Who says little black dresses have to be uncomfortable? When it comes to work wear in the 21st century, a lot more is now included in today’s looser definition of business casual, and I’m totally loving the independence to get creative. I’m also going to share a little story with you: I have been obsessed with the Lululemon Lab in Vancouver for years. I was stoked when I signed up to run the very first Lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon in Vancouver, as I knew I would be heading to the Lab and cleaning some serious house. Back in the day, The Lab was the only place you could get non-workout Lululemon. I’m talking pencil skirts, racerback maxi dresses, collared shirts, and slacks: the list was endless! Every year, I came back to run and shop the Lab. While I still love my trips to Vancouver, it’s been so exciting to see technical clothing for the real world become a real thing this past year.
Since the athletic-inspired trend is in full swing these days, it’s been easier than ever to find more comfortable options for work-ready outfits, while also allowing me to mix in some of my activewear so I can still show some of my personality and style. If you haven’t worn a top made out of your favorite tech-knit fabrics, you haven’t lived! I honestly believe I’m more efficient at my job and happy at work when I’m not wearing restrictive clothing. Am I right everyone?
If you haven’t heard these following brands, you definitely need to ASAP:
Kit and Ace
Behold the business casual sister brand of Lululemon: Kit and Ace is a Canadian apparel brand founded in 2014 by Shannon Wilson, former lead designer of Lululemon Athletica, and her stepson J. J. Wilson. I’ve tried a few of their pieces, and they’re AH-mazing. The buttery feel you love about your ‘lemon leggings transform into slacks, sweaters, and killer blouses. The problem is finding something you don’t like here. However, the fact that you can wear these pieces everywhere: work, brunch, a night out make the investment a really good one.
My Picks
ADAY
I adore ADAY. The designs are sleek, minimalistic, and often monochromatic, which make their designs perfect for the office. I wear my Over & Out Jacket almost daily for the commute to work, and it’s also a regular appearance in my casual wardrobe. If you’re looking for a super comfortable yet polished top or jacket, ADAY has it covered.
My Picks
Carbon38
The wide selection of workout gear and clothing on Carbon38 makes it one of my favorite places to shop these days since it’s all in one stop. They have really upped the game of lifestyle athleisure recently with several designer compilations and a new line of their own lifestyle pieces! As an ambassador, I’m able to get you a 25% discount on your order with my code, MGRAGG50. Try one of my top picks, or find one on your own by clicking the above link to take you right to the site.
My Picks
For my first day back post-holiday, I’m rocking an old favorite of mine, the Lululemon Out of This World Dress. When I saw it a few years ago during one of Lululemon’s weekly online uploads, I was in love! A business appropriate dress that’s actually comfortable year round? Ummm… SIGN ME UP. When you bring technical fabric into more formal designs, you get the comfort that you love about your workout wear paired with the design you need in the office or out for the evening. This dress is no longer available but you can still achieve a similar look with the dresses linked above, and let your inner fitness goddess shine through no matter where you are!
Outfit Details
Dress: Out Of This World Dress, Lululemon (SOLD OUT), similar here
Shoes: NMD_r2 Shoes, Adidas
Bag: MAC Bag, Rebecca Minkoff in Gray
Sunglasses: Original Aviator, Ray-Ban in Black
Makeup Details
Peel: Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling, Neogen Dermatology
Eye Prep: 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches, Peter Thomas Roth
Foundation: Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation , Lancome
Primer: Veil Mineral Primer, Hourglass
Eye Primer: Eye Shadow Primer Potion, Urban Decay
Eye Shadow: Artist Shadow Eyeshadow, Make Up For Ever, in Steel and Blueberry Diamond
Eyeliner: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner, Marc Jacobs, in Over(night)
Mascara: GRANDIï SE Extreme Wide-Angle Extreme Volume Mascara, Lancome in Black
Lashes: Everlasting Lashes, House of Lashes x Sephora
Lips: Cream Lip Stain, Sephora Collection
Photo by Christine of Christine Hanks Photography
Makeup by Elisia at Sephora Embarcadero Center
Omg! GREAT links!
Luv luv the Lulumon discontinued Little black Dress. Why would Lulumon discontinue? Frustrating.