Three Casual Work Outfits for Katie, Plus a Big Announcement

From Katie:

If I weren’t so happy about our RHW pairing I’d definitely be strong-arming Mera into writing a blog called “What Katie Should Wear.”  I’ve worked in classrooms, in labs, and out in the field, but my current job is the first time that I’ve ever worked in a real office.  While it’s definitely not a suit-type place – jeans are acceptable (it is Eugene after all) – I do have to be more put together than the Carhartts and X-tra Tuff boots that passed muster in my previous jobs.  Mera has mastered a stylish, work-appropriate look, so I asked her to pull together some casual office outfit ideas for me.

Speaking of work, it’s been a whirlwind lately.  Also some huge changes are afoot here at RHW South (of a very different sort from what you’re about to read from Mera), that I’ll be revealing soon. Sadly the combination of work and the other, secret thing, has meant less time for project-based posts.  But if all goes as planned, that will change soon!  In the meantime, Mera writing this post is pretty much a dream come true for me – enjoy!

From Mera:

I’ve been a student of Katie’s style for nigh on twenty years, so I feel like I know what she likes and what she’ll actually wear. Plus it was fun for me to peruse some of my favorite online shopping spots, which I’ve stayed away from for the past few months. Why, you ask? Because I am gestating. It’s true! Our baby boy’s eta is the beginning of September, and we are, of course, totally excited. That said it hasn’t been the easiest pregnancy, which is at least a partial explanation for why RHW has been a little content-light lately.
But back to the shopping.  When I haven’t shopped for a while I feel like the falcon cannot hear the falconer, and maternity just doesn’t count, so it was a pleasure for me to put together a few super casual outfits for Katie.

This first get-up is basically my own work uniform, but with a more blousy shirt and elastic-waist pants.  I own the jacket in the army green color, and it’s been a game changer.  I am seriously considering getting the burgundy too.  I also have leopard print low wedges that I’ve worn so much I need to get them re-soled–for me they’re a neutral.  Now if I know Katie, she’d be 97% more likely to wear leopard print Vans, but since this is an office, even if a casual one, I went with the d’0rsay wedges instead.

Casual Eugene Office 2

1.  Blouse  2.  Jacket  3.  Earrings–sold out, but I actually like these better  4.  Shoes  5.  Pants

During pregnancy I refer to myself as PAM–Pregnant Alternate Mera.  I’m totally fuzzy-brained, and I can’t remember anything.  Well Pam is trying to convince me to buy this dress, even though it would look ridiculous on me in my present state, and even though there are probably only 10 days per year in Alaska when I could wear such a thing, pregnant or not (which actually has never stopped me in the past, so I can’t really blame Pam).  But I love it!  If anyone can rock a tunic dress it’s Katie, and the climate in Eugene is perfect for it.  She already has the clogs (as do I.  You should do yourself a favor and get a pair too–they are the best) and I gave her that bracelet for Christmas last year.  Cropped leggings make the proportions work just right.

Casual Eugene Office
1. Dress  2.  Earrings  3.  Bracelet  4.  Leggings  5.  Shoes

This final combo is really simple, and to me springy but totally casual-office appropriate.

Casual Eugene Office 3
 1. Blouse  2.  Pants  3.  Necklace  4.  Shoes

We’re curious: Do you have a work-wear formula or a favorite piece that gets you through long days at the office?

21 responses on “Three Casual Work Outfits for Katie, Plus a Big Announcement

  1. Pippin Schupbach

    Love all these outfits! When I worked as a graphic designer I dressed up more than I do now as a bodyworker. Due to my nature of my job now I wear clothes that will allow me to move freely, comfortable and not worried if I get oil on them. Basically anything from Athleta works well. No jeans to my job as I don’t think they look professional and not comfortable. If I want to be taken seriously as a bodyworker I have to present myself in such a manner.

