3 Affordable Workwear Essentials For Spring / Summer

Jacket: Express Novelty Button Sweater Jacket (XS) – on sale! (similar)
Top: Amazon The Drop Lace Trim Cami (XS / size down)
Belt: Gucci Double G (80) – (similar, similar)
Bottom: AE Black Skinny Jeans (00 xshort / size down)
Shoes: old, similar nude patent pumps, similar
Hair: Cella Jane headband (sold out) – (super similar, Fendi option, Burburry option)

It’s been a busy last few weeks over at work and I’ve had to get on quite a bit more client calls than usual.  I like having a few affordable workwear essentials that I keep handy when I need to look professional and Express has been doing such an amazing job with their new arrivals!  Not only do I love that they offer petites, but I’ve found some amazing items that are a great hybrid of tailored yet comfortable — just what I’m looking for when working from home.  I wore this outfit a few weeks ago and it transitioned perfectly for video customer calls to picking up my kids from school and even to a late afternoon Botox appointment (if you see the small bumps on my forehead in these photos, now you know why! 😆).

Affordable Workwear

WORKWEAR ESSENTIAL 1: SWEATER BLAZER

I’ve been leaning more towards less structured blazers these days and have been loving the sweater cardigan!  This one from Express has the look of a classic tweed blazer yet is super soft and comfy like a knit cardigan.  At 50% off, it’s an absolutely MUST BUY NOW before sizes sell out!  The small pocket details give it a feminine look and the gold buttons really add that final touch of polish.  I’m usually not one for shoulder pads but for this piece, they are the perfect addition to elevate it from loungewear to workwear!

SHOP SWEATER BLAZERS / CARDIGANS

WORKWEAR ESSENTIAL 2: LACE-TRIM CAMI

Ok, so a cami may not be your usual pick when it comes to workwear, but in my opinion, it’s a must-have for layering!!  I have 10+ camis and they are my go-to as a base layer under a cardigan, blazer, or even a deep v-neck sweater.  The satin material elevates it to chic workwear and the lace trim gives it just a peek of femininity.  This one from Amazon is a staple year-round for me but I also love this one from Abercombie!  And if you don’t want a cami, this tank is another great option (with 3000+ reviews!!).

SHOP LACE-TRIM CAMIS / TANKS

WORKWEAR ESSENTIAL 3: STATEMENT HEADBAND

I have at least a couple days of the week where I just put it back behind a headband and go!  I love that it’s super low effort, is a great way to keep my hair out of my face so I can focus, and it also just makes an outfit look really put together.  Anthropologie is my favorite place to find unique headband designs but Etsy has some amazing designer-inspired options too!

SHOP STATEMENT / DESIGNER-INSPIRED HEADBANDS

Jacket: Express Novelty Button Sweater Jacket (XS) – on sale! (similar)
Top: Amazon The Drop Lace Trim Cami (XS / size down)
Belt: Gucci Double G (80) – (similar, similar)
Bottom: AE Black Skinny Jeans (00 xshort / size down)
Shoes: old, similar nude patent pumps, similar
Hair: Cella Jane headband (sold out) – (super similar, Fendi option, Burburry option)

++ all photos were taken by yours truly with this camera, lens, tripod, and remote. ++

Did any of my workwear essentials make your list?