Chic for Cheap: A Business Casual Dinner + Wine Tasting
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Ez in Chic for Cheap (affordable style), Fashion + Style, chic for cheap, fashion, style

I haven't taken on a Chic for Cheap challenge for a while, but when Tracy recently wrote with a plaintive cry for help I decided to see what I could come up with for her. Here is the challenge in her own words:

"I am a stay-at-home mom in sunny (and casual) Austin, Texas.  My typical wardrobe consists of t-shirts with cardigans or hoodies, jeans, & converse chuck taylors.  If I'm feeling fancy, I wear my skinny jeans with boots.  And earrings.

I'm married to a lovely fellow who happens to fly all over the place in fancy clothes for his job. That's fine for him. I stay home with the kids getting paint on my shoes while we take on various DIY projects around the house. Until now. My sweetheart has received something of a prestigious appointment to a special committee for the CEO of his fancy company and there's a celebratory dinner he desperately wants me to attend with him. In Portland. With the CEO. I can't help feeling awfully intimidated at the prospect of trying to fit in with these successful, business types. It sure would help to go to dinner feeling stylish and hot! So, what in the world do I wear to this fancy dinner in Portland? The invitation says Business Casual. Also, the next day is a wine tour, which is casual, but I'm guessing probably less casual than my paint-spattered chuck taylors and frayed Gap jeans, right?"

 

Since Tracy is accustomed to wearing comfortable clothing, I thought it best to pick out pieces that would be a step or two up from the everyday, while still retaining a certain comfort value. In the first look, the fluttery top has a flattering fit that cinches in while floating away from any trouble areas around the midsection. The cardigan is a great layer to help keep her warm and her shoulders covered (since it is business casual after all). You can't go wrong with a pair of classic trousers, and soft neutral makeup, classic shoes, and understated accessories finish the first look.

Business Casual Look - Total $233.47

For the second look (wine tasting) I went even closer to Tracy's usual wear of skinny jeans and boots, but mixed in a few fun accessories and a beautiful top to complete the look. Of course for both of these ensembles you can always substitute in pieces from your existing wardrobe to cut the cost even further. I hope you have a wonderful trip Tracy! xo Ez
 

 Wine Tasting Look - Total $246.29

Article originally appeared on Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, diy projects + freebies (http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/).
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