Struggling myself. Actually casual is okay and much easier than work, because shorts can be slim or BF type fit, I have BF jeans, regular jeans and linen pants, tops can be slouchy and longer or hi-low, shoes can be clunkier (meaning slip-on tennies). I only need a few such outfits, and I tried things on and realized, I like my casual T's and sweaters, I've got some good colors and some neutrals, I have more combinations than weekends, so I'm good. Plus I can combine casual tops with some work bottoms.
But--it still hard to find polished pieces that look summery and not resort or too casual for work. And I am struggling with pant lengths, not doing much with ankle pants (though Angie is trying to help me!) and really want lightweight, straight trousers that look summery but are not clingy or so light in color that they show every imperfection.
Or something a little bit different. Some of the linen knits seem like the right direction, but are so thin and sometimes droopy, not drapey. I got a more substantial linen knit sweater --for indoors, A/C- from 360, was a splurge for workwear, and then was terrified because I already pulled a thread in it just with normal handling. Managed to pull it back through, but will have to be very careful. Sheesh.
Re: different, I can tell that some of the local boutiques that have curated an array of items from a variety of makers have great potential for finding that item with some "wow" factor, but still it seems like a needle in a haystack for work items. Everything is just a little weird, IYKWIM--great fun for going out, but perplexing for the office. Like a great top and then you see it's split in back, or things are sheer, or there is weird trim or materials. So maybe need brands that are just a bit less interesting!
I find one of my best items is a form of substantial cotton knit. Not open-weave, so no cami needed and no threads to pull, These can be hard to find--can't just be sweatshirt material. One type is what is often called Ottoman knit with horizontal ribbing. Found one at Gap, short/elbow sleeved last year, and one that is long-sleeved so maybe not for high summer, at BR. Stands up to AC but isn't as sticky for commuting so is somehow forgiving of temp variations. I have determined to keep an eye out for these as they may appear in other seasons since they are not typical lightweight summery fabrics.
I'm grumpy enough I know I should just bide my time.
