As you may know, I recently hired a personal assistant! Caroline is a recent graduate from James Madison University and has a fresh perspective on entering the working world. Check out her recommendations on work attire that’s not only affordable, but cute too!

Hi! I’m Caroline and Tonya’s personal assistant. Recently, I did a major closet haul, ditching my party clothes from the past four years and swapping them for work clothes since I’m an adult and all now. I went on a mission to find cute clothes that are office appropriate yet affordable on a recent-grad budget and these were my finds!

Ann Taylor Loft

Inspired by my Mom’s business casual outfits, I decided to stop at Ann Taylor Loft first. Loft is known for their work attire that fits every body type. You can’t go wrong with work pants, and Loft has some great capri-length work pants that are perfect for hot summer temps but comfy for cold office environments! I got this pair in black and khaki.

Direct link is HERE.

I also got another work-wardrobe staple that every working girl should have, a jean jacket! I love a good jean jacket, and wanted one to wear exclusively to work and this one is perfect. I bring it along with me since the office can get pretty chilly.

Direct link is HERE. 

Express

Express is by far my favorite store. Their clothes are quality, they always have a sale, and they have a great student discount if you’re still in college! (or still use your student ID for discounts like me). I got another pair of work pants, but these are ones that are high-waisted and tie into a cute little bow! I got these in black, but I love this striped pair! This is great for going to work and hitting a happy hour later!

Direct link to shop HERE. 

Some of the other tops I got from Express were also inspired by the work-to-play idea I had in mind, such as this super cute piped Hudson tank that comes in a lot of different colors! I got this one in ivory.

Direct link to shop HERE. 

The Express “city shirt” is the perfect work top for those hot summer days. I paired this with the high waisted black linen pants I bought. The vertical stripes are also really flattering.

Direct link to shop HERE.

Another top from Express I loved was this t-shirt with a tied waist and rolled sleeves! It was so comfy and perfect to pair with a dress pant that would otherwise look boring.

Direct link is HERE. 

Forever 21

My next spot was Forever 21. I love this store because you can get away with not spending too much money but walk away with more than one piece of clothing. My office environment is pretty casual, so I try to opt for a t-shirt dress like this one and pair it with some cute sandals. This dress also goes perfectly with the jean jacket I bought from LOFT!

Direct link is HERE. 

I also needed some shoes and this loafer is so in right now! I’ve seen the same shoe for way more at other high-end stores, and this is my go-to office shoe.

Direct link is HERE. 

Nordstrom Rack

Last but not least, I headed to Nordstrom Rack to wrap-up my shopping. If you’re more of a high-end brand kind of girl, this one’s for you. I needed another work shoe and maybe another top, so I headed here.

I found this textured ruffled blouse in olive green and fell in love. It’s so cute and very work appropriate. It looked so cute with the khaki capri dress pants I got from LOFT!

Direct link is HERE. 

Lastly, I wanted a work sandal that I could also use for other occasions like a summer party. I found these thong sandals from Franco Sarto in black that I love. They’re so comfy and sleek and I can dress them up or down.

Direct link is HERE. 

Some other favorites from Nordstrom Rack that are affordable:

Tonya also told me about some great online boutiques that are perfect for finding some other items that you could wear to work! Vici Dolls – she has a discount code that is: TONYA20, for 20% off anything on their site. The photo below is a great jumpsuit you can add a cardigan or blazer with!

Have a favorite store to shop for work clothes? Comment below!