5 Years Later: Work Trip
Last year, I started doing the 5 years later outfit challenge: I picked out an outfit I first wore and blogged back in 2016 and recreated it using the same (or very similar) items. I had so much fun that I decided to keep it going for 2022, so now I’m recreating outfits I wore back in 2017! (Wow, I can’t believe 2017 was 5 years ago already…that was the year I finished my PhD!)
My goals with this series are to put together updated versions of some of my favorite past outfits, see how much my style has changed over the years (if at all), highlight the items that are still in my closet five or more years later, determine if it’s time to pass on some of my older items, inspire you to evaluate the longevity in your own wardrobe, and most importantly, remind you (and myself) that it’s cool to rewear your favorite outfits/items!
Let’s discuss the next 5 years later outfit of fall 2022!
What to Wear for a Business Casual Work Trip — 2022 vs. 2017
After starting my job in July 2017, I went on my first real overnight work trip in September. I went on a second work trip in early October—and that one was a day trip to Seattle and back. I think that was technically my first-ever flying day trip now that I think about it. Since I was going to be traveling (via plane and light rail) and sitting in a conference room for a few hours, I had to dress as comfortably as possible while still looking somewhat professional for meeting new people and attending said conference. I remember loving this work trip outfit!
I had an extremely difficult time picking an outfit this month because I liked so many of my October 2017 outfits! I originally was deciding between two other outfits and ended up settling on this one because I thought it’d be fun to update a work outfit with some more recent trends. In 2017, I wore a Olivia Moon blazer, Thakoon for Kohl’s sweater, Madewell pants, Earth ankle boots, Shaya necklace, and Longchamp tote. I technically still own all six items (though the sweater and pants are listed on Poshmark), but I only included two in the new look for 2022!
Items from 2017 I’m Still Wearing in 2022
I purchased this basic black knit blazer by Olivia Moon (via Nordstrom) about a month before I started my job (before I had any sort of interview) in anticipation of getting my first post-grad job. It’s such a great basic that I’ve held onto it all these years, even though fitted blazers like this one are not technically in style anymore (most of the blazers being produced right now are oversized). I still like wearing mine and am glad it’s in my closet! I own the same blazer in a charcoal grey.
Of course, I’m also still wearing my Longchamp Le Pliage Neo tote bag. A large zippered tote like this is one of only two work bags you need! This exact tote isn’t being produced anymore, but there are a couple of other similar styles linked below. I bring this tote on nearly every trip involving flights; it’s the perfect size for a personal item and fits a LOT! For non-work travel, I typically can fit my laptop (with case), laptop charger, external hard drive, a purse with wallet, my liquids bag, Kindle (with case), and so much more. It can get quite heavy! This bag may not be “on trend” anymore but I have no plans to retire it. The all-black feels timeless to me.
What’s New in 2022
The remaining four items (plus the sunglasses) in the 2022 work trip version are new! Like my 5 years later outfit from last month, I almost completely restyled this outfit compared to the original version from 2017.
Since skinny pants are now “out” per Gen Z (don’t worry, I’m still wearing mine like the proud millennial I am), I swapped my burgundy pants for paperbag pants with loose legs. These are comfortable enough to wear sitting for long periods of time, which is very important when you’re dressing for a few hours of plane travel and a full-day work conference.
Because I swapped burgundy pants for black pants, I decided to add a burgundy cashmere sweater in lieu of the charcoal grey sweater with the floral layer. I picked a slim-fitting sweater to make sure I could easily tuck it into my paperbag pants. I love this one by Quince; it’s so soft and beautiful quality.
My light tan ankle boots didn’t fit the vibe of the new outfit, which is why I opted against them even though I still own them. Instead, I stuck with black boots but decided on my patent black ankle boots—my boss boots! I love these boots so much. The patent is perfect and they add so much pizzazz to a relatively plain work outfit. The key to making all-black not look boring is adding texture.
I completed the look with a simple gold necklace and sunglasses (my eyes can’t take the sun, even when it’s cloudy, so that’s why I’m always in sunglasses outside!). While this outfit would obviously work well for a work trip, you could also easily wear this to a regular day in the office, or perhaps even an interview!
Which work trip outfit are you a fan of: the 2017 original with the burgundy pants or the new 2022 version with the paperbag pants? This was a fun outfit to restyle!
OUTFIT DETAILS
Olivia Moon blazer / old; similar from Nordstrom Rack or Ann Taylor
Quince sweater / exact or similar (sweatshirt) or similar (v-neck) (review here)
Madewell pants / old; similar by Quince or DKNY (last seen here)
Marc Fisher boots / old; similar from Amazon, Zappos, Bloomingdale's, or Nordstrom (last seen here)
Gorjana necklace / old; similar from Macy's or similar options from Target: 1 or 2
Longchamp bag / old; similar options: 1 or 2
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Nordstrom (similar from Revolve, Shopbop, or Nordstrom)
Dior Lip Glow in rosewood / exact