Wear it to Work: One Item, Three Ways

By Stephanie Ray, Founder, Grayes

Building a work wardrobe can be a daunting task. It is easy to lose your own sense of style as you try to conform to an office look and it can be hard to stick to a reasonable budget. Often you end up heavily investing in pieces you will only ever wear in a professional context.

The advice I give: buy less, buy better. Invest in a few great quality versatile pieces that can serve as building blocks in your wardrobe, straddling the divide between your on- and off-duty style. Pieces that are professional enough to carry you from Monday to Friday but that you are also excited to wear with a pair of jeans or dress up for a night out. Look for separates that can work together, and also mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe — so you can build multiple outfits with fewer pieces.

An example of a great wardrobe staple is our Blazer Dress. It’s a two-in-one piece that can be worn open as a blazer or securely fastened closed as a dress. We love that it works perfectly for all different occasions — business attire, casually with jeans, or even for a cocktail (it’s not surprising it is a signature Grayes piece and best seller).

1. On its own

We always think of the little black dress as a wardrobe staple, but even a basic doesn’t need to be boring. Add some excitement with our unique Blazer Dress cut. Similar to your little black dress, just switch up your accessories to seamlessly transition your daytime outfit into an evening cocktail look.   

The Blazer Dress Black Wool – Pinstripe  
$395

2. Over a dress

Get an entirely new look by pairing the long Blazer Dress over a tailored dress. Go monochromatic for a modern power suit that’s perfect for that big meeting, or pair two different shades for a more relaxed office look.  

The Straight Dress Black Wool
$275

3. Paired with pants

The Blazer Dress works for more comfortable pant looks, too! Pair the Blazer Dress with a straight-leg pant for a chic and feminine pantsuit, or elevate your casual jeans by adding the Blazer Dress on top.

The Pencil Pant Black Stretch
$195

Stephanie Ray entered the world of fashion after being inspired by her own experience as a busy law school student applying for jobs and internships — and the frustration of finding outfits that made her look good, feel good, and that could take her from day to night. She founded Grayes clothing to create a line of professional attire for women that met their needs, with on-trend items they can wear to the office as well as brunch.