Are We Wearing Club Clothes to the Office Now?

Let’s talk about the difference between showing up and showing out.

Let me just say what needs to be said.

A lot of you are wearing your going out, look at me, I’m cute on the ‘gram outfits… to the office.

Why?

I say this with love and a résumé: I’m a woman of a certain age—so young heads, please don’t come for me unless you’re also carrying 25 years of corporate receipts and have sat in on promotion panels from the entry level to the C-suite. Bonafide bonafides. Period.

Here’s the thing: I’m old school. There are clothes for church. Clothes for work. Clothes for going out. Clothes for lounging at home. Sure, you might remix a few pieces across these buckets—blazers, cardigans, slacks, maybe a midi skirt—but the way you wear them changes with the setting.

Let’s take it a step deeper.

When the dress code gets blurred, so do the expectations.

So let’s start where reverence meets readiness: the sanctuary.

Church: Come Correct

Yes, I know—come as you are. But if you’ve got discernment and the means to do better, then why wouldn’t you? Reverence isn’t just spiritual. It’s how you carry yourself.

A T-shirt and jeans? For service?

Girl, if you don’t take that outfit to the Wendy’s drive-through or the self-checkout line at Marshall’s…

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Work: This Ain’t Fashion Week

Unless you’re in the entertainment, fashion or beauty industry, why are you showing up to the office in head-to-toe trends? Sheer tops. Statement cutouts. Platforms made for the club—not payroll.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for expression. But baby girl, the workplace is already political. Why add the stress of being the it girl on top of your actual job? There’s a difference between standing out and being distracting.

You can be fly and foundational. You can be polished without being performative.

It’s called personal style. And when done right, it speaks for you, not over you.

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Build a Real Office Capsule

Let’s make this simple. A good work capsule isn’t basic—it’s intentional. It’s the difference between being seen and being taken seriously.

Here’s a blueprint:

• Tailored trousers

• Knee-length or midi skirts

• Structured blazers

• Crisp button-downs or blouses

• Fine-gauge sweaters

• Closed-toe flats, loafers, or low heels

• A trench or tailored coat

• Minimalist bag

Add your personality with color, texture, and accessories—but the silhouette should signal: I showed up to do something today.

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Why Listen to Me?

Because I’ve led teams. I’ve sat in the room where decisions were made. I’ve watched people with the talent not move up—because their presence lacked polish. I’ve also watched folks with slightly less talent rise faster, because they looked the part and let their work reinforce it.

It’s not fair. It’s not always right. But it’s real.

Don’t let your clothes block your blessing. Don’t let a trendy outfit overshadow your strategic value.

And please—save the fashion nova fits for brunch. Not the boardroom.

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Need Help Getting Started?

I got you.

Check out The Work Week Edit—my daily outfit series showing you how to get dressed with structure, simplicity, and confidence. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just real style that makes sense for the job and the woman wearing it.

New looks drop every weekday at 8AM. And if you’re serious about leveling up your wardrobe, here is a free 5-Piece Office Starter Capsule to start building a closet that works as hard as you do.

Know better. Do better. Dress with direction.

With love,
The Internet Auntie
—Miki Smith