Yesterday, I posted an answer to a friend's question on what to wear to a "Bourbon, BQQ, and Boots" party. Today, I thought I'd tackle the second question that came in from another friend at the same time. The friend (and reader) wrote:
"A friend of mine is having a reunion for a bunch (like 100) of lawyers who used to work at the firm where I used to work. It is after work, in the city at her loft and most of the people are coming from work...any...ideas?"
This friend is currently a stay-at-home mom after having a successful career as an attorney, but didn't keep the 'lawyer' clothing handy after she left work. This is always a tricky outfit - you want your outfit to fit into the scene and not scream "I'm a stay-at-home mom!". On the other hand, you don't want to have an outfit that is solely used for mingling maybe once or twice a year with former work colleagues.
And, I always like to stay true to who you are, meaning, if you don't work full time in an office, you really shouldn't look like you do. I wouldn't show up in a head-to-toe black pants suit to a function with former work colleagues (in finance industry). That's just not me. I'd want to blend in, with some fun pieces that I'd want to wear all the time, but be appropriate and respectful at the same time. I put together some outfits below on Polyvore, as inspiration for what you might consider wearing.
For my friend, I knew she had a pencil skirt in her closet, which, when paired with a blouse and heels, is a perfect apres work outfit. I have a pencil skirt in my closet for such events; J. Crew has tons of easy pencil skirts in many colors at a great price point. Loved the cheetah one below because I'd want to wear it at other occasions or more casually in the fall with boots.
She could also go the dress route, something that is NOT solely for cocktails OR daywear, but that could be used in other areas of your life. Normally, short sleeves would be better, but the Theory dress I picked below seemed to say 'lawyer reunion' and 'fun cocktail party' all at the same time. And, I LOVE the Stella & Dot teardrop earrings I paired with it.
Finally, the pants option. I like the idea of doing a pants outfit with a silk blouse and blazer. All of these pieces can be used elsewhere in your wardrobe, not just for a work-colleague-dinner. You know I've been obsessed with white blazers, so, of course, I had to add one.
Have fun at the "reunion"! ~ JH
"A friend of mine is having a reunion for a bunch (like 100) of lawyers who used to work at the firm where I used to work. It is after work, in the city at her loft and most of the people are coming from work...any...ideas?"
This friend is currently a stay-at-home mom after having a successful career as an attorney, but didn't keep the 'lawyer' clothing handy after she left work. This is always a tricky outfit - you want your outfit to fit into the scene and not scream "I'm a stay-at-home mom!". On the other hand, you don't want to have an outfit that is solely used for mingling maybe once or twice a year with former work colleagues.
And, I always like to stay true to who you are, meaning, if you don't work full time in an office, you really shouldn't look like you do. I wouldn't show up in a head-to-toe black pants suit to a function with former work colleagues (in finance industry). That's just not me. I'd want to blend in, with some fun pieces that I'd want to wear all the time, but be appropriate and respectful at the same time. I put together some outfits below on Polyvore, as inspiration for what you might consider wearing.
For my friend, I knew she had a pencil skirt in her closet, which, when paired with a blouse and heels, is a perfect apres work outfit. I have a pencil skirt in my closet for such events; J. Crew has tons of easy pencil skirts in many colors at a great price point. Loved the cheetah one below because I'd want to wear it at other occasions or more casually in the fall with boots.
She could also go the dress route, something that is NOT solely for cocktails OR daywear, but that could be used in other areas of your life. Normally, short sleeves would be better, but the Theory dress I picked below seemed to say 'lawyer reunion' and 'fun cocktail party' all at the same time. And, I LOVE the Stella & Dot teardrop earrings I paired with it.
Finally, the pants option. I like the idea of doing a pants outfit with a silk blouse and blazer. All of these pieces can be used elsewhere in your wardrobe, not just for a work-colleague-dinner. You know I've been obsessed with white blazers, so, of course, I had to add one.
Have fun at the "reunion"! ~ JH
Hi Lisa and Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteAs a stylist for Stella & Dot, I really appreciate your fashion sense and look forward to your Blogs...:) I like that you take common every day fashion dilemas and give easy solutions. Keep up the good work.
Best,
Suzy Tepper
Thanks so much for your kind words and for reading! Best, LB & JH
Delete