Working Woman Style: Jessica, events manager
Welcome to the next installment in the Working Woman Style series! Many of my badass blog friends are also earning a living in fields other than blogging, so I asked a few of them about what they do for work and their approach to workwear. I hope you find this series informative, helpful, and inspiring!
Next up is Jessica, the blogger behind Bedknobs & Baubles. Jessica’s blog is one of the first I followed many years ago! I love her classic approach to style (she mixes high and low so well!) and following her amazing travels—seriously, you’ll want to go everywhere she goes if you don’t already have them on your bucket list.
Working Woman Style: Jessica, Events Manager
What can we find on your blog, Bedknobs & Baubles?
My blog, Bedknobs & Baubles, has a mix of personal style, travel, and lifestyle content. You’ll also find plenty of posts related to renovating and decorating the 1920s house my long-term boyfriend, Dave, and I purchased a few years ago. I spend so much of my free time fixated on house projects that I can’t help but have it spill over!
What do you do for work?
I’m an events manager for a local business publication. My role includes everything from event ideation to marketing to execution. Ultimately, project management is my biggest skillset and my sometimes-Type-A personality is perfectly suited for breaking down the steps necessary to pull off an event.
What do you typically wear to work?
Sadly, my office style has taken a nosedive during the pandemic as I rely on black knit jersey dresses from Old Navy day in and day out. I jokingly wonder if my coworkers think I own just a single dress when it’s all they see on Zoom calls when, in fact, I own seven of the same dress!
But let’s think back to the “before times” when we actually went to an office. I’m incredibly fortunate that my workplace has a relaxed dress code for day-to-day activities. My style errs on the side of classic to begin with, so I’ll typically be found in a shift dress with ballet flats, or in jeans, a sweater/blouse, and a pair of loafers like the outfit above. (On a side note, that plaid Tory Burch coat has gotten a lot of mileage over the years. Splurging on a statement piece like that is a fun addition to your work wardrobe!)
Of course, event days are different. I’ll either dress more professionally or celebratory depending on what the event is. I don’t take photos of my work outfits for the blog, but one that captures my more traditional work style is a black shift dress layered over a printed blouse. I can wear it with heels or flats, or add tights if the weather permits. It’s a classic look that’s appropriate for most work environments.
How does your style change for different work environments or for activities outside of work, if at all?
The heart of my style doesn’t change very much off hours. I still stick to classic shapes, but I’ll add more prints and color!
How did the pandemic change your style or how you approach your work wardrobe, if at all?
Now that we’re starting to go back to the office a few days a week, I’m bridging the gap between casual and professional with items that are less structured. I’m still not ready to wear anything that doesn’t move with my body and wearing shoes that aren’t sandals or espadrilles seem so foreign to me after a year of wearing these Birkenstocks around the house!
What is one of your top brands/retailers for workwear?
Having a blog means that I window shop all the time, so it’s hard to pin down where most of my work wardrobe is from! That said, Loft usually has cute shift dresses, J.Crew is great for the basics, LL Bean has the best cashmere crewneck sweater (the camel-colored one with yoga pants, which I affectionately dubbed #PandemicPants, made up my winter uniform last year), check out Kate Spade for patterned blouses, Tory Burch has beautiful statement pieces that go from work to weekend, and Spanx has the most perfect black dress pants.
What's the number one item you'd recommend to someone just starting to build their workwear wardrobe?
I’d recommend starting with a classic little black dress in lightweight wool. Pick a shape that’s flattering for your body type and introduce your personality through your accessories. This will be a wardrobe workhorse that can be paired with so many things:
Wear it with a structured blazer or a sweater jacket like this J.Crew one that dresses up even the most casual outfits (and keeps you warm in frigid air-conditioned offices).
Treat it like a jumper and layer a fitted turtleneck (love these) or a blouse underneath.
And, of course, wear it on its own for an evening cocktail or networking event with a piece of statement jewelry.
What advice do you have for young professionals/women in general or for those that may be interested in your field specifically?
Ask questions! This is a tidbit I picked up during Dale Carnegie leadership training. Everyone likes to talk about themselves and asking questions immediately creates an opportunity to get to know them for networking purposes. Additionally, asking your vendors questions about their roles or products can help you learn to do your job more efficiently. It’s okay to be humble and realize that you don’t know everything!
Additionally, speak up and share your ideas in meetings. Those who contribute are memorable and are more likely to be considered when projects and promotions come up.
Thank you sooo much for being a part of the series and sharing your insights and advice, Jessica! Be sure to follow her blog and Instagram and stay tuned for more in the Working Woman Style series!