Wardrobe Essentials for the Working Class Minnesota Girl

Minnesota is one of those states that experiences the extremes of each climate - sweltering summers, wet and muddy springs, frigid winters, and crisp autumns. So those of us working and living in Minnesota have learned the fine art of balancing a work appropriate wardrobe that also takes into consideration the weather.

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Your Winter Work Look:

My recommendation is to layer up - but to keep your outfit from looking bulky, pair slim fitting pants and a fitted button-down with an oversized and cozy sweater. If your office tends to hover around 40° like mine does, keep a cute scarf handy as well.

Unless you have a car or take a bus that drops you at the door of your workplace, you will likely have to clomp through a bit of snow - a warm pair of winter boots in a neutral color like black or brown are life savers!

You Will Need:

• Slim Black Trousers
• A Button Down Shirt (white preferred)
• Large, Cozy Cardigan
• A Warm, Patterned Scarf
• Lined (Calf-Length) Winter Boots

The best part about an outfit like this is that you can play with color and texture by swapping in a bright or fuzzy cardigan OR wearing a wildly printed scarf - still office appropriate with a little personality.


Your Spring Work Look:

In Minnesota, spring technically starts in late April or early May - when the snow finally melts and it no longer reaches freezing at night - and now is the time to break out the cute skirts. I like to pair a midi or pencil skirt with a jewel-toned silk or satin top. Keep it fresh and polished with a nude kitten heel, a gold necklace, and a tote bag for stashing that extra cardigan in case it gets chilly during the day!

You Will Need:

• A Black Midi or Pencil Skirt
• Jewel-toned Silk or Satin Blouse
• Nude Heel
• Gold Chain Necklace or Earrings
• Large Tote Bag

Since silk and satin are great for insulating, blouses like this also work great in the winter layered under a sweater or cardigan. A midi skirt can also be made winter appropriate with a cute pair of tights or boots. 


Your Boss B*tch Look:

When the average office lady in your company strolls in wearing an ill-fitting pantsuit from the early 90's, you should be strutting your stuff to the department head meeting in a smart sheath dress and a structured blazer. You can't go wrong with basic black, but a cream colored dress will save you when it's 95° and humid.

You don't see a lot of high heels at the office in these parts, so keep it simple with a low heel or a cute flat shoe. To break up an otherwise monochromatic look, I enjoy printed flats - like these cheetah loafers! 

You Will Need:

• A Well-Fitting Sheath Dress
• Structured Black or Neutral Blazer
• Low Heeled Shoes or Loafers
• A Go-Getter Attitude

A patterned blazer, like the tweed one I'm wearing today, also looks fab with a button down and pencil skirt. I've got mine over a crisp white t-shirt and blue jeans for a casual Friday look. 

What does your average work outfit consist of? Let me know in the comments!