    1. Mera

      I’ve had lots of mornings where I’ve been headed into trial or a hearing and I’ve thought, well, at least I look the part of a lawyer. It helps!

  2. Katie

    Mera nailed it! I had so much fun looking at these this morning – I’m especially in love with the blouses in the first and third outfits and – surprisingly, because Mera is right about the Vans – the black flats in the last look. I’m lucky to have a bff who’s also a sartorial genius. xo

  3. Marlene

    Can’t really comment on work wear at this point in my life 🙂 , but Oh. Mera. I am bursting with joy for you! Love you the most. xoxo

  4. Carol Bryner

    I have never seen Mera when she didn’t look stylish. And I’m sure she is just as lovely in her PAM mode. Congratulations to you and family, Mera. How exciting. And I can’t wait to hear about Katie’s changes. The outfits she chose for you look so versatile and smart.
    My office is a studio with paint and charcoal dust and smelly stuff. My outfit is an old pair of pants and a very linty ugly fleece sweater over an old Gap t-shirt. I hardly ever get paint on this outfit, but if I happen to wear something nice and just pick up a brush, the paint jumps right onto the nice pants or sweater and there goes my outfit.

  5. Nina

    Congratulations, Mera! Best of everything to you and your family.

    I love all three of these outfits, but #2 is the most “me”. So, Katie, if you ever find yourself waking up in a what-would-Nina-wear kinda mood (that would not be at all weird, right?) you know what to put on. 🙂

  6. Margaret Campion

    CONGRATULATIONS, MERA!! (and congrats also to Katy Gilmore!!!!!! :o)
    We are becoming grandparents in September, too, so there is new-arrival excitement from coast to coast! HOORAY!!
    And I love those outfits. Katie – what do YOU think?

  7. Diana

    I liked all the outfits:). Gotta say I love ankle cropped slim fit pants in bright colors with ballet flats. Tops in foley styles with long necklaces. Too bad I’m not thin and still working!

  8. Judy lehman

    I love these! In NYC now! This very moment and Mera, dear (sorry I mean Pam) #3 outfits is working for this about to be 78 year old who definitely needs wardrobe advice when in the big apple!
    Judy

  9. Audry

    Wonderful news, Mera! Well, not the difficult pregnancy part (I hear you on that one). Tunics and leggings were my default picks when I was carrying Evie. Your sense of style is spot on, so I think you’ll continue to look just lovely throughout your pregnancy.

  10. Jessica

    ok, those clogs. back in 2004ish when i lived in eugene, i was completely torn about whether or not it was acceptable to wear danskos (which of course are everywhere there). one day i saw a very cute stylish girl wearing them, and i caved and bought my own. my sister, my mom, and at least one friend HATE them, but omg they are so comfy. so over 10 years later, i’ve relegated them to days when i don’t leave the house. but these outfits are so cute! and stylish! does this mean clogs are again acceptable? or they have to be just the right kind?

    cactiandmountains.com

    1. Mera

      Some people definitely have strong feelings about Danskos, but Katie and I have both been fans since the mid-90s. The original potato shaped ones have mostly been relegated to garden shoes for us too, but there are some new styles that are super cute, just as comfy as the originals, and totally leave-the-house appropriate. Check out the Thea style, they’re adorable!

  11. Susan ("Suss"/"Qus")

    Congratulations Mera and family! I’m so excited for you. I’m sure you’re radiant as always. I’ve been obsessing over the JCrew jacket since this blog post and finally it arrived yesterday in time for a foggy SF summer. In the meantime, I learned my stylish cousin and aunt both have it and love it as well. I have been wondering, though, do you wear it as you would a blazer at work? I’m working on rocking a jacket/blazer every day look for my jeans casual, but professional office. XO!

    1. Mera

      I’m so glad you got it, I’m sure you’re rocking it! I wear it as a blazer to work all the time, most often with a white button-down shirt, black skinny trousers, and leopard print flats. XOXO!

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