Chic for Cheap: Business Casual Conference Attire
Hello lovelies! It's Chic for Cheap Tuesday again. This week's outfit was requested by Karen, a young business professional who is in need of a stylish business casual look for an upcoming work event. Here's the challenge in her own words:
"At the end of June, I will be attending a national conference for University Housing Officers in Austin, Texas. The conference attire is "business casual," but I still look for opportunities to show that women can be both professional and fashion forward at the same time. Along with my best friend and Colleague I will be presenting a program session at the conference, which is pretty rare for an entry-level professional. I want to make a good impression on my colleagues, but still be age appropriate (25 on Monday!) Another factor to consider is that the conference will take place in the heat and humidity of Texas Summer so comfort in that kind of weather is a necessity."
Invest in work wear staples that you can mix and match over and over again:
I had two concepts for this challenge...both that involve a small investment into classic pieces that can be worn over and over again. You just can't go wrong with a silk top, pencil skirt, and little black dress. My other thought was that many of us already own similar staples, so with a quick shopping trip for shoes and accessories your outfit will be completed. Chic, cheap and low stress!
Invest in a little black dress that you can gussy up or down depending upon the occasion:
If you focus on having strong basics, then you can have fun playing around with your accessories until you find a look that represents your style best. I hope your conference will be a great success Karen! xo Ez
- Raw Edge Ruffle Top - Banana Republic
- Linen Tie-Waist Skirt in White - Banana Republic
- Deep Vee Back-zip Dress in Black - Banana Republic
- Sheer Layering Vest in Midnight - Madewell
- Hoop Earring Set - Forever 21
- Suede and Swing Heels - ModCloth
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 
Reader Comments (19)
where are all these lovely finds from??? xox
Oh dear! I thought I had forgotten something. Oops! Adding the links now (hangs head with embarrassment). xo Ez
Beautiful selections! I'm doing the happy dance, Banana Rep is coming to the UK :)
I love your cheap for chic posts! Your taste is so lovely!
This is fantastic! Not only are these stylish options, but they look perfect for Austin (where I live + work!) -- I almost wish I had a style q for you just to be able to see more of your skillz at work/play :)!
PS: Can I also add (belatedly, sorry!) that lots of times, the AC gets pumped up in order to compensate for the heat, I think :D -- so it wouldn't hurt to bring a light sweater or jacket that's easy to throw on/shed, too!
Oooh, love that sheer blue top from Madewell....off to check it out! Great outfits, Ez!
great outfits!
Cuuuuuuttteee blue shoes!
Living in Austin, I have to warn you that the AC often gets cranked up really cold during the summer (to compensate for the heat?? I have no idea why they make it so cold...). Just because its hot outside, doesn't mean you will necessarily be hot. Many people drive everywhere (AC in the car) and then stay inside (AC indoors). I ALWAYS bring layers with me in the summertime.
I'm currently a grad student at UT...if this conference is being held at the AT&T Conference Center at the University of Texas, then it can definitely get chilly in there. I'd recommend a long-sleeved cardigan instead of this short sleeved one. That way, you'll be warm enough inside, and can take it off when you're going out. There is also a nice courtyard in the middle of the AT&T Center which you could always step out into if you need to warm up a bit.
HAVE A GREAT TIME - Austin is a fabulous city, and I absolutely love it! I'm away for the summer because of my internship, and I already miss it.
ohhhhhh.... i just fell in love with this pair of shoes!!!!!! great choices!!!!
EZ, you're fabulous! Thank you so much! I can't wait to shop for all these pieces, and show off a little in Austin. Thanks also to the ladies for the AC tip... being from Phoenix you'd think I would have considered that myself.
<3
-Karen :)
Oh, what lovely outfits. I want the whole first look please!
I really love the two outfits but I would go for the dress. It looks casual, chic but most of all confortable
My first time here- beautiful blog filled with art and inspiration. I am in the same situation as this young professional in this post, I need classic pieces I can wear again for different events, but I'm always looking for them second-hand. It takes longer but I'm trying to save money and prioritize my budget, and some classic pieces simply don't fit in...
I found a similar skirt to that white one at Ann Taylor Loft last summer and pretty much lived in it. Dress it up, dress it down, and so comfortable.
New here and absolutely adoring each and every post...these outfit mood board are amazing...very inspirational! Thanks.
ooh, blue suede shoes! lovely! i love the entire line of chelsea crew.
I like how each fashion post is laid out with a model pose in one shot alongside the various dresses, tops, trousers and shoes and accessories that made up the outfit. If you are looking for inspiration on smart but stylish clothes that you can wear to work, I recommend this article on 'Ladies Workwear' over at the Marks and Spencer blog which regularly covers womens fashion which I found to be most tasteful and to my liking (not all the time, but most of the time).
In my experience, when creating an outfit for business and the workplace - neutral colors are the way to go - they are a safe option and work well with a variety of styles making them quite versatile