Casual Monday

Today is the Monday after Christmas which means Casual Monday at the office.  I don't like to wear sneakers to work even when permitted. I believe that you should ALWAYS dress for the job you want not the job you have.  Like it or not, people judge you based on a snap shot first impression.  I always try to look polished even on casual days.  Believe it or not, you CAN be comfy and polished at the same time.

Today I am wearing a tunic that is basically a polished sweatshirt...Christmas gift from the LOFT.  The jeans I'm wearing have stretch, so I feel like I'm wearing comfy leggings.  The boots are really really comfortable and flat...much more attractive than sneakers.

Top: LOFT-Original price $59. 
Got 50% off for day after Christmas sale!

Jeans: Forever 21 $15

Boots: Target $35

Necklace: Target $18

Scarf: Target $7

 Why this works: I don't typically wear tunics because I have a very long torso and thicker thighs.  I try to avoid wearing tops that fall on the wides part of my hips, however; I found an exception to the rule. The tunic is fitted and is slim over the hip which creates a nice long silhouette.  This look wouldn't work if the tunic were blousy because the stripes would emphasize my hips and cause me to look a bit wide.

The boots also elongate my legs which creates balance (your torso should never look longer than your legs...that will make you look stumpy). Nude pumps would also be a good alternative to the flat boots.
 
 

Here I've added a floral printed scarf.  I'm obsessed with pairing floral prints with neutral stripes.  Don't worry about matching, as Stacy London says, "Your outfit should never match, it should go."  Don't be afraid to experiment with mixing prints.  It's a great way to put your own touch on a neutral and classic outfit.