Most of you know I work outside the house…up until January it was full-time…but thanks to healthcare reform, our positions have all been temporarily cut to part-time. (I’m not trying to spark a political debate here…yes reform was necessary, yes it helps a lot of people, yes it also hurt a lot of people.)
The cut-back has been a blessing and a curse. The extra hours at home and with the kids have been great, but getting all the work done has been a challenge (the hours were cut, not the work-load). Fortunately, our office environment has always been casual, and even though I prefer to dress up most days, I still pull the jeans out on more than just ‘Casual Friday.’
I figured many of you have occasions where jeans are acceptable, but you still want to look pulled together, so I thought I’d share {3 Ways} Dressed Up Denim.
Basically any tops you’d wear with slacks or skirts, you can make work-appropriate with the right jeans. Dark rinse with no holes or distressing are both polished and flattering, and a slightly relaxed fit is more conservative for office environments. You don’t want your boss to think you’re headed to the club after work, or worse, that you came in straight from the club. #daclub
I also pare down my accessories, and use them to lend a dressier feel (like pearls). Here are three examples of how I dress up my jeans for work in the Winter.
Leopard Belt (similar) | Pendant Necklace | Pearl Cluster Bracelet (similar) | Bag (similar)
Round Toe Leopard Pumps (similar) | Aviators | Pendant Necklace (similar)
Do you have a habit of hiking up your jeans in public? I guess I do too, but here’s why I’ll never do it again. Apparently it’s a full-body motion to pull mine up?!? #busted
Of course we had the obligatory Maggie photobomb. I figured since she insisted on being in the picture, I’d have her sit and pose. You can see how well she obeys.
What’s your office dress code? Do you work your denim on more than just Fridays? #seewhatIdidthere Happy weekend, lovebugs!
Pssst….check out more posts like this here.
*This post was created in collaboration with Nordstrom. All outfit selections, clothes, and unfortunate squats are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
Girlfriend, you own casual Fridays! You look fab in every outfit! XO
I love the black leather…and Maggie is Gorgeous!!!
I don't want to see a photo of me hiking up my jeans! You still look cute doing it! Loving how you pull all of these looks together! Happy Weekend!
love love the last two outfits! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
All of these outfits are great on you! And your hashtags crack me up 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Cassie, I always love the outfits you put together!!! I love the layers you wear. I'm a somewhat cold natured person, but when I put on a couple layers (like a collar shirt with a sweater, I get hot. Do you?
Secondly, I admire how you get done everything that you do. When you worked full time, how in the world did you have time for the wonderful blog posts and DIY projects? You're super mom. I work full time and have two little ones (1 and 4), and struggle just to get housework and household errands done on the weekends. 🙂
Thanks so much, Kesha! I do get hot…but that's the beauty of layers…I just peel one or two when the flashes start. 😉 xo
And I certainly don't do it all! Lots of things fall through the cracks, and my sleep schedule is definitely lacking! It's been a crazy time, but I keep telling myself it's temporary. 🙂 xo
I'm glad I'm not the only one that pulls my pants up like that. Love your honesty!! 🙂
The pants hike always gets me in trouble! But it is either that, or my crack hanging out!!
I need to make a confession — when I first started reading your blog, the fashion posts annoyed me. I was all about DIY projects and staged rooms! The fashion posts seemed like filler. As a single mom of a certain age, I had forgotten about taking care of me. Over time, your fashion posts reminded me of just how cute I can look with not that much extra effort. You also give me ideas about how to wear the latest trends without looking like a teenager. So … THANK YOU for both kinds of posts. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you so so much for your honesty and kind comment! I know not all posts appeal to everyone, but I get so much joy out of creating each one. I'm thrilled you've been inspired and rediscovered YOU!!! xoxoxoxo
Casual work place for me, dressed up denim is my attire so thanks for the tips. I mix in color denim to change things up too. Also I just scored a great navy blazer and military style jacket at the Gap FFsale so thanks for that heads up!!
I love colored denim….might need a 3 Ways on those soon!! xo Yay for the Gap sale!
Cassie – I always love your posts. Even when I can't pull off your style, you inspire me. And, although I can't believe how you find time in your busy schedule, I love how frequently you post and give value to your readers. You are my go-to for so many things lately. Thanks so much for being so fun!
Erin…your comment is so kind and means so much to me!!! I'm thrilled you enjoy stopping by here and find some inspiration! xoxoxo
Our office is casual. Jeans are acceptable any day of the week. I wear them a couple of days a week, but I tend to "dress up" a bit more. I love wearing dresses and skirts, especially in the summer.
