I Hate Dressing for Work
I find professional attire dreadful. It’s all drab. Yes, you can throw on a bright blazer or pants to spice things up. But to me that doesn’t save the genre of work clothes.
I find them overall uninspiring. Which I recognize as entirely my problem. The issue is my conception of what professional attire looks like. In my defense, I have no quality work attire role models!
I always wear the most boring clothes to work because, historically, the people I’ve worked with have worn the most boring clothes to work! I continually found professional attire uninspiring.
Until I found someone who changed my mind – Molly from Insecure.
Who is Molly from Insecure?
Have you seen Insecure? If not, here’s a brief description: it’s an HBO 30 minute comedy about Issa, a Black woman who navigates career growth, romance and relationships in Inglewood, California.
In sum: it’s one of the best shows ever. It’s hilarious, endearing and inspirational.
One of the main reasons it checks all those boxes is because of Issa’s friend group. She has 3 best friends: Molly, Kelli and Tiffany.
Issa is closest to Molly; an accomplished and hilarious lawyer who has her own struggles with romance. Together, Issa and Molly make the best friend duo of our dreams!
But, we won’t get into the ins and outs of their history here. Today, we’re all about business.
I Love Your Closet, Molly!
Because Molly is a lawyer and workaholic, we often see her in a professional setting. And because Molly is a lawyer and workaholic, she has some money to spend, which is obvious from her outfits!
Molly dresses superbly. Her every outfit is composed, feminine and covetable.
Plus you can sense their high quality. Sometimes you’ll see a designer label confirming that theory. Most times you won’t. But, you just know her looks are not cheap!
Every character on Insecure has their style, but Molly’s is easily my favorite.
What’s incredible is her bomb dressing extends to her professional life! She dresses well in every scene of the show, but I was really impressed with what she wore to work. Her professional outfits are exactly the kinds I want: fashionable and appropriate for any occasion.
Molly is my professional style icon. And this post is dedicated to creating work outfits inspired by hers.
The Outfits
What I love most about the majority of Molly’s work outfits is they’re made of separate elements. So they look amazing paired with their intended matches or otherwise!
I’m all for as many mix-and-match opportunities as possible. Especially when your work pieces are high-quality and chic enough to wear outside of the office!
I used the following of Molly’s looks as inspiration to either recreate as closely as possible or translate to similar pieces I could see myself wearing.
What do you think of the styling below?
Red/Orange Monochrome
Some of my favorite Molly work looks are monochrome. And she has a lot of monochrome to choose from!
Nocturne Orange Turtleneck Ribbed Sweater
Acne Studios Midi Skirt
Orange isn’t a color I’ve ever worn professionally, but this look makes me want to change my mind!
I love the comfiness of the knit ribbed fabric. Plus the sexiness of the top’s near bodysuit silhouette makes for a refined look.
Teal Blazer + Dress Combo
Molly once again delivering on the monochrome! I’m loving this teal on teal situation.
Especially that dramatically oversized blazer coat!
MSGM Sweater and Ribbed Skirt Mini Dress
NA-KD Big Shoulder Oversized Blazer in Blue
My interpretation of this look has a little more variation between the blues and textures.
Are you a fan?
White Dress Moment
Hello, adorable white dress that’s appropriate for work and anywhere else!
Veronica Beard Torres Corset-Waist Dress
I’m loving this corseted Veronica Beard as its equal. The long sleeves make it work appropriate while the corset gives a feminine touch.
Pink and Purple
This is my favorite of all of Molly’s work looks. The pink and purple pairing is perfect (as is the alliteration in that sentence).
And the varying textures make the perfect upgrade to a professional outfit.
Alice + Olivia Denny Boyfriend Blazer
Hanifa Jace Vegan Leather Pants in Purple
Jacquemus Torre Mesh Knit Top in Pink
I followed Molly’s model in terms of color palette and playing around with textures. The ribbed knit, vegan leather, and polyester combine to make a richness I covet in my work wardrobe.
Honestly, I needed a reason to include those Hanifa pants on this list. I freaking love those pants!
Honorable Blazer Mention
In Insecure I would argue Issa’s signature is a graphic shirt as Molly’s is a blazer. And let’s be clear, Molly is the queen of blazers.
She makes them look chic and bold.
I chose the below blazer in honor of Molly’s gorgeous blazer collection.
The oversized boyfriend style and eye-catching print make me think she would approve!
World of Ra Pearl Blazer
More Professional Outfits we Love:
- Balmain Makes the Best Jackets I Can’t Afford Yet – Here are my favorite lookalikes
- Shopbop has the best pieces for your fall wardrobe
- The Vegan Leather Edit: 5 Designer Pants we Love