5 Minute Office Attire
/If you know me… like really really know me… you know that I am casually 10 minutes late to everything.
Like I don't even have to try. It just happens. Life just happens ya know?
But here’s the deal, regardless of life happening I still need to look like I have my shit together. The good news is, I have mastered 5-minute office attire.
Whether you missed your alarm or the dogs broke out of the backyard (yet again), you need to look f*cking polished and put together for your interview, big meeting, date…etc.
Before we get into it, you need to do a little closet assessment. I like to organize my closet into pieces.
I have my blouses + body suits section. Another for my jeans + leggings, jackets, and longer dresses…etc. And finally, I have a section for my office go-to’s. I am not. even. kidding.
I even use part of Spencer’s closet for my event attire and the guest bedroom closet for nostalgic pieces that I will never get rid of such as a letterman’s jacket, iconic Dolce and Gabbana prom dress, my favorite thrift store dress, and a destroyed jean jacket from my motorcycle days.
But let’s not get sidetracked…
The trick is to identify which pieces can be flawlessly thrown together in the least amount of time possible. For example, I have 4 - 5 basic tops (black, tan, and white) that hang toward the front of my closet. These are the pillars of my 5-minute outfit. They are the most important because they determine how I build the other pieces around it.
For example, I have this yummy silky black spaghetti strap bodysuit from ZARA and I love wearing it with a high waisted jogger or a pleated pant.
BUT - you pair it with jeans and no bra and we be looking like we headed to downtown for the night. Ya know? Need to keep it professional. So make sure your 3 - 5 tops are neutral and can pair well with your next section.
The bottoms. I keep 3 - 4 pairs of trousers or clean dark jeans always on-hand. I love a good pleated pant or trouser and a good belted high-waisted situation. My recent obsession is pairing these high waisted joggers with a silky bodysuit + heels.
PRO TIP * Keep your belts laid out or hanging in your closet. I love a good belt. They are also great for dressing up an outfit and bringing together your full 5-minute ensemble.
If you are not a fan of the Gucci Gang, try a fun belt! Once again, I am a huge fan of Zara’s belt selection lately.
Next is the fun part. Shoes, 3 accessories, and a blazer followed by grabbing your purse and getting your ass in the car!
This is a fun part, but it’s meant to be dwelled upon. Again, we are aiming for timeliness and efficiency.
Shoes - stick with a mule or heeled boot. When you’re in a rush you need something practical that will allow for flexibility in your day, but that also looks polished. You’re probably thinking to yourself this chick is crazy but honestly, there is quite a bit of planning that goes into my not-planning.
My favorites that always look stylish are mules or a classic heeled boot. There is this amazing pair of heeled boots from Amazon that I always keep on-deck. Plus, the price point is incredible for their quality. I mean full disclosure, I wore these around New York + LA in my 2018 single clubby days and I just finally had to order a new pair.
Also, according to the amazing fashion bloggers I follow on IG and my own personal purchase, these boots are perfect and the prettiest shade of tan leather. But I also love a good mule or low heel!
Mules are your friend. They are cute, stylish, convenient, and hide whatever mess Coronavirus quarantine got your pedicure looking like. Here are a few of my favorites right now:
After you have picked your heel, move on to your 3 accessories. Sometimes this comes before the heel or after, but genuinely there is one kind of jewelry/jeweler I cannot live without; Her name is ERIN FADER and she holds the key to my jewelry loving heart.
We did a collaboration set together (visit this link to listen to our LIVE Podcast episode here!) for a 3 piece set that completes any outfit! And if you ask very very nicely, Erin might even have a few sets still available!
I designed this collaboration with Erin for this specific reason. I needed something that matched any outfit and was modern/sleek enough to take me from morning to night.
And BOOM!
She gave us a double-layered chain necklace, a single chain bracelet with a diamond charm, and an ear cuff. I wear this on the daily and I am completely obsessed.
Ok and now for the finale! You have your top, your bottom, your heels and your accessories…now we pair with the ultimate top coat. Just like ‘dem nails baby - you need a top coat.
This section of my closet is actually right next to my top pieces. I also keep a coat rack in my office that has 4 - 5 blazers alongside a few of my other favorite top-coat pieces.
I like to make either my heel or top-coat an accent piece. I usually leave my top and bottom neutral pieces and let either the shoes or coat/blazer be the accent of my outfit.
Here is one of my favorite pieces I styled with the Content Caravan at Swirl Boutique.
And voilà! You are ready to hit your day running. Standard Whitney style.
Stay ready and well-dressed.
xx,
