Work Wear: Business Casual Outfit Styling

I'm stepping out of my comfort zone just a touch with today's blog post to bring you two different work wear outfits.  I work in an elementary school where I play on the floor with children all day and walk about 5 miles back and forth around the school each day.  So, I typically dress more casually at work so that I can move around comfortably. However, sometimes I daydream that I am a high-power business professional who wears blazers and stilettos and runs important meetings all day so I channeled that alter-ego for you all today. ;) 

I chose two outfits that I feel like are functional and practical and still give you that important "powerful boss babe" feel.  I mixed and matched items from a few different retailers today, but generally, my two favorite retailers for work wear are Loft and Express.  They both have lots of options in this category, and their clothing consistently fits well and holds up well throughout the day. 

I am so in love with this striped bell sleeve top, and you could repurpose this for lots of different outfit options! It's easy to dress up or down.  I was so pleased to find these bright blue slacks as well.  They are a skinny/slim fit, and I found them very flattering.  Often times, I feel a little uncomfortable in slacks because of the lack of pockets on the back, but I felt completely comfortable wearing a shirt tucked in to these.  A nice blazer is an absolute must in the business world, and this one is my favorite I've ever tried on.  It fits true to size and comes in several other colors as well (it's also on sale right now!). 

My favorite part of this outfit is this fun polka dot top- it is so flattering and tucks in nicely to dress pants. This top runs a little small so I would size up if you're in between sizes.  Trouser pants are a fantastic option for staying comfortable while still looking professional- I mean, does it get any better than an elastic waist band at work?! ;) I linked a pair without the tie as well if you want to see some that aren't as high-waisted.  This little fur coat is several months old from Lush, but I've linked a similar one below as well.