Back to Work Style

Ok, it's been a few months of working at home, maybe more than a few, and it's finally time to head back to the office.  This can bring on some mixed emotions.  Be patient with yourself and take comfort in the fact that we're all going through these same emotions and we're right there with you.

You may be sad to leave home and return to the stress of traffic and office drama, or you may be so tired of being home and ready to head back to work, but let's face it after so many months you've likely gotten out of the routine of dressing for work or you may have put on a few pounds (I know I have) and you're wondering what will fit.  I know this is a common occurrence because the resale sites have been filled with posts labeled "Gained Quarantine Weight: Everything Must Go!"  While it's fine to part with a few things, please don't sell your favorite clothes just yet.

If you're out of the habit, not to worry, it will all come back to you.  I remember a friend who had the most difficult pregnancy and wound up on total bed rest for six months.  When she finally did come back out into the world her make-up was awful--wrong color foundation (evidently 6 months indoors had made her very pale), too much blush and mascara--it was just a big mess, and naturally none of her clothes fit quite right.  

No one said anything, because no one was judging.  (By the way, just because you make an observation doesn't mean you're making a judgement.)  We loved her and we knew she'd been through a lot and she'd find her way again.  Within a month, she found her groove again and we all will too.  Just to ease a little of that back-to-work apprehension, today we're going to cover a few tips for how to dress when you've gained a few pounds--your make-up,on the other hand is all you; I can't help with that.

1.  Form Fitting.  Your first instinct when you gain a few pounds is usually to hide that weight with loose, boxy layers.  NO!  Don't do it.  Loose clothes, a boxy fit, or lots of layers will only make you look even bigger.  It's also usually pretty obvious you're trying to hide, so just don't.  Instead, opt for something with some shape.  If you're carrying your weight in one place--for women it's usually the tummy or the hips + bum--there are some ways to minimize those areas.  If you're carrying weight in the hips, thighs, and bum choose a wrap dress or a swing skirt (knee length) with a midi waist to hid the trouble zone while highlighting your waist at its narrowest point.  This is also great for hiding tummy weight.

2.  Jackets.If you are uncomfortable with your arms, and let's face it, a lot of us are, grab a light cardigan or blazer, or choose a top with three quarter sleeves.  But jackets aren't just for hiding the arms.

Another great plus to wearing a cardigan or blazer is that it creates a defined waist without clinging to your shape.  Pair it with a printed blouse for even more camouflaging power.

I'm partial to a snake skin print like this flowy blouse from Shein.  Flowy--not boxy here.  It doesn't cling, but I'm not drowning in it.  And, it blouses, meaning poofs out a little at the tummy for camo.

3.  Pencil Skirts.  A pencil skirt can elongate your silhouette, creating a slimming effect, especially when you wear it at the narrowest part of your waist.  Be sure to pair it with strapless heels.  That ankle strap tends to cut you off and make you look shorter, and that's the opposite of what we want here.  And don't reject the idea that if all else fails, shapewear is not cheating.  Yes, I am wearing shapewear with this skirt--no shame in my game.

Whatever you wear as you head back to work, wear it with confidence and know that there plenty of us out there, standing shoulder to shoulder with you.

Shopping Info: Snake print top from Shein--similar top, PU Skirt is from Femme Luxe