When I worked as an attorney (in another life), it was a serious challenge to try to put together outfits that were office-appropriate but still what I considered stylish and self-expressive. It was at a time and at a firm that was extra conservative (think pre-Ally McBeal micro-minis; if you know that reference, you’re old enough to know what I’m talking about). Even pants for female lawyers were a novel idea (I knooooow … I’m totally dating myself), and pantyhose was a must. (Ew.)

Of course, what I ended up doing was slowly but surely sneaking in a pantsuit on a casual Friday (back then, trousers for women were casual Friday-appropriate; don’t even think about jeans). Then a pantsuit on a Thursday. Then a pair of trousers and a blouse on a Wednesday. Soon, I wouldn’t say my office wear was exactly the epitome of style, but I was no longer dressing like my mother, either.

Oh, if only I had these edgy pinstripes back then — going to work would have been so much more pleasant (or at least, a tiny bit less miserable). Read on for my latest fashion story for Composure Magazine (and a shout out to Min A. Lee for the gorgeous layout.)

 

Get an edge on the competition with a summer office look worthy of a #girlboss: a dash of pinstripes, chunky gold details, and slide-on shoes to make it all look so easy.

 

1. Boss Hugo Boss

2. DKNY

3. Topshop Pinstripe Top, topshop.com

4. DKNY Wrap Skirt, dkny.com

5. J.W. Anderson Bracelet, j-w-anderson.com

6. Call It Spring Pancake Bag, $30, callitspring.com

7. Anmare Grommet Cuff, $440, anmarejewelry.com

8. Louis Vuitton

9. Burberry Prorsum

10. Burberry Prorsum Chain Sandals, $525, net-a-porter.com

11. Zero + Maria Cornejo Bezi Shoe, $725, totokaelo.com

12. Zero + Maria Cornejo Marta Dress, $895, allorabylaura.com

13. Topshop Pinstripe Jumpsuit, $95, topshop.com