Looks Lately: Elevated Business Casual!

Some inspo for what to wear to work when you feel like you have nothing to wear

Everyone who knows me knows that I love fashion + interiors just as much as I love being an entrepreneur. Anything visual and aesthetic is everything I gravitate towards. Pinterest is my place of zen. A very *specific* tone of pink is my peace. Stalking interior designers is how I meditate. And a dewy skin look means it’s going to be a good day. And lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of dms like this:

So I thought hey - if this would be helpful, I’m happy to share.

In full transparency, I have worked with stylists to hone my style, because my struggle had been falling back on comfort-casual (think: sweater/tee and jeans) because I never believed that I could pull anything remotely chic off. But over time I realized the issue was actually an obvious lack of confidence, especially because when I was younger I’d dress to either cover up my body or wear things that I thought men would like. So as I got older, I was all over the place with how I showed up and had no clue what *I actually like* to wear. And, I didn’t feel elevated enough internally to look elevated externally…if that makes any sense. I thought that if I wore something slightly “unlike me” that I would look too “fancy.” Or because of my height (I’m 5 feet) that I’d look too young and overdressed. I also struggled to find clothes that fit me as my weight and body fluctuated over the last 4-5 years. But finally I think I got it. I finally feel like I’m dressing for myself. I also recently I discovered that at 5 feet, a tailor is your best friend; it actually takes most people a lot of effort to look effortless; and stop overthinking everything and wear whatever the fuck you want!

I’ve also learned (from stylist/friend Chellie Carlson) that when I stop buying low-quality pieces and replace them with better-made items - things I tailor to fit my body and actually take care of - I wear them way more often and shop much less overall. That said, the items I’m sharing below aren’t cheap, but they’re staples and will last. I am also by no means a fashion influencer nor do I ever intend to become one! I truly just wanted to share because a) mid size fashion recs are difficult to find and b) I’ve found that when I love what I’m wearing, for both style and comfort, I show up as a much more confident leader.

So, here are some outfits and favorite items I’ve been wearing and loving lately. As you’ll see, I’m a big fan of the denim + base + third piece + accessory formula. It’s an easy method to follow. And as a fun sprinkle, I threw a dress I wore on vacation that was requested more than anything I’ve ever worn (it’s at the bottom).

Wore this to dinner last week to celebrate a friends’ podcast launch. A great work into drinks & dinner look. Best Anine Bing Blazer with a power shoulder, a black tank that I believe is my favorite commando body suit, gray Slvrlake Jeans, Paris Texas boots that are so comfy & a Chellie staple (can’t find in black, here they are in brown), a Dehanche belt but it’s kind of $$ so here’s a very good alt, and very good Amazon earrings,

Love posing next to trash. Elevates the look even more.

An easy work look. I look a little unkempt due to rain + curly hair but I had to share these incredible Frame jeans (the pockets are so flattering), a Good American cropped button down that I can’t find so here’s another good one (that I now kind of want to buy?), and silver Aloha sneakers.

This outfit, and especially this blazer, made me feel like a total power betch at Female Founder’s Day. Backstory: I had absolutely no idea what I was going to wear and was fully panicking. I ended up on the phone with my friend Danielle pretty late the night before, and while we were talking about something (I honestly have no memory of what), I just kept sending her photos of outfit options. She stayed on with me and yes/no’d me for a solid hour until I finally felt good about what I landed on.

Danielle’s also a female founder with a small (and incredible) business, and in that moment, I felt so grateful, not just for her friendship, but for the reminder that being a female founder, or a woman in business really, comes with an incredibly supportive community. No matter what stage you’re at, there’s a real sense of showing up for each other. People can try to pit women against each other all they want, but when it counts, we show up. Anyway, just wanted to shout my girl out.

Now about the look: Of course the blazer is another Anine but I can’t find it anywhere, so here’s an Alice + Olivia one, a Good American body suit (that I also can’t find online anymore) but any high neck black body suit will do, dark gray Paige jeans, and these Raye pumps that had these ugly rhinestone straps that I cut off!

Spoke for the She Runs It organization in a cute black cardigan, Vince copper silk pants, Dehanche belt in gold but here’s the dupe, and the best commando body suits I mentioned above, I literally have 7 of them. (The black is great, but the white is transparent.)

Here are some other staples that I wear all the time:

Best turtleneck. Period. - Frame:

Best sneakers: Adidas Sambas (idc if they’re not that cool anymore)

Best jeans, they’re so comfy and come in many different washes. Stretchy waistband, which matters if you’re sitting at your desk all day: Frame Slim Palazzo

Best color knit. Instead of my usual black, I’ll throw on a bright color top with any pant - it’s fun and pops. This is just an example of one: Autumn Cashmere - one size left though :(

The best cropped western denim top. One of my fave work looks was this top with faux leather pants: Citizens of Humanity

Best graphic tee ($$ for a tee, but I’ve worn it so so many times). Perfect with a blazer. - Madeworn

And finally, here’s that vacay dress: L’academie

I hope this is helpful. I know this is quite fall coded but once I go shopping for Spring, I can share.

xx

Aleen

As always, submit your question for me to answer at hi@aleen.co and @aleen on instagram.