Unsolicited Advice for my College Roommate

This post is for my dear friend, Erin Kerchner. Erin is about to start her first ever big girl job – she got this job super fast after coming back to the U.S. from China because she is so personable and likable! I am so proud of her! When I was in Pittsburgh this past weekend, I really wanted to go shopping for work clothes with her but we didn’t get a chance to do that on account of the fact that we were busy being boozy. What else is new?

Soooooo since Erin is starting her job June 7^th, here are my 7 must have summer work pieces to help her build her new work wardrobe. For everyone who doesn’t know Erin, be aware that this will be a very grueling task for her. Erin absolutely hates shopping. It’s her absolute least favorite. She hates shopping almost as much as I do. /Sarcasm.

1. Linen Trouser-Cut Pants

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37520&vid=1&pid=746374&scid=746374002

A total must. Assuming they are cut like a true trouser, linen pants are appropriate for any workplace aside from those that are strictly business formal. So cool and comfy but still very professional-looking. Snatch them up while you can! They are hard to find after Memorial Day and pretty much impossible to find after the 4^th of July.

2. Cotton Shells

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=25798&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=shell&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&found=24&defaultSizeType=Petite

The shells that are sold at stores like Ann Taylor LOFT, J. Crew, and Banana Republic at this time of year are typically super lightweight and breathable but they look faultlessly professional when paired with a cardigan and the right bottoms.

3. Sleeveless Button Downs

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=26008&N=1200005&pCategoryId=3939&categoryId=183&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_183&loc=TN&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Dusty%20Lilac&defaultSizeType=Regular

Cotton shells play basically the same role that sleeveless button downs do and they are my preference but in some situations a sleeveless button down may look more crisp , clean, and professional than a shell will so it’s a good to have a few on hand.

4. Jersey Dresses

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5382&vid=1&pid=695874&scid=695874062

My work environment is super casual in the summer months so I have a feeling that I will be wearing this type of thing fairly often. Even if your work environment stays a little more formal from Monday through Thursday, if you have casual Friday, during the summer months, a jersey dress might be a good thing to wear.

5. Sheer Cardigans

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=24905&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=sheer&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&found=2&defaultSizeType=Regular

My favorite trick. I’m of the mindset that bare shoulders are not really work appropriate. Some people would disagree; it really comes down to your work environment. As a general rule: if no other women in your office are sporting bare shoulders during the summer, you shouldn’t either. Sheer or very lightweight cardigans are a way to avoid breaking the no-bare-shoulders rule without overheating yourself. Plus they are a little bit sexy without being inappropriate. A sheer cardigan, a shell, and linen trousers is a foolproof summertime work look.

6. Peep-Toe Pumps

http://www.zappos.com/nine-west-prepster-white-leather?zlfid=111
(BTW, I have these shoes and I HIGHLY recommend them - so, so, so cute)

Once again, some very formal workplaces have strict policies against open-toed shoes. Even in workplaces that technically permit them, you need to use your own best judgment – a strappy sandal might be taking things a bit too far. A peep toe is usually okay in the summer months and it’s a great way to show off a pedicure.

7. Bermuda Shorts

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=24530&N=1200009&pCategoryId=3939&categoryId=118&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_118&loc=TN&defaultColor=Light%20Ground%20Pepper&defaultSizeType=Regular

Depending on your workplace, you might need to limit these to casual Friday but they can look fairly professional depending on how they are tailored and what you pair them with.

Dearest, Erin, I hope you find this list helpful! Best of luck shopping!