A new virtual styling client of mine just approached me with a conundrum I’ve never dealt with – dressing for work when you are a tomboy. She’s recently started a new job in a new environment – corporate – where she has to button up her appearance a bit but doesn’t want to compromise on who she is and what she prefers to wear. “I’m just a tomboy, who wears mostly black, and still cuts all her t-shirts into tanks…Heels, skirts & dresses are all gonna be off the table for me,” she said in our first exchange. How was I going to help her when I’m the queen of dresses and heels?!?! I panicked but then I really stopped to listen to what she was saying.
Lora knows herself and what makes her comfortable and uncomfortable. It was clear that she wasn’t looking for me to push her out of her comfort zone but instead to operate within it – in the most fabulous and professional way possible. She laid out our parameters up front so I knew what we’d be working with. I love that. And no problem, I said. We’ve got this.
As a starting point, here are the three staples I recommend for summer – a tailored cropped pant, a fancified sleeveless blazer-vest-type situation and pointed-toe flats. This is an easy, polished and feminine uniform a tomboy can easily put on everyday – looking and feeling confident and amazing while she’s wearing it. In fact, even though I’m far from a tomboy, I often wear this exact outfit in black to the office. It’s so easy to throw on when I’m not sure wear.
We went straight to the Banana Republic website to find inspiration. I always start here for affordable, professional basics. Plus, if you go into a BR store, there are always sales of some sort – be it 40% off a full-priced item or an additional 30% off of already-reduced sale items. There is never a time when there is not some sort of a discount going on there. All of the below photos are from the current Banana website and you can click through the images to buy the pieces.
Now for shoes – I think pointed-toe flats are very professional and feminine but keep you comfortable if heels aren’t your thing – the point adds a little structure and is reminiscent of a pump. Rounded-toe flats are okay, but they aren’t as stylish or polished in the workplace because there’s a casual element to them that may not suit a corporate environment. Shoes are the place where I like to let my freak flag fly a bit in the office, and I think Lora could do the same by wearing a pair with an interesting cut-out design (like these I’m wearing and got at Banana), a metallic leather, or a fun print or color. All of these below are currently available at Banana Republic and you can click through the image below to browse.
To accessorize, I’d add a scarf at the neck – no blingy baubles necessary! A fun pair of sunglasses can also up the style-factor when you’re walking to and from the office.
Surprisingly, this is not a post sponsored by Banana Republic – though they should totally give me some props for the major plug! I simply find this store to be good quality at a good price point with relatively universal sizing – and always offering a sale. In fact, the cropped pants and sleeveless blazer I’m wearing are from there, too!
And by the way, this is not the only solution for corporate-tomboy-dressing. I’m sure Lora and I will figure out a few more ideas once we get into the groove of working together. But for now, this is a non-intimidating first step into polishing her look, and I know she’s going to put her best foot forward at this new job. Right on, Lora!
Are you looking for virtual styling advice? Try me! Contact me at [email protected], and we’ll discuss the terms!
Belle
