Hello Friday and outfit #20. Today I had lots of meetings and I needed something that read “very professional” and not “reckless twenty-something who takes off mid-week to go to a concert.” Enter in my office pants and a cardigan, how more professional looking could I get?
My husband just interjected and said that I could have worn a suit and then he busted into laughter. Why the laughter, you ask? Aren’t suits a normal fare for professionals? He brings this up because I accidentally wore a suit on my first day of work, ever. My very first day at my very first big girl job, 3 years ago. I worked in an engineering firm as an administrative assistant and my mother had just bought me a suit on sale from Banana Republic. Maybe I’d watched too many episodes of The West Wing but it seemed appropriate at the time, ok? And I mean a suit–a full on blazer with gold buttons, a button down shirt, a nice, masculine belt, and crisp pair of pleated slacks. I looked like a child dressed up in my father’s business wear for career day at school. (I always went as Donald Trump.) Turns out most secretaries don’t wear suits to work every day, or as I found out ever. 7th grade aside, that might have been one of the most awkward moments of my life to date.
Despite my husband’s jeers, I like to think of this outfit as a “soft suit.” You know, not a full on blazer with slacks, just a nice coordinating cardigan with some office pants. SO you know,a soft suit. Kind of like this: 
In fact, exactly like this.
(image via awkward family photos)
34 Responses
i used to work with a guy that wore suits his whole first week to try and make that first-day-suit less awkward. (it did not work.)
anyway, i heart your office pants.
Haha. I totally wore a full-on suit my first day of student teaching. Yeah, when do you ever see teachers in full-on suits, much less student teachers? At least I made a strong, professional first day impression on my cooperating teacher. Love the outfit!
kendi, you look soo beautiful in these photos. and yet again i am loving how you always find a different place to pose, it gives each outfit such personality. love this one!
i love every single outfit you feature on your blog.
they are all perfectly put together and really beautiful. you also have a realistic style, which i love. it allows people to relate. i love the necklace.
xxL
Your blog is fantastic. I love your outfits.
Kisses from Tenerife.
I love all your chunky heeled heels. They are ultra flattering.
And wowzers, just when you thought gold lame couldn't get any tackier… holy eye sore!
BAHAHA love the suit story! I agree that your outfit on day 20 is professional enough without wearing…well, a full suit! I really like those pants on you, as well as the pop of colour with your Anthropolgie blouse.
love the color of the top and that last photo 🙂 haha i think we all have awkward first day stories, but just look at you now!
hehehe! cute story! the only time i ever wore a suit was to interview at a law firm for a receptionist position….i got the job, and then ditched the suit 😉
The lighting in your photos is always so pretty, as in the scenery in these! I love the teal top. I've never own or worn a suit!
Love this work outfit. If I know I have a meeting I usually dress just a little more conservatively than a normal day too. Got to love the office environment!
I love your outfit — it's definitely perfect for when a suit is too stuffy. I had one of those first days where I wore a suit and felt so overdressed too. Totally awwwwkward.
I love the colour scheme.
That is the PERFECT outfit for that kind of day. You look profesh, cozy and attractive.
Really pretty color combo with the teal and gray. I cannot stand suits and have never owned one- actually have long-term plans of never owning one!!
Oh Kendi, I have busted out my suit on the first day of EVERY job I've had, and I ALWAYS regret it. I must take a page out of your book and become a "soft suit" convert!
I am becoming very fond of that necklace. I'm just saying.
ooh, you`re soo pretty!
and that suit is just da BOMB. 😀
oh poor me, I don`t even have a suit. wonder, what would I look like in one…?
hugs
http://lemontartsweetheart.blogspot.com/
i love how you don't wear plain grain pants suits to the office. i wouldn't read you blog if you and Hillary Clinton shared a closet.
I wore a suit to my first day of work, too! We've come a long way…
Love outfit n.20. Just 10 more to go!
You look great in #20!
That gold soft suit is SOMETHING ELSE. Did anyone else notice he's also wearing ice skates?! :o)
Oh Lord… help that young man 🙁 HA! I busted out laughing when I saw him image.
I love those pants! Much more attractive than a suit anyway 🙂 I posted some coupons for Red Mango today along with my outfit post – yummy! We all deserve a treat for doing this challenge right? 🙂
http://all-aboutaj.blogspot.com
you always have the prettiest shoes!
your "soft suit" outfit is similar to what i wear to work, too most days. 🙂 i work in a super, super, super casual office, but i like to look kind of professional while everyone else is wearing cutoff shorts and tank tops. 🙂 and i still wear a suit to work sometimes. just because i think it commands some attention. 🙂 i did it last week, in fact – i wore this beautiful white suit to work just for fun.
http://thecoastalchicster.blogspot.com/2010/07/well-suited.html
I love your blog! You are actually one of my main inspirations for starting my own blog this week 🙂
I have had many of those overdressed moments. Even the mantra of "better overdressed than under" can't help you in those cases. This outfit above looks perfectly professional though!
lol. thats hilarious. love ur musings! <3
xoxo
Stacey Kay
"Runway Inspiration, Vintage Decoration"
http://www.goodwillhuntingg.com
i just cannot picture myself in a suit! i have worked as a relief bank teller for 3 summers and only the VPs wear them … i'm in the clear for now.
PS. when did you get those pants from gap? they look great.
Suits always sounded like something stuffy to wear
I love you Kendi – too funny!!! I love the "soft suit" – that too is my work wardrobe staple. And I am talking about the gold skating outfit suit – maybe that's why my coworkers always make comments on my outfits… 🙂
Small Time Style
Love the outfit, very chic. Great for the office! Daisy Dayz Home
I love the colour you have combined here. And the idea of a soft suit.
Love your outfit.. simple but chic x
Awesome soft suiting. I want you to wear the gold suit for your next very important meeting.