I recognize this post holds so many feelings for so many right now. I went ahead with my planned post because we need to meet everyone where they are right now. Some of us are inexplicably in limbo, some of us are physically fighting to retain the legitimacy of our professions, some of us have to keep toeing the line…

I had moved back to DC in July to get a job back in the federal government where I had passionately spent almost two decades working and am now losing my everloving mind at the illegal dismantling of the federal structure that runs not only our country but a majority of the support of the globe. (Y’all who disagree should just decide now never to come back to my blog.) So meeting me where I am is like rescuing a baby deer in the middle of a frozen pond.

So I completely get it if your first reaction to this post is a big fat WTF. But bear with me, because this post is for the heroes who wear pants and blazers and show up at the office because they have to and because they are doing their best to survive and also being a bit of the quiet resistance that we need.

So that being said — there are folks out there finding themselves back in an office where the ol’ leggings and nice looking sweater doesn’t cut the mustard. Let’s start the journey with a simple formula —

Pants – Let’s be honest. Working from home, we were all skimming the rim of the daily leggings until we pulled ourselves back from the ledge via Spanx pants and jeans. So as we claw our way back to actual zippers and buttons, these Spanx ponte micro flare pants are the professional gateway to heading back to the office. (And y’all do not understand how hard it was not to call these “slacks”.)

Shirt – The beauty of this Everlane silky cotton shirt is that it is comfortably structured. You all will find that I am a die hard button down lover. I have the range from the 1980’s era stiff linen to this Everlane softy.

Blazer – Yes, I said blazer. I don’t expect folks to march back in to the before times in a sharp navy suit. But I do believe a good blazer brings back that je ne sais quoi. This J Crew Regent blazer is chic, structured but unstructured, and commands attention. I dislike that they describe it as feminine as, particularly now, I am really weary of “feminine” being a positive attribute to professional clothing.

Accessories – This look calls for a classic suite of jewelry. These Banana Republic gold huggie hoops pack a punch and are super versatile – dress up / dress down. While I am not a fan of mixing metals – you now have insight to my slight OCD tendencies – I like this Talbot’s two-tone link necklace. It is crisp and pulls your eye to a complete outfit.

Shoes – I know that out there are two sets of shoe gals – Our heel gals and our chic but comfort gals. I have both of your backs. These Sarah Flint kitten heels bring the comfort and style to get you through a full day of trotting to non-zoom meetings and commuting. These Sarah Flint loafers will do the same in a more neutral profile.