6 Items I Bought to Cut My Morning Routine in Half
Sponsor Content Created With Veronica Beard
I used to spend 90% of the time between silencing my alarm and exiting my apartment each weekday buried in my closet trying to put together a stylish outfit. Frankly, I was sick of spending precious morning minutes on my look when I could be spending them on my breakfast (I should not operate heavy machinery before coffee).
After carefully observing my best-dressed co-workers and taking note of my most frequently worn outfits, I realized there are six key pieces that make getting dressed each day for work ridiculously easy. I also realized that buying these pieces at Veronica Beard meant I could wear them on the weekends too.
Not yet familiar with the brand? Veronica Beard makes the chicest, statement-making pieces that perfectly walk the line between polished and cool (aka the makings of an ultra-versatile wardrobe). Think along the lines of well tailored—but far from stuffy—blazers you'd want to wear both in and out of the office.
Shop the six must-have clothing categories for a chic and fast morning routine—and if you want to know more about the brand, we recently hosted the founders on our Second Life podcast. No big deal.
1. THE POLISHED MINIDRESS
A dress that hits above the knees? For the office? I’m not recommending just any minidress for your 9-to-5—choose one that feels more sophisticated (and not too short).
The pleated skirt and dramatic shoulders are key for modernizing this classic silhouette.
This dress looks just as cute with nude heels as it does cool white sneakers.
The ruching detail has landed this dress at the top of my favorite LBD list.
2. THE FUN BLAZER
I’ve found that throwing on a blazer instantly makes me look and feel like I have my life together, so I do it often. I don’t have anything against a plain black blazer, but these are just better, no?
Here’s the spring version of the plaid blazers everyone’s been wearing for fall.
Gingham tends to be reserved for more casual attire, so I love that the print is used on a tailored piece.
3. THE SOPHISTICATED DENIM
I love distressed jeans with a raw hem just as much as the next girl (I mean, I do live in California, after all), but not for the office. Monday through Friday, I rely on more polished denim to feel a bit more put together.
The cropped fit of these cool button-detail jeans means that my fun spring sandals get extra attention.
Don’t sleep on leopard jeans, because the animal-print trend isn’t going anywhere. I like wearing mine with oversize sweaters in both neutral and bright hues.
ICYMI, ’70s-inspired jeans are having a major moment right now. The cool belt detail makes this pair feel sleek enough for my 9-to-5, but you better believe I’ll wear these for a Saturday date night too.
4. THE PRINTED BLOUSE
I almost exclusively buy blouses I know I’ll also wear on the weekends, which means I want them to be a little colorful and a lot Instagram-friendly. Somehow, printed ones make my office #OOTD feel more interesting too.
This top is far from your average button-down and deserves extra points for the puff sleeves.
I’ll definitely wear this tucked into those flared jeans above but also with cutoff shorts on my next vacation.
I love the idea of pairing this boho peasant top with more structured wide-leg pants.
5. THE VERSATILE HEEL
Unless I'm attending a black-tie affair, I stay as far away from stilettos as possible. Styles with more versatility (read: comfort) are key for a modern wardrobe so I look for options with block or lower height heels.
The chunky block heel makes these just comfortable enough to wear at the office.
I’m having trouble thinking of a spring outfit I wouldn’t wear with these perforated mules.
6. THE ELEVATED BASICS
I think it’s important for wardrobe basics (like T-shirts and knits) to be anything but, well, basic. Pieces with interesting details, like buttons or cuffed sleeves, are perfect for throwing on under all those cute patterned blazers.
This knit top is so simple and yet so chic. Just make sure to pair it with high-waist pants.
A great example of those button details I was just talking about.
Michaela Bushkin is the fashion director on the branded content team, leading the strategy for our fashion and luxury partners. She specializes in content creation and styling for photo and video shoots, specifically acrossBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and Marie Claire. She spends her free time online shopping (or "researching" as she likes to call it), reading at the beach, and trying as many new restaurants in L.A. as possible.
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