Back to the Office: From Law Clerk to PE to Marketing
Real-world style inspiration from my friends across every industry — so you can dress the part and still feel like you
It’s college grad season, which means it’s time to enter the real world. The office.
But stepping into office life doesn’t mean leaving your personal style behind. I actually got my start on TikTok sharing my daily office outfits on my way to Sam Edelman, so I’ve pretty much mastered the art of creative corporate dressing for a Marketing role.
That said, I can’t speak for every industry. Finance, law, research? Not exactly my territory. So, I turned to my best friends, who are killing it across a wide range of fields, for their take on office style.
A big pat on the back to all of them. We’ve come such a long way since college, and I couldn’t be prouder.
ANDREA: Research Analyst
“I’m at research analyst a boutique investment firm with lax dress code. Outside of work I dress pretty feminine, but my day to day in the office is about comfort so I lean a little tomboy. My got to is a straight - wide leg trouser like the Leon boy pant from nili lotan or Ala cargos from citizens of humanity I usually pair with a basic t , like the Monica from flore flore or if I have meetings I grab a classic button down shirt from Matteau. This summer I’ve been wearing these dark raffia loafers from Max Mara, they are insanely comfortable!”
KATIA: Real Estate Finance
“I’m an associate on the acquisitions and development team at a privately-owned real estate private equity shop. It’s a bit of a boys’ club - lots of golf polos and company-logo vests - so the dress code for the girls is basically “do you.”
My daily uniform? A trusty pair of 501 ‘90s Levi’s, a Ralph Lauren Oxford, and a Ralph Lauren cable-knit cashmere sweater (I’m always cold, and cashmere is seasonless magic). Usually paired with Gucci Brixtons or Princetown slippers - comfort is key. I always grab my Yiayia’s trench coat on the way out the door—nothing beats a classic with a little family history. And a navy Alo set and a pair of Pilates socks live in my work bag so I can squeeze in a class before or after work. Priorities!”
TARAN: LAW CLERK
“This summer, between my first and second year of law school, I am working as a law clerk at a firm downtown. I’m in the office five days a week, assisting with a variety of litigation tasks on multiple lawsuits. Some days I’m expected to be in court and dress more formally, while on other days I remain in the office and can dress in business casual”
PAIGE: CREDIT ANALYST
“I work as a credit analyst, where my firm evaluates the creditworthiness of companies to bring more transparency to the market and empower investors to make confident, informed decisions. Our office dress code is business casual, which, for me, means the perfect opportunity to blend polish with personality. My go-to outfit is a pair of Aritzia Effortless pants, a crisp white button-down, a Ralph Lauren cable-knit sweater draped just right, and my favorite loafers to finish it off.
Growing up in a preppy town, I was always surrounded by that timeless, classic style, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself gravitating back to those roots. There’s just something about that put-together, effortlessly preppy look that makes me feel like the best version of myself.”
ELLIE: SALES
“Let’s be real: working at a small AI tech company in the hospitality space is not exactly a runway show. As the Director of Sales, I’m constantly bouncing between Zoom calls, hotel site visits, and a never-ending stream of client emails all with my camera on and my sanity hanging by a thread.
Most days, I’m bare-faced, hair up, and reaching for comfort. But here’s the thing... comfort doesn’t mean compromising on style.
If I had to sum up my day-to-day wardrobe in one brand, it would be TWP. Their “Next Ex” button-down shirt is my go-to: crisp, classic, and structured just enough to make me feel pulled together without trying too hard. I usually pair it with their Didi pants, which strike the perfect balance between tailored and lounge-worthy.
When it comes to conferences or hospitality industry events, I step it up with my favorite set from DESTREE. Their neutral-toned sets are subtly artsy, professional, and always get compliments. I love that their silhouettes feel elevated but still comfy enough to survive a full day of work.
To tie it all together? My beloved Loeffler Randall espresso loafers, which have basically become my uniform. They go with everything, have clocked miles through hotel lobbies, convention centers, and at least a dozen airports and still manage to look polished.
At the end of the day, it’s not about dressing to impress. It’s about dressing like the version of me who’s got her ish together even if I’m on my third coffee and forgot to eat lunch.”
SARAH: REAL ESTATE FINANCE
“I work for a private equity real estate investment firm doing acquisitions and asset management across the central region of the US.”
OLIVA: BRAND PARTNERSHIPS AT COMPLEX + CONTENT CREATION
Plugging liv here: follow her at @theclosetnextdoor she’s also an overachiever and made her own edit.
“I’m the Director of Brand Partnerships at Complex, leading our Financial Services and Crypto vertical. While my focus is finance, Complex sits at the forefront of culture, creativity and style-- so naturally everyone is dressed incredibly well and our office is a real-life vision board.
The nature of my job has me going from 9-5 to 5-9 with dinners and drinks almost daily, so I’m always aiming to be equal parts comfortable and chic.
My mantra is “simple and special.” I always gravitate toward elevated basics with a unique shape or thoughtful detail. I’m also a shameless outfit repeater. Just switch one or two things up, add a new pair of sunnies and you have a rotational uniform.
Mine is a straight-leg pant, usually a dark denim with contrast stitching or a pleatless trouser, paired with a crisp, structured white tee. I layer on chunky mixed-metal rings and a bracelet-watch stack.
During the day, I’m in a flat, either my Tabis or jelly sandals. At night, I swap in a heel. Lately I’ve been gravitating to my Jacquemus, but I’m always loving everything Dries.
My favorite accessory to any look is a slicked back bun, a very glowy face loaded with my favorite skincare, brushed up brows and an over-lined lip. Edgy yet feminine always.
Liv linked all on THE CLOSET NEXT DOOR
JULES: MARKETING TURNED CONTENT
Hi it’s me now! Here’s a compilation of what I wore into the office at SE working in marketing. The dress code was casual and but most people liked to dress up so I embraced that!
EXTRA LOOKS:
My favorite article so far because I got to include my friends!
Love you all.
Xx,
Jules