Man, it's a no win situation. The workload never ends! I love you in that black jacket! Happy weekend friend!
That's bananas that you have to get the same amount of work done but it less time. I seriously have no idea how you do it all. Dang, girl. You know I am loving the look with the plaid! So cute. Enjoy the weekend. . hopefully you can chillax a bit.
Gah! Your leather jacket is fab. I want it…wish I could get my hands on it. You've nailed these looks.
I work at a University and it is business casual. On Wednesday we wear the university colors /attire to show pride, that is a jean day for me (just because I love them sooo much). Then Friday's are casual, so another day for jeans! Although your new house posts are by far my fav, I am loving these fashion posts too. I find myself trying new ways to mix up the clothes in my closet. So thanks! 🙂
I'm thrilled you're mixing it up in your closet…so fun to rediscover your old clothes!!! xo
So cute! I can't decide which look is my favorite!!!
I work at a law firm, so we only get to be casual – meaning jeans – on Fridays. The rest of you has to be very put together. I try to perk up my jeans with accessories and a bright color top on Fridays. Love your ideas!
Love all the casual outfits! You look amazing! Do you mind me asking what is the office job…and what is the secret in getting it all done?? Impressive!
I work in marketing for group health insurance…hence the reason for starting a creative outlet! 😉 #zzzzzz And if I had the secret, I'd bottle it and sell it…but sadly, I do not. LOTS of things fall through cracks. I just focus on the ones that matter most to us, and try to let the rest go. I wrote a post about it once: http://www.hisugarplumsblog.com/2012/06/doing-it-all-who-does.html
thanks so much for sharing!!!! Your style is impeccable!
I have been wondering about your work for a long time. (I'm in love with your blog) I totally understand if you don't want to share certain aspects of your life but it's killing me. I simply don't understand how on earth you can accomplish SO much! I'm married to a great guy who helps with everything, have 3 kids and I stay at home. I have a hard time finishing most things in my to do list and fall asleep exhausted by 9:30 every night. So like I said before, HOW ON EARTH DO YOU DO IT and have this amazing blog???
Oh honey….no way I come close to doing it all. I did write a post about it a few years back:
http://www.hisugarplumsblog.com/2012/06/doing-it-all-who-does.html
And yes, I'm exhausted all the time! 😉
Thanks for you reply. I actually just re-read your older post. Made me feel better… your normal!! Love you honesty and thank you for this amazing place in blog land!
I love the looks! Only appropriate in my office on Fridays though. I work for a custom clothing company and it's business professional Monday – Thursday and some Fridays when the big guys are going to be in the office. I still don't know how you do all you do. I know you have someone clean (do you still?), but I work 30 hours a week and have 2 kids and a husband who works nights and weekends. I barely survive some days!
Oh yes, help cleaning is the last thing in my budget I'll cut!!!! I couldn't survive without that help. My kids are older now, so that helps some, too…they don't need constant attention, so that frees me up for other stuff. xoxoxo
Cassie ! I look forward to fashion Fridays ! I love your posts and draw a lot of inspiration from them !!! I'm a visual person so when someone's wearing an outfit , it makes more sense than putting it together myself … Thank you for being somewhat responsible for improving my sense of style 🙂 . Also I had a question Abt the kut from the kloth jeans ? Do u love them ? I bought a pair of jeggings a couple of years ago from Nordstrom rack and the zipper was damaged , they refused to exchange and said I could give it in the alteration dept to get the zipper done for $16 .. Wasn't too happy but another friend had the same issue with the brand …
Hi Dee!!! I'm so thrilled you're inspired by these posts! As for the jeans…I've only had this pair a short time, so I can't speak for how long-term they are, but I do like these. Very comfy, and seem well-made. Yours were probably at the Rack bc they were slightly damaged…so you kind of trade that for a rather discounted price. I know if you ever buy anything at Nordstrom, they'll return or exchange for any reason, any time. Hope this helps!
I seriously love all these looks…have all these things but so often just don't know how to pull them together so thanks! And I am just in love with Maggie…I seriously have never been a dog person until last August when we adopted our little Dutch Buddy and now I have dog hair everywhere and could give a care less. Glad your littles are all better! Have a super week.
Ack! Just typed a long response and it disappeared!
Bottom line… Love you and sorry you're going through a rough time. Maybe it's a sign to take that little step? 😉