Can you really shop at.... Old Navy

Let's take a minute to discuss fast fashion, because it's everywhere. While we recognize there are some major ethical issues associated with the retailers (intellectual property rights, abusive labor practices, the environmental impact to name a few), we admit that we do fall in the fast fashion trap more than we'd like to admit. While our forays into fast fashion are usually for non-work clothing, occasionally those impulse buys do find their way into our work wardrobe which brings us to our newest series - Can you really shop at.... *insert fast fashion chain*. 

Some general observations about incorporating fast fashion into your wardrobe? Try and mix high and low. Some of our favorite corporate style bloggers and Instagrammers are seriously amazing at pairing a $5 dress with a Chanel bag, costume jewelry, and Manolos. Our style icon the Duchess of Cambridge is quite adept at this too. Anyone can dress in head to toe designer clothing and look amazing. Mixing high and low shows your style is more authentic (or at least that's what Katie 1 tells herself when she pairs Prada shoes with an Old Navy T-Shirt dress and a cashmere cardigan). 

We're going to start this series with kind of a softball: Old Navy. If you read here regularly, you already know that we recommend things from Old Navy with some frequency. In fact, one of our first posts was dedicated to Old Navy's staple t-shirt dress which we all own and love. And Katie 1 was wearing it in our Instagram post from January 18, 2018. 

The short answer to whether or not you can purchase work appropriate clothing at Old Navy is YES YOU CAN. We do all the time; however, because it's Old Navy and the quality can be very iffy (and you can try on 3 pairs of the same pants in the same size and they will all fit differently), we recommend that if you are shopping for work at Old Navy, try and do so in store. We've had bad luck with online Old Navy orders due to the quality and size variances. There are also some items that we just won't purchase at Old Navy, namely, shoes and most of their workout bottoms. 

If you're new to the working world and trying to build your work wardrobe, Old Navy can be a great place to stock up on items to add some pizzazz to your higher quality basics. Old Navy can also be a great option if you're size is changing and you need a few pieces to get you through. 

Want proof that you can in fact shop at Old Navy for work?  See below for some things that we think are cute and work appropriate: 

Dresses: 

• You know we love a good ponte-knit dress so of course we love the looks of this Ponte Knit Sheath Dress with long sleeves (we're especially fond of the green which is available in lucky sizes only). 
• Because of the inconsistent quality of Old Navy clothing, we'd want to see this in store prior to purchasing, but we love the versatility of this Striped Sateen Tie-Waist Shirtdress.  You could wear it now with tights, booties, and a blazer (or cardigan) and transition it into spring with a pump in a fun color. 
• Another option we'd want to see in person prior to purchasing, however we think this Star Print Chiffon Dress would be a great desk-to-dinner piece. 

Pants/Skirts:

• We've found the sizing to be particularly inconsistent with the Harper pant so absolutely try on in store first. However, when the fit is right, the Harper pant is one of the best dress pants for the money so grab a bunch of pairs in your size (and the sizes adjacent to your normal size) and go nuts. 
• You know our thoughts on Career Leggings so you know we're definitely intrigued by these Mid-Rise Built in Sculpt Ponte Pants. 
• Keeping with the ponte theme, this Ponte-Knit Pencil Skirt seems like it would be a great basic. 

Tops/Sweaters/Blazers:

• This High-Neck Sleeveless Satin Blouse would look amazing under a fun blazer. 
• This Relaxed Sleeveless Tie-Neck Blouse is available in a rainbow of prints and colors and could work for work or play.  
• This Relaxed Satin Tunic would look amazing with a pair of skinny red trousers or a pencil skirt in a fun color. 
• If we're being totally honest, we love Old Navy sweaters for off duty style but think they can skew a little too casual for the office.  However, this Classic V-Neck Sweater could do double duty pretty easily. 
• This Ponte-Knit Blazer would also make a good basic (or emergency desk blazer). 

Accessories and Other Stuff:

Okay so we were going to recommend Old Navy's selection of hats, gloves, and scarves; however, although it's January Old Navy only has spring stuff on their website. You might be able to find some in store though.  

Hopefully these recommendations are helpful at showing you that you don't have to pay top dollar for your work clothes.

Happy Monday!