Casual to Modern Casual/Business dress switch

Would love some YLF input on a rebuild your closet plan!

Have a heads up that my company is transitioning our dress code from casual to more of a business casual/modern casual formula. Basically, just when I have built a fabulous wardrobe of denim bottoms (been pairing happily with a dressier top or jacket) we are going to go non-denim in next two months.

I recently purged most of my trousers (they were not getting wear and I wasn't loving any of them anyway ) but have quite a few pencil skirts/several a lines, one pair of black slouchy trousers and a few ankle length colored slacks I can make do with.

Question is: If you were going to build your closet for a non-denim work wardrobe starting nearly from scratch, what would be your priorities? Mostly bottoms - tops are fairly compatible with most bottoms. I need a few new "skirt tops" though.

My only real starting point is knowing I want to find a slim trouser pant - black for sure and some kind of color (cobalt/burgundy/green?) and dark grey.
That seems to be a challenge based on my internet searches.

Thoughts??

12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Bumping for the expert business- casual ladies to comment.

Sarah A

I had a flat front levis twill pant i wore for work with a no jeans dress code. Although it didnt drape in such a way i would have called it a trouser.... It sounds like you have a lot that will work already and thats great!

Sona

have you tried express for trousers? Gap really skinny are also good. banana republic sloan fit has been another winner for many.

Sveta

(website)

I second Express and BR for trousers. Also you would have more opportunities to wear skirts and dresses!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Bottoms and shoes are the priority. You're on your feet most of the day, aren't you Christieanne? I'm assuming you have to wear dressier shoes. Is that right?

Tops and toppers are next.

Beth Ann

Glad to hear your thinking beyond black. Of course, black trousers are a mainstay, but I spend almost 15 years using them as a uniform, and "J'ai regret." Grey can sit in for black, adding depth with more "presence." I have a a pair of cobalts, although mine are in denim, that have been magic -- going with far more than I thought they would. I'm also loving my white pants and, if I were in California, I'd wear them even more!

Transcona Shannon

Love my Express Editor trousers for work - very comfortable and "fluid" feeling. I also second Banana Republic and Gap - both great options.

Black is a must as it is very versatile, but like the idea of grey for another option. What about navy?

Angie is so smart (of course we knew that!) to ask about footwear too. Will you need to add to that capsule for this shift in work wear?

christieanne

They have not said much about footwear. Since I work in retail, my preference is a flat or nearly flat shoe but I don't wear casual (such as sneakers) to work even in current dress standards. I have a collection of ballet flats, low Coach pumps and wedges and loafers.
Already though I spied a nice little pointy toe flat that will go with pencil skirts to de-bombshell them.

I have not been posting much (reading the daily blog is about all I have time for) but have embraced color and pattern so much this last year. Colored trousers are a must for me so the hunt is on. I am just hoping that a full length pant can be found this Fall.

Great suggestions all - I will wait for the final verdict before I start shopping. I want to plan this out and not start randomly buying.

MsMary

If you are willing to wear skirts, let me give a shoutout to the fab cotton blend pencil skirts from Halogen. They're 40% off right now in a lot of great colors. I love them for summer!

kkards

For fall, I would look for a pair of slim ponte knit pants. These can be dressed up or down, work with a variety of tops, and shoes, and hold up well. I have a pair that are cut like 5 pocket jeans that I love, I think they are Eileen fishers.

DonnaF

I like my Gap Real Straights for black trousers. They are stiff enough for me to fold the hems up when I wear flats, and they are machine washable. My legs aren't skinny enough for me to wear the Real Skinnies.

Category