a path and cue the music....

When I started my journey as a full-time professional, I was excited to strut in the office with heels each week, and I did! I knew my feet would be elevated most days of the work week, but early on I would stand in my closet staring at all my apparel options changing my mind countless times or wishing I had more. After repeating that cycle for many months in the beginning of my career I thought back to grade school where uniforms were required and the most variety of options were purple or white top and pants, capris, skirt or skort. I would have fun dressing up our uniform with shoes and accessories. After analyzing my style and options based on the clothing I already had, I adopted a strategy to help me narrow my options and spend less time deciding what I would wear, whether I was preparing the night before or the morning before work. Since adopting it I continued until we reached remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it helped tremendously. My work life uniform options work for me. Follow the steps below to create your own.

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Fashion at work beyond the office /  by Jasmine Tate

As a student in college and grad school, I always dreamed about the days I would dress up for work and walk into my office feeling like a model on a runway.  Clear a path and cue the music....Today, that's my reality.

I celebrated a quarter of a century in October, but its not uncommon for people to mistake me for an 18 year old, especially on the weekends. Working at United Way, my dress code depends on my day. Most days I wear professional attire, however; when I'm leading a corporate volunteer group or painting murals on a Saturday, denim and Nike's are acceptable. 

Although I'm not a fan of baby heels (unless it's a wedge), open toes (in professional settings) or lace up styles (in general), I can't get enough of the following wardrobe staples. Whether I'm in the office or out on the town, I'll take one in every color and style. 

Pointed Toe Pump

Heels add a little age, a little confidence and a little spice to my ensembles. I usually wear them four days a week and feel like the star of my show. Because I am responsible for volunteer scheduling, I try to wear flats on Tuesdays and Thursdays in case I have to jump in an assembly line to pack bags of food for hungry kids or assist with other service projects onsite. Sometimes I just pack a pair of flats to be safe.  

Although the SJP Collection is outside of my price range, l'm obsessed with the Lucille, Fawn, and Trance Styles. A girl can dream, right? I know Carrie Bradshaw would agree. 

Wrap Dress

Growing up in a Christian family and the Church Of God In Christ Denomination, dresses and skirts were once the only clothing I owned, and I longed for the days I could wear pants or shorts. Now I truly appreciate the selection of dresses in my closet. It's the perfect option when I can't figure out what to wear and there isn't much time to decide; many styles and materials don't require an iron or steamer which is an added bonus. They are cute and comfortable. Two birds. One stone.  From personalities to celebrities to royalty, every woman has or should have a wrap dress in their wardrobe.

Blazer

Whether you're wearing a suit or jeans, there's a perfect blazer for anything.  One of my best friends, D'Anthony Jackson styles them seamlessly from day to night, dressy to casual and everything in between. 

In addition to the staples listed above, I love the Torie Pant by Apt. 9. They are affordable, made with quality and feel amazing. I'm also a huge fan of with Lauren Conrad's line. Her ensembles always have the perfect splash of feminine. Both are available at Kohl's. I bought several pieces while I worked there through grad school. I'm also wearing the Torie Pant in both photos below and an LC top in the photo at the Auto Club Speedway. 

Fashion isn't about what the world says is trending. It's about an ensemble that makes you feel and look confident in your personal style. As I walked into church on Sunday an usher complimented my smile and told me I looked "fashionably wonderful," and that's how I felt. That's fashion. I hope you feel it too.

What are your favorite pieces? Do you have any rules, favorite brands or places to shop? Share below. 

XX, 
Jasmine C. Tate