Challenge Accepted: I Took On the Off-Duty-Model Look — and Loved It
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Since joining the POPSUGAR Editorial team, I have realized how badly my closet needs a revamp. Between reading about the latest trends on our sites, attending hundreds of fashion photo shoots, and witnessing the real-life chic yet casual clothing that comes in and out of the office on my employees' bodies every day, I am painfully aware that my Pinterest "style" boards are not matching up to what I actually walk out the door in. So, over the last week, I went on a mission to develop a crisp, versatile, and curated closet full of basics that can go the distance by challenging myself to a channel my inner off-duty model for four days. I selected articles of clothing exclusive to Nordstrom BP. that were in line with Fall color trends (a safari color palette full of dark grays, army greens, and subtle blushes) as well as with my goals of creating an understated, minimal, low-maintenance, and on-trend personal style, just like my favorite social media models. Here is what happened.
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The Downtown Model
Where I Wore It: Happy Hour
How It Went: The "downtown" trend is the one I was most excited to try. It is most similar to my personal day-to-day style. The rich army green jeggings were soft and comfortable. The ribbed detail on and above the knees added just enough edge. I paired them with a ripped black top, an oversize bomber jacket, and black booties. I had been dying to get my hands on a bomber jacket, and I was relieved to learn that getting one in the oversize trend didn't overpower my frame. This was my favorite look overall.
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The '90s Vibe
Where I Wore It: To the Office
How It Went: As someone who enjoys having a wardrobe that is void of any colors, part of the challenge was to go outside my comfort zone and select an item that would integrate a subtle pop of color. The blush button-down was soft in both shade and texture. The loose fit kept my overall look casual and in line with the off-duty, low-maintenance vibe I was trying to achieve. Styling with a '90s black leather choker, deep side part, and black leggings made the overall look dressed up enough to wear to the office.
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The Professional
Where I Wore It: To a Client Meeting
How It Went: In my line of work, I from time to time get to meet with clients to discuss our partnerships. Whether it is on the set of a photo shoot, at an invite-only collection preview, or at client's office, I need to look pulled together, but I always like to add a bit of edge to everything I wear. It is important for me to have a wardrobe that has versatile pieces that I can use for casual office days, weekends, and the occasional client meeting. Since I loved the army green jeggings from earlier in the week, I grabbed a green army blouse to take for a spin. This outfit is similar to my previous workday outfit, but by swapping out the booties for strappy heels and the black leggings for dressed-up black slacks and pulling the hair out of my face, I looked more professional and polished.
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The Off-Duty Outfit
Where I Wore It: Weekend Errands
How It Went: Being truly off duty, I wanted to feel casual and comfortable for my Saturday morning errands, so what better way than with an ode to athleisure? This monochromatic ensemble had potential but didn't have me feeling my absolute best. While I loved each piece I chose, the crop top and the skirt together were a little too sexy for the casual morning I was having. Next time I wear this outfit, I will pair the top with a baggy boyfriend jean and save the skirt for a workday.
The gray crop top fit perfectly and hit my midriff without pinching, and the center bow added a layer of subtle femininity and acted as a great alternative to a basic gray t-shirt I would have reached for any other day. As for accessories, I am a sucker for a good hat, so a solid light gray baseball cap was a highlight and an all-black backpack is a new staple for me. It is perfect for a weekend since it can take me from running errands to brunch to wherever the day takes me.
After four days and four outfits, I am pleased to say that each item has found a permanent home in my wardrobe and my heart.
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Shop BP. at Nordstrom, where you'll find the latest styles and trends for your Fall wardrobe.