Think black and white looks are a one-way ticket to snoozeville? Think again. With summer coming to a close and interview season picking up, we’re scoping out chic office-appropriate looks that have just the right amount of edge to make you stand out from the pack. While we recommend keeping in line with workplace dress codes, we also think adding a dose of dalmatian print here + a pair of snazzy heels there never hurt anyone.
1. Mix Master: When done right, mixing black and white prints can really amp up an otherwise plain Jane look. We love the unexpected mix of dalmatian, geometric and palm prints. It’s daring, but classy. (via Who What Wear)
2. #GirlBoss: This white pencil skirt ($78) and court heel duo scream boss lady. Add a checkered blazer, tousled locks and those chic cat-eye sunnies, and you’ll be a treat for those street-style shutterbugs. (via Caroline’s Mode)
3. Got Gingham?: A subtle cut-out, mixed gingham, a bright yellow bag and leather paneled jackets — Hanneli Mustaparta sure knows how to take her office look to the next level. For a subtle fall-appropriate take on this outfit, try this gingham pencil skirt ($48) with a crisp white blouse, and don’t forget this chic yellow clutch ($250). (via Business Lady)
4. Casual Luxe: Edge up your basic black blouse and coat combo with a pair of diamond-print trousers ($298). Not only are these a standout interview piece (we guarantee you’ll get a compliment), but they’re also great paired with a graphic tee on your off-duty days. (via The Classy Cubicle)
5. Sexy Does It: Okay, we agree this dress is a wee risque with the low-cut top and all, so we suggest adding a couple of buttons. Top it off with a cropped blazer and attention-grabbing accessories like these killer heels ($168)! (via The Zoe Report)
6. All White: Forget what the masses say about wearing white after Labor Day. Rock it, girl. We love this simple high-neck dress ($1,400) paired with a neon clutch. Wear this, and you’ve got the job. Trust us. (via ELLE)
7. Off-Duty Polished: Add a dose of navy to your black and white ensemble and see your look go from drab to fab in a snap. (via NYC Streets)
8. Like an Editor: Take a cue from street style darling Christine Centenera, in her too-cool-for-the-office look. From her chunky bling ($83) to her pocketed pencil skirt ($60), this is one daring look you have to recreate. (via Fashion Inspiration Blog)
9. Flat Out: Dare we say, “Ditch the heels”? This model proves that ivory oxfords ($40) can be très chic, too, especially when paired with slim cut pants and a cozy knit blouse. (via Le Catch)
10. Put a Bow on It: Jerry Seinfeld might have something against big, ruffled shirts but we don’t. Balance out your frilly blouse ($35) with cigarette pants and mega heels for a modern twist. (via Habitually Chic)
11. Borrowing from the Boys: A little touch of masculinity can go a long way, especially when balanced with a messy chignon and poppin’ pants. While we don’t recommend the sexy cut-out top, we think this silky blouse ($275) will come in handy. (via Refinery29)
12. Top it Off: Ah, the camel coat ($99). It’s the perfect topper when the temperature starts to dip. We love how it balances out this playful high-neck shift dress and bold tortoiseshell sunnies. (via Pop Sugar)
13. Pretty and Petite: Go on, have a little fun with your look. We’re obsessed with the business-savvy blogger’s touch of girly frill with her cropped jacket. And for all you petite ladies, remember to rock those power heels ($165). (via 9to5 Chic)
14. Chic Layers: Don’t think we left style superstar Olivia Palermo off our list. The street style fixture not only layers like a pro, but she manages to look office-ready even when bundled up. To mimic her look try a windowpane-print skirt ($78) and day-to-night ankle booties ($60). (via Vogue)
Feeling confident enough to try jazzing up your black and white suit? Have a styling question? Ask us in the comments!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.