Office and casual attire from Nordstrom Rack, DSW, and LOFT Outlet

In an effort to catch up with bathing suit season and burn a few extra calories, I took a walk around the neighborhood after work one Monday. As I turned a corner, I noticed a woman getting out of her car who, by the looks of her nine-to-five slacks and heels, was returning home from work herself. I paused to appreciate her stylishly polished office attire.

Jenna, 29, from North Park, was kind enough to let me ask about her office style before heading into her home to change for a kickball game she was playing in that evening.

She explained the elevated dress code at the advertising agency where she works, “I work in the client services department, so I see clients — not on an everyday basis, but often enough — so I need to dress up and look nice.” She added, “But it is still kind of casual and fun because it is marketing, so you can wear bright colors and bold patterns.”

On that note, I complimented the pop of color offered by her blue suede pointed-toe pumps ($20-30 on sale at DSW). “That’s my go-to place! And these are Franco Sarto brand. Their 8½ fits me so perfectly. I end up buying a bunch of their shoes because I know they fit me comfortably.”

Jenna’s slim-fitted black pants (under $50 at Nordstrom Rack) are a standard style for her work wardrobe. “I wear them multiple times a week. They give me a solid base, and then I can do tops and bright stuff elsewhere.”

She paired the sleek trousers with a geometric-patterned blouse she bought for around $20 from LOFT Outlet in San Ysidro down by the border. “I go there probably once every couple of months. There’s a couple shops I like to hit up and LOFT is one of them. They always have some nice work tops that are pretty inexpensive.”

I asked Jenna to take me through her process of picking an outfit for a day at the office. “If I wear jeans, I end up wearing a nicer top or heels to dress it up. If I’m wearing slacks, I can go a little more casual with my shoe and wear a ballerina flat,” she reasoned. “But this is a good staple of just ‘formal, but comfortable.’”

Outside the office, she would most likely be spotted wearing something more casual. “I just got a jean jacket that is perfect for that ‘sundress and jean jacket’ look that’s super in right now!”