Do you have clothes collecting dust in your closet because you can’t seem to figure out how to wear them to the office? Okay, that might be a little dramatic but it really can be tough to transition some trends from your everyday style to office attire. Back in the day, people typically had two entirely different wardrobes because office wear was so different from what we wear on an ordinary day. Lucky for us, things are a little less cut and dry today!

This leather skater skirt is one of my absolute favorite pieces in my closet, but it’s not traditional office wear. So, how can we make this trend work for the office? Here’s how!

Styling a leather skirt for the office is a little tricky but with the following 4 guidelines, you’ll get it right every time!

THE SILHOUETTE

The silhouette is one of the most important elements to consider when styling a leather skirt, particularly for the office. While considered a luxe fabric, leather is also viewed as sexy, cool, and edgy. These are fabulous adjectives but not the ideal look to go for at your 9 to 5. 

The key here is to think flared. A leather pencil skirt is gorgeous for a night out but a skater or midi skirts are ideal for the office.

THE COLORS

The color palette is an important aspect of any look, so of course this instance isn’t different! While black is so chic and classic, it might give off an edgy vibe. The safe route here is to stick with deep fall hues like burgundy, navy, or brown.

THE STYLE

The way you style the rest of your look plays a huge role in determining the vibe your outfit gives off. It’s amazing what happens when you throw one atypical piece in with a bunch of classic pieces! For my look here, I went for a classic and sort of preppy look. To achieve this style, I kept my color palette simple with just two colors and stuck with deeper hues. The luxe detailing- large buttons, gold accents, and statement necklace- contributes to the classic, preppy style. I avoided anything bold or eye-catching, like abstract prints.

THE BALANCE

Most looks are a balancing act. In this case, it’s all about creating balance in the amount of skin you’re showing. I happen to be petite so this skirt really isn’t short, but skater skirts often have that ‘mini’ look. I’ve heard tall women discussing how all skirts appear short on them, so it’s sometimes crucial to play a trick on the eye. If you fall in this category, try wearing dark tights or a conservative top like an oxford or turtleneck.

THE LOOK 

INC International Concepts Military Jacket *also comes in mustard and is on sale!  //  Gap Merino Turtleneck Sweater  // LC Lauren Conrad Leather Skater Skirt (similar: Macy’s Burgundy Faux Leather Skater Skirt or Lulu’s Burgundy Vegan Leather Skater Skirt)  //  Old Navy Rhinestone Statement Necklace (similar: Target Collar Statement Necklace)  //  Target Merona Contrast Handbag (similar: Target Merona Color Block Winged Satchel)   //   Tommy Hilfiger Dabian Riding Boot   //  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

BEHIND THE SCENES

Getting ready for this shoot was quite the production! I recently pulled this skirt out of my ‘winter clothes’ bin in the attic. I was psyched to wear it again but there was one problem, it was wrinkled! Aghh. I guess being packed away for an entire year turned my favorite skirt into a hot mess. It ended up being quite the dilemma because the care tag reads ‘do not iron.’ After all, it is faux leather. Hmm, that’s tricky. I ended up washing it and laying it to dry, which mostly worked but it’s still not perfect. Any ideas? Maybe I need a steam cleaner. Oh, the frustration!

TODAY IS…
11/11, in case you haven’t noticed! Where are my fellow numerologists? I like reading about numerology and it’s unbelievable how true it is when you really pay attention. Much like my horoscope, my life number is so me. But it’s not only that. If you know me well, you know my particular interest in the number 1, 11, and 111.

I see multiple 1’s everywhere without even looking for it. I’ll happen to glance up at the clock and it will be 11:11. That sounds pretty typical- rememember 11/11, make a wish!- but I see these numbers in places that you don’t even realize numbers are. I’ll be sitting at a red light and I’ll glance to the side only to realize it’s house #111. Or I’ll check out someone’s Instagram page and they’ll have 111 followers. Or I’ll happen to take note of the word count in my Pages document and of course, it’s 111. It sounds crazy but I see it enough that I decided to look it up. It means that you’re heading in the right direction or that whatever you’re thinking is what you should do.

So, that being said- since the date is 11/11, it’s going to be a fantastic day! Get out there and think positively. The sky is the limit today!

How would you wear a leather skirt to the office? Show us your style! Tag us on Instagram (@theclosetbychristie) to show us your 9 to 5 style.