I recently headed back to the workforce and I’m pretty darn happy about it. Not so happy about the state of my work wardrobe though. After 3 years at home with kids, the closet is full of jeans and sloppy tees. All very well for cleaning and finger painting, but no so professional. Soooo, I’m finding myself in need of some respectable duds. As my work is not corporate, there is some flexibility in said work attire – still no jeans and sloppy tees 😦 – but I’m hoping to create some work outfits that still retain an element of fun, can still be incorporated into non-work life and are appealing to wear.
This is going to be a journey, due to sad state of my current wardrobe. So I’ll hope you’ll join me, leave some feedback, suggest patterns and the like.
Piece one in my wardrobe’s road to recovery is the much sewn and loved Staple Dress pattern by April Rhodes. I know you’ve seen this dress all over blogland, but there’s always room for one more.
Yep, ha ha finally got myself a camera remote!
And so, how does the Staple Dress go in my work wardrobe?
Fun: yes, definitely. I’m loving the dress in Amy Butler voile, the fabric is light, breathable and beautiful to wear 5/5
Cross-functional: yes. I wore this dress out to dinner with heels, so it will fit into both the work and non-work requirements 5/5
Wearability: although I do prefer pants, this dress is pretty darn comfortable 4/5
Does it fit in?: given the sparsity of my work wardrobe, it does fit in. Having said that, the print I chose doesn’t make it a mix and match piece or a wear to work 3 times a week and no-one will notice piece 3/5
Here’s how I styled it for work:
Staple dresses all over the internet inspired this make, but here are my picks if you’re after some more Staple Dress inspiration:
1. Staple Dress is Denim by While She Was Sleeping 2. Polka Dot Staple by Shona Stitches
I’m loving these blue versions – please click over to their blogs for more info and pics.
So tell me, do you have a ‘go to’ pattern you love for work wear?
nearest the pin 
this pattern is just my style! and that fabric- LOVE. You look amazing.
Thank you so much Celina, mwah x
Great first piece to add to your work wardrobe, its lovely. I think the print is beautiful even if you will only be able to wear it once a week. Once a week in such style is great.
Thanks Louise – the fabric is pricey, but worth it I think!
You look gorgeous! Loved it!
Thanks Ines
Renee, love your Staple dress! The print is super fun. Come spring I am planning to make a top using the same pattern. I have seen a few around the blogland, and they look great! Also, thank you for linking to my SD post 🙂
oooh a top version, I hadn’t thought of that. Can’t wait for you to post one, then I can copy that too 😉
Goodluck on your endeavours Renee! I find it’s a never ending one With 5 days a week at work. I’m not sure if you like shift dresses but I think the laurel and Chloe dress are great shifts for work. I also where my hollyburn a heaps! What about knit pencil skirt is black or grey. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Your photos are absolutely stunning!!
Thanks for the suggestions – I think a shift dress or two will be great when the weather warms up.
I’m in love with this fabric! And the dress looks great with the belt and tights! I’m envious of your cool weather and that you can wear a jacket right now. We are in the heat of summer and I’m dreaming of cooler weather. Perfect work outfit.
really envious ??! I’d be happy to swap places with you right now 😉
Looks lovely Renee, I’d be tempted to whip up a few in different looks to start off the work wardrobe quickly.
Thanks Shelley – I have a blue chambray version on the cutting table right now!
Beautiful dress. Did you make the coat too? Love the styling.