Hey friends!

The end of this year marks two years of lil ol’ Rachel having a big girl job 🎉. I was reminiscing hard as the fall hit about how far I’ve come in terms of my career, professional development and my style!

Transitioning from wear crop tops & high-waisted jeans to a business casual look was very difficult for me but (in just two short years 🙄 ), I’ve reached a point where I’m very comfortable in expressing who I am in my work style.

I remember my first few months on the job and the ridiculous looks I wore to work! I wavered between wearing the button-up + slacks combo and the (way too short) fitted dresses but through trial and error (and a wee bit of guidance from some fashion icons), I was able to get it together.

Staying true to myself is extremely important to me and that’s why I’ve worked so hard on integrating my work-life into my style because I didn’t want to compromise my fashion and sense of self for my job.

The goal is to keep it fresh on and off the clock with ease and grace.

Today, I’ll be sharing my Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 work style along with details on each look!

For those that would rather watch me sashay through NYC streets, enjoy this YouTube showcasing every look!

Also, like, comment & subscribe 💖

Monday

Monday is the one day when I’m generally slower and more introspective. I need that inner mindfulness to generate positive and focused energy for the rest of the week. I usually start the day with a run, a small breakfast followed by 2nd breakfast at work (reason #25657 why I’m not losing weight lol) and my favorite morning drink.

This look is one of my favorites because it has a fun baby-punk vibe to it.

I paired my dress with Opening Ceremony Grunge Sneakers to give a bit of edge. I always feel so baby-punk whenever I’m stomping the streets of New York City in these.

I’m barely over 5’5 in these but I feel like I’m Joan Jett or something when in reality, I’m a just a cute baby in sneakers, haha.

The addition of the Talbots Double-Breasted Wool Blazer adds an undeniable business touch that slightly offsets the grunge of the sneaker.

To further tie in the look, I wore my favorite pair of earrings (an amazing find from Housing Works) and added a scarf that completed every other piece of clothing.

Dress: Felicity & Coco from Nordstrom / Blazer: Talbots

Shoes: Opening Ceremony Grunge Boots

Scarf: Cashmere from Goodwill / Earrings: Housing Works

 Tuesday

Tuesday gets a bit funkier for me.

I always get these random thoughts of “oh my your style is boring” and I usually ramp it up a bit more as the week goes because my style is many thing but it is most definitely not bOriNgggg.

Pairing patterns and a solid is a classic fashion strategy and has been seen everywhere but using a unique pattern against a brighter solid lets each piece pop independently and collectively.

Plus, it was so much fun swooshing down NYC streets in this skirt!

Skirt: Talbots (seeing a pattern here?) / Top: Uniqlo

Shoes: Elie Tahari / Bag: Goodwill

Wednesday

Wednesday brings a welcome break to the week. With half of the week done, I can see the light (read as: the weekend) at the end of the tunnel.

This look was an extremely happy accident. As someone that compulsively plans every outfit (because who wants to risk a bad outfit day…not me), I was in a state of disarray when I woke up 30 minutes past my alarm without an outfit ready to go.

After some mindful breathing (Thank God for that Breathe App), a stroke of fashion magic hit me.

When I originally purchased this shirt, I didn’t think I’d love it nearly as much as I do and my only regret is that I didn’t buy two extras!

Pairing the top with my librarian-esque button down dress gave this look a va-va-voom buxom goddess feel.

Blouse: Forever21 / Dress: Vintage from Goodwill

Shoes: Elie Tahari / Scarf: Goodwill

Earrings: H&M / Bag: Goodwill

Thursday

Thursdays can actually be torture for me because while it’s one day from Friday, it’s STILL one day from Friday. In addition to being one of my busiest work days, I also have a 3 hour lecture and roaming around this city for over 12 hours requires a fit that’s built for comfort and function.

This dress was a $5 find from LePointe Value (say hi to the store cat when you visit!) in my neighborhood and the shoes are my MNG “anytime, anywhere” boots that I’ve had for a million years and have worn through too many snowstorms.

Dress: Ann Taylor / Shoes: MNG /

Earrings: Housing Works / Belt: Housing Works

Friday

Some people might think it’s pathetic but I love Friday and I’m all about the weekend!

While I enjoy my 9 to 5 life, the weekend allows me to do other things I like make all this wonderful content for y’all!

This outfit is heavily inspired by the afternoon that I discovered the lyrical and fashion genius that is Nancy Sinatra.

To make it even better, when I walked into work, one of my coworkers goes “ This is giving me a Nancy Sinatra vibe!!”

Mission accomplished!

Dress: Old Navy / Sweater: BCBG

Shoes: H&M / Earrings: Mercari / Ring: The Meat Market ( Brooklyn)

Thank you sticking around for 9 to 5 style showcase!

I hope this has given some insight into how you can turn your everyday fun looks into work looks!

Signing out,

Rachel 💖