Like many people, I find Mondays difficult. My sleep rhythm is usually out of whack from the weekend, leaving me tired, groggy, and not in the mood to stare at my closet for about 20 minutes trying to decide what to wear. But that is often the case, making me late for work, stressed out, and in need of more coffee. But now I’ve realized that, since my workplace basically has no dress code, and everyone is very casual, it is totally acceptable to wear an easy, fall-back outfit on Mondays. This is often a jersey dress and a cardigan. Last Monday (yes I’m a week behind on outfits) I decided to dress up jeans and a tee.
And I loved it. I felt like this outfit was casual and comfortable, yet also stylish and smart. Having that cashmere cardigan and pink pearls took what would normally be a weekend outfit and made it a little more dressy. I added my hand-knit, hand-spun scarf for a little extra warmth and coziness, and it was perfect.
I’d like to pretend that I’m walking through a beautiful forest in these pictures, but as I’ve mentioned before, this is actually just a field near my place of work. I can see two major roads from where I’m standing. I used to love to go hiking when I was a teenager, but it’s been years since I took an afternoon to walk through one of the larger nature parks in my area. I should try to do it again while the weather is not miserably hot, like it will be in a few months.
What do you do about Monday outfits? Do you plan ahead? Do you wear one of your go-to outfits?
Tee: Style & Co (via clothing swap)
Cardigan: DKNY (via Revolve)
Jeans: Express Stella
Boots: Dansko Nena (via Ebay)
Scarf: Spun and knit by me
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Pearls: garage sale
Quote: The Three Silly Billies
Love the necklace with the tee! This looks so comfy and sylish.
Every day really starts for me the same way … is it an office or home day? The answer to that then dictates what category I go with, dressier or casual. I try and have at least one work outfit in mind for that next time I decide to go to the office. Or sometimes I’ll just go to the office to wear something I’m looking forward to.
.-= Kim, The Closet of Kim´s last blog ..Double Header =-.
I love the print on the tee.
On Mondays (for this term at least) I don’t teach until 5:30 and don’t usually go to campus until around 3:30. So I usually work/read blog until around 10:00 and then work out. I do tend to dress up more but also to dress more conservatively when I’m teaching, so my go-to outfits are either dresses and cardis or pants and a blazer.
Diana, your casual outfit is so fantastic! You dressed it up beautifully with that necklace and scarf. Also, I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I’ve been enjoying the “smile” pictures at the end of each post. This one is especially great!
.-= Clare´s last blog ..Messing with the Flavor =-.
The burgundy and blue are really lovely together. Not a combination I would’ve thought of!
I rely heavily on my trusty outfit list to help me through Monday dressing woes: http://www.alreadypretty.com/2010/01/my-trusty-outfit-list.html
.-= Sally´s last blog ..Photogenocity =-.
I love this outfit, it’s so calming and perfectly casual. I think this is one of your best casual, easy outfits.
BOO to Mondays. My Monday outfit is currently my pj pants. Waiting for the dude to go down for a nap so I can shower. Ah ha ha
Aw I love that scarf! The color is gorgeous! I hate Mondays for outfits. I usually just throw on whatever, haha. Especially in winter!
.-= Tieka | Selective Potential´s last blog ..Lingering snow =-.
that scarf is rad!
i definitely have monday go-to’s–but usually only in a color palette. gray and blue!
.-= what would a nerd wear´s last blog ..Deviance =-.
i love how you used the dry grass to create a smiley face.
.-= katrina´s last blog ..Flickr Fave: Your Willing Skin =-.
You really have a pretty smile. And your outfit is totally chic!
xx,
betz
http://herarmoire.blogspot.com
Yep – i struggle with Mondaitis too
Love the scarfe and your lovely shoes 
http://www.friendinfashion.blogspot.com
xx
I really like your scarf and your glasses’ frames are so adorable!
When I’m running late or feeling groggy, my go-to outfit is usually a dress, tights and a striped sweater.
.-= JoAnn, Sidewalk Chalk´s last blog ..Candy canes on a tree, or Dress #1 =-.