I’m someone whom you might consider your average 20-something-year-old,
professional San Franciscan woman who likes to attend fitness classes,
happy hours, and startup launch parties after work (I believe the term used nowadays is “basic bitch”).

I work in a corporate environment that enforces the “business casual” dress code,
but my interests outside of work call for athletic wear as well as trendy “night-out” pieces.
So when it comes to shopping and picking out what to wear on a daily basis,
I like to incorporate items into my wardrobe that allow me to easily transform from work
attire to going-out or working-out attire.

I commute an hour to and from my office each day, so it’s important that
I don’t have to pack an entirely different outfit to change into as it can be a pain carrying
a heavy bag on public transportation. I look for quality, style, practicality, and price
when I shop. While I appreciate brand names, I’m not a brand snob because
1) I can’t afford it and 2) Generally I can find the same look for less (Marshalls and T.J. Maxx FTW).

That’s not to say I don’t own any branded items—I just like to mix it up with more affordable items.
Here’s a list of my favorite essentials you can incorporate into your
wardrobe for a hassle-free transformation after your work day!

Ever since I discovered these, I have not worn any other pants to work.

These are made with 12% spandex so they are stretchy and super comfortable

without sacrificing the clean and professional look. Because these pants are made

with a thick cotton material and consist of a front button and zipper, you don’t look

like you’re simply wearing yoga pants to work.

I own around 10 pairs because they cost only around $23 and come in a great selection

of colors.  Plus, you can throw these right into the laundry machine without having to worry

about damage.  Pair these with some pumps and not only do they look good in the office,

but also a casual outing after work.

I’m not gonna lie, I used to be a Lululemon “hater” because I could never justify

spending that much money on workout gear...that was until I was gifted my

first set of Lulu running pants, and my life changed. I’ve come to appreciate the

quality and fit of Lululemon (yes, their yoga pants do make your butt look like you just did 100 squats).  

They also have items that can you can totally rock to work or places outside of the gym.

Just like how every woman should own a little black dress, every woman should

also own a statement necklace. There have been mornings where I could care less

about putting effort into figuring out what to wear to work.

I would throw on a plain top, plain pants, and then put on a bold necklace like this one

from DearMissJ and BAM! My outfit just got better.

You can never have too many bags, but an essential to have is a classic tote.

I like to invest in large totes that can fit my laptop, running shoes, and still look

trendy to bring out to a dinner or happy hour after work without looking like you’re

carrying a duffle bag or a tacky laptop case.  

This large tote from San Edelman is perfect.  I like that it’s made out of nylon, which makes

it durable and easy to clean. At the same time, it still looks classic, chic, and oh my gosh

look at the cute touch to the bottom!