Truth: I’ve never had a job where I had to get dressed up for work. I’ve only ever owned one suit- and it was for an interview. (And side note: during that interview I had to teach a sample lesson to a class and my suit got caught on a chalkboard easel and ripped a hole Right. In. My. Bum). So yeah. Me and suits don’t have the best history. But I can’t help but drool a little when I see all of these working moms rocking their power slacks, heels, blazers when walking their kids into preschool drop off. I don’t know how they do it – BALANCE it all nor walk a kid into preschool with HEELS on? I’m seriously impressed. So while I don’t have a traditional job, I love fashion and I’ve had a bunch of readers ask for more work wear fashion. Ask and you shall receive. I’ll be doing several installments of #workwearwednesday to provide a little office cubical inspiration to help you break out of a rut or maybe try something new. We’re starting this week with the basics. For most people, “work wear” reads: black pants, white button down. This week we’ll kick off #workwearwednesday with a black pants challenge.

*All images are clickable and will take you directly to the shopping link!

Challenge 1:

Throwing on a statement necklace might be the easiest way to dress up a bland office look. Tip: If the necklace is short and rests on your collar bones, let it lay directly on your skin and layer your shirt on top. It’s a little more subtle when you allow it just to peek through.

Challenge 2:

Another easy way to spice up black pants, is to add a fun shoe. A bold statement shoe can transform a hum drum outfit by adding color and eye catching details (like laces). Personally I would never be able to wear heels all day, so I included some flat options as well. And more bang for your buck, most of these styles pair great with denim for a weekend look.

Challenge 3:

Add some dimension to your work wear look by adding an interesting layer. Textured knits, drapey wraps, structured capes, faux fur collared vest – these are all perfect options for adding some excitement to your top half, especially when you are wearing something simple on the bottom.

Challenge 4:

This might be my current favorite way to jazz up black pants. Adding a silk neck tie is 100% Parisian Chic! It’s slightly unexpected, but completely on trend and adds color and interest to any simple outfit. Here is a bunch of ways to tie those neckerchiefs (and for the weekend, try tying it around your wrist or even in around a top knot). Anthropologie nailed it with their necklace/scarf combo (pictured in center)! And it’s another one of those pieces that translates into weekend wear. That’s code for: Chambray, Military Vest, Black Leggings, Boots…. and of course that necklace scarf. A scarflace we shall call it 😉 A faux fur stoll or skinny scarves are totally work appropriate options too. Here are a bunch of ways to tie those skinny scarves (I love the bow for work!).

Challenge 5:

Finally, break out of the trouser black pant rut! Try a new cut or a style for a fresh new look whether it be culottes, sailor waist, slouchy (and how comfy do they look?) or even a tie waist.

I took a few of these challenges for a test run in my “home office”:

Wearing:

I would LOVE to see your take on work wear sooooo….. when no one is looking 😉 , take an office selfie, tag @themotherchic and use #themotherchicstyle on Instagram so we can see some of these looks in action!

You can shop all of these items in my new

Work Wear Boutique!

Want some more #workwearwednesday inspiration? I’ve teamed up with a bunch of other bloggers who are also sharing their take on black pants. Go check them out!

Thirty Something Fashion

BonBon Rose Girls

The Mummy Chronicles

Momma in Flip Flops

That Chic Mom

Style in Harmony

The Simple Moms