Business Casual Style for Mountain Girls
Stylish, functional, and above all, comfortable.
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My fellow lady skiers, there comes a time when we all have to put our ski bum look aside and pretend to be real adults. That means ditching (only temporarily!) our trucker hats, beanies, and most beloved (read: very well-worn) flannel. Whether you’re headed back to school, to the office after an extended summer vacay, or prepping for a fall internship, you’re going to need a few pieces that at least make it seem like you’re serious about crunching numbers, teaching, emailing, or whatever it is you do to afford your actual priority in life: skiing. To ease the transition a little, here are a few business casual pieces for ladies who feel more at home in the mountains than at a desk.
Anabaglish Birdie Reversible Tote
The Birdie Reversible Tote is a beautiful bag for all occasions. Take it from the office to happy hour, and if you’re feeling a different look for each location, just flip the tote inside out and voilà—you have a whole new bag. The outside of the bag features a soft, genuine leather, while the inside is made of chocolate suede. Each bag is made and dyed by hand, so each features a slightly different Shibori tie dye print, making your bag one of a kind. Other fun features: a stylish tie closure and detachable pouch for added utility and convenience. While the Birdie isn’t big enough to hold your laptop and lunch and gym clothes, it’s the perfect tote for lighter days. [$150, Anabaglish.com]
Toad&Co Hillrose Skirt
If someone tells you work clothes are supposed to be uncomfortable, unfriend them—you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. Then go try on the Hillrose Skirt. If your workout shorts and your mom’s tulip skirt from the ‘70s had a baby, that baby would be the Hillrose skirt. Thanks to an elastic waistband, front hand pockets and moisture-wicking Tencel—a responsibly sourced eco-fabric—this skirt is as comfortable and practical as your workout shorts, yet stylishly retro with a fun mod dot print. A straight fit and 16.5” hem make the Hillrose Skirt a flattering style on just about all shapes and sizes, and a great statement piece that will pair with the solids and stripes in your closet. [$59, toadandco.com]
Emu Lorne Boot
If you don’t work at an office where it’s socially acceptable to take off your shoes and walk around in your socks during the day, then you need to find yourself a new work setting. Or consider the Emu Lorne boot—so comfy you won’t need to (or want to) take them off. The Australian company is known for making comfy, beach-inspired footwear, and the Lorne boot fits that signature style. Emu’s EVA midsole wedge and memory-foam-like instep make for one comfy foot bed, and a perforated genuine leather vamp and suede shaft make these ankle boots a great late-summer, early-fall option. In short: style without sacrifice. These boots only come in whole sizes, and they fit slightly long, so consider your size carefully. [$110, Emu.com]
Toad&Co Romero Long Sleeve Crew
Did your coworkers all adjust the office thermostat to their ideal temp? Better layer up in the morning so you’re ready for the indoor freeze-thaw cycle. May we suggest the Romero Long Sleeve Crew—a midweight layer of 60 percent organic cotton and 40 percent recycled polyester that’s moisture-wicking and oh-so-comfortable and cute. The wide crew cut, easy fit and stretchy fabric make it easy to throw on over any outfit. Favorite features: the drop-tail hem and banded cuffs. Ladies, meet your new favorite sweater for all seasons. [$79, toadandco.com]
United By Blue Prim Shirtdress
If you bike to the office in your cycle gear and do a quick-change when you get to work, you need a shift dress in your life—especially one as packable as United By Blue’s Prim Shirtdress. Thanks to a relaxed fit, this dress may look casual, but its herringbone pattern woven cotton fabric gives it a structured, tailored look that takes it from casual to elegant. And you don’t have to worry about coworkers seeing anything they’re not supposed to: the Prim is fully lined and the shirttail hemline passes the fingertip test by a mile. Some sizes and body shapes may be able to pull off this dress without a belt, but I found it more flattering to cinch the dress at the waist. If you feel guilty about the steeper price tag, remember that United By Blue removes one pound of trash from waterways for every product sold. Look good, do good. [$98, UnitedByBlue.com]
Eddie Bauer Women’s Boyfriend Packable Shirt
Finally, a work shirt that doesn’t wrinkle—or rather, is made to look wrinkled so no one will know you don’t even own an iron. Eddie Bauer’s popular packable fabric of cotton and spandex gets upgraded with a fun floral print, striking the perfect balance of utility and style for work wear. A longer length (28”/29.5”) and boyfriend cut make this shirt ideal for days on the go. Petite ladies may want to size down—the boyfriend cut means extra room in the waist. [$60, eddiebauer.com]
Sherpäni Camden Bag
This is the most versatile tote, I mean backpack, no, messenger bag—you get the gist. The Camden is a stylishly urban bag that can be worn three ways and has a laundry list of cool features: padded laptop sleeve, two external quick-access, security-zippered pockets, two large interior slip pockets, and an easy-to-clean nylon lining. With so many pockets, it could be easy to lose track of where you put what; but the various pockets are so accessible and compartmentalized that you won’t find yourself digging for those keys. Bonus features: The Camden is RFID protected, 100 percent vegan and made from recycled materials. A ridiculously convenient bag that seemingly has it all, yet isn’t bulky. And it doesn’t hurt that it comes in two fun colors. [$100, sherpani.com]
