Outfit Details:

Ann Taylor Jacket, Shirt, Jeans & Booties, Ann Taylor Belt c/o

Do you remember that frantic shopping trip you made when you landed your first office job or internship and suddenly realized that you had nothing in your closet that would be appropriate to wear? That moment happened to me when I was in college. Faced with my first foray into workwear, I headed straight to Ann Taylor, inspired by the years I spent weighing in on my mom’s picks in their fitting rooms when I was growing up. I knew I’d be able to go into their store and find pieces that were sophisticated, classic, and polished, and most of all, that would help me feel confident, no matter how nervous I was about starting a new job.

The art of the dress code has become less prominent in our day and age, but I believe dress codes can be a very good thing because ultimately, they are about courtesy. An office dress code doesn’t have to diminish your personal style; rather, it creates an opportunity to express your style while also communicating how seriously you take your role and how much you respect the work you are doing. Ann Taylor has remained one of my go-to sources of feminine, office-ready attire, ever since that first job. I’ve worn their pieces everywhere, from my own office to important meetings. I’ve taken their pieces on trips with me and still reach for them on the weekends when I want to wear something more laid-back. They’ve always made me feel as prepared and equipped as they did all those years ago.

I’m often asked for recommendations about workwear that can go straight from the office to dinner, happy hour, or a date night, which is what inspired this outfit. A crisp white blouse is one of the first pieces I suggest buying for any work wardrobe–since they can be styled in so many ways, it’s easy to achieve different looks for all occasions. For the office, pair it with black pants (this pair is so sleek, it hardly looks like denim) or layer it under a dress. On the weekend, it looks classic and chic styled with jeans and booties.

Another way I love adding a personal touch to office attire as we move into the colder months is through fun outerwear. The much-needed extra layer opens up countless styling opportunities! This cheetah print trench packs on personality, but thanks to its traditional silhouette, it’s a great piece to throw on on the way to work, as well as to wear on weekend adventures.

Whether you’re sprucing up your workwear for the new season, or just getting started building a collection of pieces you’ll be able to wear to the office and beyond, you can easily search by dress code or by specific wardrobe staples on the Ann Taylor site.

Thank you to Ann Taylor and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post.