Perfect Office Outfits: Xiyin Tang Does Corporate Creatively

Skip navigation!

There's no doubt about the fact that corporate dressing leaves a lot to be desired (and little to the imagination). The uniform of the skirt-suit or pant-suit gets a bit tired as the weeks wear on, and even casual Fridays do little to inspire. Do not despair quite yet, though, our worker bee friends! Just when you thought you couldn't take another day of the same tired duds, we've got a few tips to spice up your office life. One of our own, former blog editor Xiyin Tang, has pulled together two perfect office outfits that have helped her navigate the corporate landscape after leaving the fashion blogosphere to become a lawyer. She admits that it took a bit of trial and error, but Xiyin has managed to pull together a wardrobe that appeals to her flair for the creative, while always appearing appropriate to clients and peers alike. Check out Xiyin's two perfect office outfits, below, along with her tips of office dressing, and get inspired to let your fashion flag fly no matter what company you're in.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

On Xiyin: Barneys House Label Cream Button-down, Proenza Schouler Tweed Skirt, Christian Louboutin Heels, Balenciaga Clutch. Products, from Left to Right: Madewell Silk Cargo Blouse in Lighthouse, $110, available at Madewell, ASOS Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch, $32.93, available at ASOS, Robert Rodriguez Tweed Skirt with Leather Trim, $395, available at Shopbop and KORS MIchael Kors Glitter Patent Leather Pump, $198, available at Neiman Marcus.

"I secretly love the idea of a full-on tweed suit, and this Proenza skirt is edgy enough to be youthful, while still remaining office-appropriate. The Barneys shirt I pair with anything and everything—my secret is this Barneys outlet out in Connecticut where you can scoop up all the button-downs and sheath dresses you need for work at 60% off. Nude pumps are my favorite because I always wished I was just slightly taller, and these do wonders for the height illusion. Lastly, I used to carry these big bags out to business lunches, until I noticed all the girls in the office toting clutches. This one has been with me for forever, and I love the way the gold adds a tiny kick to an otherwise neutral outfit."

On Xiyin: Rag & Bone Chambray Shirt, J.Crew Paley Pants, Giuseppe Zanotti Pony Hair Leopard Print Flats. Products, from Left to Right: Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt in Prairie Bloom Wash, $88, available at Madewell, Ralph Lauren Ariba Leopard Ballet Flat, $79, available at Ralph Lauren and J. Crew Paley Pant, $69.99, available at J.Crew.

"Most law firms these days do casual Fridays, and while I probably won't ever wear jeans to the office, I love to insert a bit of denim into my wardrobe with a nice chambray shirt like this one. I dress it slightly up with these J.Crew pants, which I have in three different colors that I am obsessed with because they are perfectly tailored. By Friday, I get sick of wearing stilettos to the office, so I treat my feet with a dressy pair of flats like these."