By Anneke Knot
When I’m getting ready for work in the morning, I often struggle with the issue of having nothing to wear. Believe it or not, even working in fashion doesn’t eliminate this problem!
We’d all love to dress like Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada (post-makeover, of course), but it’s pretty much impossible to make that fantasy a reality on an editorial salary, even when you have access to a fashion closet. Most magazine environments allow you to be a little more creative with your wardrobe, but with this creativity comes great responsibility—or at least a great amount of options. Personally, I don’t have time for exploring options at 7:15 a.m.
That’s why it’s never a bad idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve. These quick tips will save you a few minutes in the morning and help you spice up a shirt you already own.
1. Keep it simple. The first rule of dressing for work is not to make it harder than it has to be. This shirt is a classic for a reason, so allow yourself to pair it with a classic pair of pants. Give your mind a break and don’t overthink it!
2. Use your layers. This year, I have rediscovered my love for sweater vests. They keep you warm and they allow you to wear the same shirt a few times a week without anyone realizing!
3. Dress it up. Excuse my terrible pun, but you get the picture. Pair this classic shirt with any shift dress, and you’ve created a whole new look.
4. Mix prints. Everyone has a classic blue button up in their closet, but few people know how to make it stand out. This shirt matches with literally everything else you own, so grab your craziest skirt, capris, or pants. You can’t go wrong!
5. Change the vibe. This may be a classic shirt, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear it the classic way. Add some ripped jeans and a casual vest to make your look a little edgier.
Remember, finding the perfect outfit for work is not about creating a million-dollar closet; it’s about knowing what to do with the pieces you already own.
Anneke Knot is a guest blogger for Ed2010. She is a writer and fashion assistant living in Manhattan. She got her start interning at Redbook magazine during her senior year of college. She now is a fashion assistant at Hearst Women’s Lifestyle Hub, which includes magazines like Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and Woman’s Day. If you want to track her literal every move, check out her Instagram @annekeknot or follow her blog Knot Couture.