Long Sleeve Knitted Cardigan Sweater
Rae Dunn Hot Mess Coffee Mug Cup
Ladies, have you ever wondered what the main staples you would need as a woman architect? What can go from office wear to site visit in a flash? Well, that’s what I’m going to dive in here about; the Woman Architect’s top 3 closet staples and some outfit inspiration.
I think we’ve all been there. You go into work in your nicest slacks (or lord help you, a dress!) and heels only to find out you will need to head to the dirty, muddiest job site.
Great. Now what?
Well, to tell you the truth I’ve had this exact day too many times to count and after some trail and error, I think I have put together some outfit inspiration and 3 closet staples that can be paired with numerous outfits to get you through both client and contractor meetings (with style!)
And after some trail and error, I think I have put together 3 closet staples that can be paired with numerous outfits to get you through both client and contractor meetings (with style!)
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First Things First: Outfit Inspo!!!
We all love Pinterest in helping us find the perfect work outfit inspiration. So here are just a few of my personal favorites I’ll share with you! All these options can transition from office to site (maybe with a few tweaks depending on the rain situation!) Check out the links for similar items to browse!
Products to Browse
Short Raglan Sleeves Round Neck Chambray Top
Michael Kors Large Top Zip Tote
Michael Kors Quartz Watch with Leather Strap
Products to Browse
Barbour Womens Beadnell Wax Jacket
Women’s Fisherman Cable Crewneck Sweater
Timberland Women’s Valley Chelsea Boot
Ray-Ban Erika Round Sunglasses, Dark Rubber Tortoise
Products to Browse
J Brand Jeans High Rise Skinny, Seriously Black
Oversized Chunky Knitted Pullover Sweater
Slim Laptop Leather Notebook Computer Case
Products to Browse
1. The Tailored Blazer
A Classic and architect closet staple! I love a great blazer. It automatically makes any look more polished the instant to put it on. Add a good tailored fit, and there you have it: the modern power suit.
To tell you the truth, I love a good blazer and always have. It usually the first thing my eye goes to at my some of my favorite stores.
Women’s Fisherman Cable Crewneck Sweater
Honestly I have about 4 blazers in my closet now, but having a classic black or darker heather gray like this is a must in my opinion. It always looks business appropriate for when that surprise client pops in for a quick chat.
(Insider’s Tip: I’ve even known people to just leave there blazer at their desk for that client emergency that is bound to happen!)
2. The Perfect Dark Wash (or Black!) Jeans
So let me just start by saying not all office environments might appreciate jeans on days that aren’t Friday, so take some cues from what you see everyone wearing around the office (men and women) and see where you could flaunt your creative side.
Dark wash jeans can be one of the most versatile staples in your closet. They can be paired with items to look more feminine or polished (like the blazer mentioned above!) My stance has always been, clean dark wash jeans are to women as khakis are to men.
Cause let’s be honest, it is HARD as a woman to find khakis that fit well, are in style, and don’t make us look like we work at Target. (Yea, I said it!)
My go-to brand for clean, professional looking skinny jeans has always been J Brand. They are well made, don’t stretch out of form too much, and have a very back pocket simple design. No loud stitching from this brand!
Another little trick I have found is finding a good pair of black jeans. Skinny or boot cut jeans are the best fit in my option. They are the perfect solution to office days that require a site visit where you do not want to ruin a nice pair of slacks.
Just make sure they are fitted, not too tight (you know the difference!)
3. Comfortable Boots or Booties
My favorite! Shoes!!!! There are so many cute boots and booties out these days it’s hard to have just one pair. And maybe that’s the point!
I good pair of low cut, high heel booties can go a long way. You are able to pair these with different jean types, the black jeans (mentioned earlier), and even some slack styles. Even dresses and skirts are not a problem with these booties.
And the best part is you can go directly onto a site visit if the day calls for it! I’m a huge fan of Frye boots (as you can see.) I have owned a pair of Frye Veronica Slouch boots for at least eight years and they hold up to my everyday wear-and-tear. They are great with many different outfits and I don’t mind wearing them on muddy sites because they clean up so well!
I usually don’t have to go on very dangerous sites; however, some construction sites require steel toe or safety boots of some kind. It takes a little hunting, but there are cool ones out there for women. Like these Dr. Marten’s (nothing is as cool as seeing that gold stitching!) that are also on my Gift Guide post here!
A Few Extra Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way
- Keep a pair of work boots at your desk, or in your car, if you can. That way, if by chance you are rocking your nicest 6″ heels and need to go to the job site you can just slide on you boots. Sure you aren’t going to make the cover of Vogue, but at least you get the job done without sacrificing your lovelies.
- Use scarves and other fun accessories to bring a regular office outfit to the next level. You never know when you will have a surprise meeting with a client one day. Since Architects are alike with artists in a lot of ways, I think we get a little more creative leeway when it comes to work attire.
- Keep baby wipes, or moist towelettes, at your desk or in your car. They are perfect for cleaning off any mud from your shoes you might not want to track in the office!
- Work in the South? Have vest you can throw on before heading to a site visit. This is a simple trick I’ve found to mimic contractors in my area. Wearing one while out on site actually allows contractors to open up around me and work with me instead of against me more.
My go-to for vests and jackets has always been Carhartt. They block wind and cold so well and are always “construction” staples in my area.
Every office and workplace is different in what they will allow. I have worked at places that were more office casual with jeans allowed only on Fridays, to places where I could where jeans everyday. Just know what your limitation are upfront and build on that!
Let me know of any other closet staples, tips, and tricks you have figured out while working in a more male dominated industry! I’d love to hear them!
