HELP: best “back to corporate” clothes shopping??? My work clothes now range from home office yoga pants to presentation suits ad I need something in-between.

The request above is a very common dillema.  A woman leaves Corporate America to be at home with the kidos, when she goes back she realizes that her old corporate self/image…is well…not herself. Here are a couple of looks I’d recommend that gives the, “I’m back for business, baby!” look while giving the comfort and ease that your stay-at-home favorites provided: 

P.S. This particular woman is returning to work in the summer. 

The Dress: 

The navy says “business” while the stretch material secretly says, “ahhhhh.” 

V Neck Stretch Sheath, Banana Republic, $130

The Skirt: A pencil skirt with a few modern details shows that you’re still the executive pro…but better! 

Orgami Skirt by Worthington, JC Penny, $27.00

Top: Just because you’re going back to Corporate America doesn’t mean that you need to go back to your same ol’ button-ups. Instead, get something pretty with a smart neckline that will look great under a jacket come fall. 

Daring Dart Top, Anthropologie, $88.00

 The Pant:  This navy trouser is just right: flat front, no pockets and just enough detail with the buttons.  

American Living Pant, JC Penny, $41.99

The Accessories: Don’t ruin all of the effort you’ve put into your getting-back-to-business looks by walking in your first day with an old work bag and shoes.  It would be like presenting a killer presentation without the data to back it up…they’re that important.

Moselle Handbag, Aldo Shoes, $45.00

Savaria Pump, Aldo Shoes, $70.00