Keep it MBAchic: inspired looks to wear to your accounting job

Pump things up with a printed wrap dress, like this one from (who else?) Diane von Furstenberg – grab it on Rent the Runway! Also love this lipstick print wrap dress from Lane Bryant. The neutral colors mean that the print isn’t overpowering for the office, which allows you to jazz things up just enough. Key things to note – make sure the neckline stays modest (I’d safety pin it to be sure) and size up if the look is too bodycon for work. The wrap silhouette is flattering alone, so it doesn’t need to be tight for the 9-to-5 crowd.

Lean into summer neutrals, like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. If you’re like me / most New Yorkers, even in the summer, you find yourself reaching for reliable black blazers, dresses, pants and more. It’s easy, slimming and goes with everything. We know. But it’s summer, so why not change things up with a neutral look! There’s something so refreshing about this crisp white suit from Express (jacket, pant), or light pink ensemble (jacket, pant) from Theory (with a Tide pen safely tucked in your pocket, obviously). If a full-body look is too much for you, try just the jacket or pants, and see how it might inspire you, beyond your workwear.

A bow-tie blouse might not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking for an inspired look, but I can’t tell you how often my female colleagues compliment (and ask me where to get) my blouses that have this collar detail. I think this silk white Caline top by Sandro is great for a more formal setting, but love this punchy [almost-MBAchic-] pink Ted Baker blouse with ruffle sleeve details as well, tucked into a pencil skirt and paired with classic black pumps (FYI: both are on sale right now: we’re talking 62% and 40% off at Bloomingdale’s). Keeping accessories simple (maybe some studs or small hoop earrings) not only lets you spend more time snoozing or getting ready for the day, but also allows for the blouse detail to take center stage. This one piece changes things up and gives new life to pretty much every pant or skirt sitting in your closet.

It’s rare that I meet a long blazer I didn’t like. A well-made blazer that hits you at the mid-thigh, like this one on Leandra Medine is both fresh and sophisticated. I love mixing them with cropped pants, dresses, skirts and sleeveless blouses… you name it. I’ve had great luck finding these at stores like H&M, Zara and Mango over the years (especially just starting out in my career), but obviously there are options at all price points. This $50 H&M option is unfortunately sold out unless you’re a size 12 (it wasn’t when first drafts started on this piece), but we easily found more. Consider this Avec les Filles jacket on sale at Nordstrom, this tailored one at Eloquii, this Olsen jacket that’s got limited sizes left at Lord and Taylor or even this one at Anthropologie (which comes in two colors).

Rock a bold color in a classic silhouette. Again Amal Clooney makes an appearance, as well as the stylish Gemma Chan. If you won’t throw your entire office off-balance with such a bright move, consider wearing something you’d typically wear, except in a bold color. There are countless options out there, but really loving this REISS Victoria dress which comes in red and blue (those colors are on sale, and it also comes in black, which is full-price), this Of/Mercer DuPont dress in Cobalt (a repeat from our tech/startup interview piece, but worth mentioning again!), this sky blue Badgley Mischka on Rent the Runway, this fresh green Jason Wu/Eloquii suit collab (blazer, pants) and this similar green option at Express (definitely check out all of the colors they offer).

The paper-bag waist pant is a look that flatters without being too trendy, so long as the top balances it out nicely. These looks by @treatingthestreetslikearunway and @morethanafashionblog are so chic – similar pants, but styled slightly differently for the office. A lot of the looks this week revolve around playing with silhouettes and proportions, and this is one I personally love to wear because it’s comfortable while still stylish and professional. There are a lot of great options out there, including this Express pair (which comes in a bunch of colors), this Ann Taylor ankle pant, this Eloquii trouser and even a slightly more casual striped pair on Rent the Runway from Waverly Grey.

This ensemble shown on @lillydemello is one of my favorite looks we’ve shared on Workwear Wednesday to date, partially because it’s so simple and effortless, partially because it’s so polished and chic. A thin sweater with this Ann Taylor flounce midi skirt (which happens to be 50% off right now) is a gorgeous and polished combination to help freshen up your look. Yes it’s summer, but it’s perfect for braving the frigid air-conditioned halls of your office. And who doesn’t love a midi skirt with a classic heel? Lengthening and super comfortable.

Of course we’re making the recommendation to try a wide-leg trouser like this pair on @chesliekryst @whitecollarglam. Another silhouette play! You can go bold like she did here (her Zara pants here have since sold out but here’s a similar pair on sale from Alice and Olivia), or play it safe with neutrals and really focus on getting the proportions right (try these other pairs in neutral colors from Alice + Olivia at Shopbop and this pair in two colors from J.Crew). Be sure to look these up, and search MBAchic for more wide-leg trouser recommendations we’ve made!