I think most of you know this about me by now, but I just want to put it in a context. I work full time in a professional setting. Most of my colleagues are male, and more often than not I am only female in a meetings. They all dress in full suits, with shirts and ties, and their idea of casual Friday is loosing a tie and wearing a sweater over a shirt instead of blazer. I have never seen them in jeans. I have been working there long enough so I am past the point where I need to prove my self to be taken seriously, but still I don’t want to stick out too much. I want to look sharp and professional, but not masculine. I don’t want to be one of the boys. You will never see me in oxfords for example. I want to dress feminine but not girly or sexy. So no ruffles or ditsy patterns, nothing too sweet or boho. And also nothing too tight or revealing, no v-necks or short skirts or high heels. I like bright colors but simple shapes and I am matchy matchy at heart. I prefer sweaters over shirts and blazers over cardigans. I also prefer skirts and dresses over pants, but that is not always the most practical choice.

I also have other constraints that affect how I dress. Almost every day I have some errand or activity that I have to do straight after work without going home to change. And I don’t drive, so I walk a lot and take public transport everywhere. So I need to be comfortable, and I will never sacrifice comfort for fashion. My shoes have to go the distance and I don’t want to fuss with my outfit. It can’t be constricting or itchy and I have to be warm enough.
When I get dressed, I check the weather and my calendar and I first select shoes that are most appropriate for both. And then I build my outfit around the shoes.

I will add outfits to this thread as the week progresses.

Monday - Partly Cloudy, 13C max. I need to pickup my daughter after school, bring her back to my office and then take her to physical therapy in another part of city. We will have dinner in restaurant after it and then will finally go home. This knee high boots are the most comfortable shoes with my new custom orthotics. Pencil skirt for a bit of femininity and pink cashmere sweater for warmth and coziness. Black blazer to look professional in a morning staff meeting. And scarf for warmth and some color.

Tuesday - Partly Cloudy 15C max. Quiet day at work, no meetings, and dentist appointment after work. Similar formula as yesterday, debuting my new skirt. You are probably tired of seeing this burgundy Boden blazer, but it is real workhorse this winter, thinking of duplicating in another color for spring.

Wednesday - Sunny 14C, full day of meetings, appointment in the bank and a farewell party for a colleague in the evening. Another skirt and blazer outfit. Hope the pattern mix is OK, first time wearing this combination.

Thursday - Sunny 16C - difficult day in front of me - there is parent teacher conference in my daughter school this afternoon that is conflicting with my work commitments. I will have to run from school back to the office and stay there until about 9PM, not sure if I will be able to even grab something to eat. It is beautiful spring like day here and I was itching to wear this skirt that was sitting unworn for months in my closet. This skirt is not really me because of the shape but colors are definitely me. Thinking of basing my spring wardrobe around colors in this skirt - acid yellow, pastel blue and cream. What do you think?

Friday - Cloudy, 12 C. Quiet day at work, leaving early for a long overdue hair appointment. DH didn’t like this outfit, said I look like going to the funeral, so I added some color. Looking forward to check all your lovely outfits over the weekend when I will hopefully have some me time.