I have mixed feelings about the casual office; business casual is easier on the wallet, for one thing, and more practical in terms of overall wardrobe building.  At the same time, though, somewhere along the line "casual offcie" became code for "Hey I'll just wear this crappy old hoodie from 1986 because my office is always cold."  No.  NO NO NO.  Absolutely not.  

I will be a new teacher in Texas next fall, and I am really lost for what to wear! I am only 22 (will be 23 then) and I want to be fashionable, professional (a must) and comfortable. I really like the idea of a "basic" wardrobe" and I've studied all of the lists, but they all seem geared to older more office-y type ladies. My current wardrobe resembles any college senior's: jeans, school skirts, various "I'm going somewhere other than school" items, and tennis shoes. Obviously I am starting from the ground up. Any advice? Maybe a suggested list?

Tired of jeans and a tee for casual wear? Looking for something that is AS comfortable as your yoga pants but just a LITTLE nicer looking? I have the answer: a tunic dress and a pair of footless tights. Like the classic jeans and a tee look, this requires no elaborate planning; like the ubiquitous sweat suit, it is comfy and cozy. But unlike both of those options, a dress is a more grown up, thoughtful, elegant look. Even when the dress is essentially an overgrown sweater. Banana Republic jersey tunic dress, $98.00