My career trajectory these last few years has been in the creative field. I was a set designer/stylist in my last job for a well known Canadian television channel and now I'm a freelance blogger. The biggest perk is that I've always been able to dress like myself and business casual is something I left behind in my old marketing job. I've seen Geoff get ready for work over the last ten years and his outfit dilemmas are always the same - what coloured chino's to wear with what plaid top. Honestly, it all looks the same to me. He has a separate wardrobe for work and then a whole other set for real life.

Women are lucky in our work/real life wardrobe options compared to the guys. Often, we can get away with wearing most of our clothes to and out of the office. The key is to invest in quality separates and to be strategic in how we shop.

For example, in my aforementioned marketing job I was very creative in how invested in business casual wear. I would buy dresses from (the now defunct) Marc By Marc Jacobs, Joie and Banana Republic. I'd wear them to the office with blazers or cardigans and then on the weekends with cute sandals or a large cozy knit cardi. Most importantly I was investing in separates that I loved and I still have some of those pieces today.

Silk blouses and blazers like the creme coloured oversized one I'm wearing here, are easy to wear in an office setting and for off duty look, just pair them with jeans, denim cut off shorts or even a mini skirt. Think about pieces that suit your body type and what makes you happy so that you're creating longevity and versatility in your wardrobe as opposed to just buying trends.

The sandals are sleek and remind me of the Celine Bam Bam's I've always lusted over. The heel is under 4 inches which means they're comfortable and appropriate in an office setting, and they look badass with cropped skinny jeans or a dress. They'd also look superb with all black - paired with either black jeans or a black pencil skirt and a merino knit. You guys know I love a contrasting shoe and I wouldn't shy away from wearing it at the office either.

Like I said, it's been a while since I've had to wear anything business casual but if I need to step into a meeting tomorrow, I know my wardrobe has the right core pieces.

xo, Nathalie

Check out Banana Republic's latest collection from June 2-3, 2016 at the following locations:  
80 Bloor St West, 
Toronto Eaton Centre
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Sherway Gardens
Special treats and surprises are waiting for you in store. 

*This post is sponsored by Banana Republic. All opinions and photos are my own.