Working Woman Style: Priya, actress, writer, and side hustler
I’m so excited to introduce a new series here on the blog called Working Woman Style! Many of my badass blog friends are also earning a living in fields other than blogging, so I asked a few of them about what they do for work and their approach to workwear. I hope you find this series informative, helpful, and inspiring!
First up is Priya, the blogger behind Priya the Blog. I’m so excited to kick off this series with Priya! I’m absolutely obsessed with her style and think you will love her, too.
Working Woman Style: Priya, Actress, Writer, and Side Hustler
What can we find on your blog, Priya the Blog?
My blog content centers around personal style, travel, and beauty; including most recently, beauty vlogging! I took the extra time I had over the last year to go for it, as it's something I've always wanted to try.
What do you do for work?
Two years ago the answer to this question would have been simple - I worked on the HR team at a tech company. Two years later it's a lot more complicated! In 2019 I quit my job to pursue acting and writing full-time. As of right now, I do as much acting/writing as I can, and I also do freelance social media for two small businesses, with a couple other side hustles thrown in! My family loves to tease me as I am the queen of side hustles.
What do you typically wear to work?
My work outfits depend on which job I'm dipping in to, and of course, where I'm doing it.
I still love to put together a look for meetings with clients or other activities related to my freelance work. Not only do I feel more productive and more professional, it's a chance to wear some of my wardrobe that has gotten neglected over the last couple years (not only due to COVID, but quitting my office job.)
This look (top left image above) feels very representative of my work style right now: put together, but still comfy (these Spanx leggings are my life!) I love to lean into my trendy/statement/colorful side, as I do work in a creative field!
Dressing for auditions is something I do frequently, and while it does depend on the role, I have a few go-to blouses that are solid (typically) jewel toned that appear in the majority of my auditions. I'm sure I have worn this blouse (top right image above) on camera several times!
I have to also spotlight a few favorite outfits from my office days. The office I worked in was very casual, but I still took the opportunity to dress up a bit sometimes. Going straight from college to working in an office was SO fun and I loved exploring the style shift that came along with it. These outfits represent what I would consider the pinnacle of my wear to work style!
Prior to this outfit (below), I don't think I had worn a polo shirt since the preppy days of high school. Polos are an excellent, comfortable, "not a t-shirt, not yet a blouse" option for the workplace - and I was determined to find a chic way to wear this one. I still love this look because it is fresh, feminine, and sporty at the same time, and I would totally wear it today!
I was always searching for pant options that fell somewhere between "jeans" and "full-on work slacks." Enter: the culotte! I purchased these suede culottes from Old Navy (second to last image below) on a whim and ended up loving them. They were a brand new style for me and somewhat intimidating to style, but when in doubt - pair with neturals! This striped blouse from H&M (7+ years ago!) is probably one of my all-time most worn items. It goes with everything and feels surprisingly luxe for H&M.
This outfit (last image below) feels very "millennial power suit". I'm always looking for a way to wear the fun heels in my closet! Blazers are such a closet staple, but be patient; it may take a while to find your perfect fit. I had this one for years before I actually appreciated the proportions and realized how to wear it :D now I can't imagine ever parting with it!
How does your style change for different work environments or for activities outside of work, if at all?
Like everyone else, I have spent more time in comfy sweats over the last year than perhaps ever before (and also - purchased more loungewear than I ever have) but recently, I have really gotten interested in perfecting the street style/athleisure aesthetic.
I'm not saying I always try to look cute when I'm at home (*insert a photo of the trash I am wearing rn*) but if there's a possibility of running an errand, walking my dogs, or going to an appointment, I love to step it up a bit, but still feel comfortable. These joggers have changed my life and I would wear them every day, I also love a baseball cap, a cropped sweatshirt or tee (love these ones from Target) and my Stan Smiths or Vans, or if I'm feeling it, some kind of slide or flat.
My work days are so flexible and all over the place these days that there's always a combination of work and personal happening. My typical weekend looks fall in line here as well - whether we're going on a bike ride, hosting a dog playdate in the backyard, or going to Costco - you'll find me in athleisure!
How did the pandemic change your style or how you approach your work wardrobe, if at all?
I think the combination of pandemic + transitioning careers has made my style overall a lot more casual. My chances to "get dressed up" are a lot more infrequent these days (I'm sure everyone can relate!) so I relish any opportunity to put on a dress and heels (or fancy crop top + trousers, you know.) I think even more, it's affected my shopping - nowadays I find myself critically asking the question "how wearable is this item for my current lifestyle?" It just makes more sense for me to purchase items that are maybe less "exciting" but more wearable for my daily life, as opposed to a stand-out piece I won't wear as much.
What is one of your top brands/retailers for workwear?
I really go through phases, but the places I continually cycle through are - LOFT, Target, Zara, Madewell, J.Crew, H&M, and Uniqlo. If money were no object and I could live in a swimsuit/resortwear - I love every single thing that Mara Hoffman does!!
What's the number one item you'd recommend to someone just starting to build their workwear wardrobe?
Not to be that person, but there really isn't a "one size fits all" answer to this question! Especially as the workforce shifts remote, and, more casual (unless you work at like, a bank) I think it's important to find items that fit into your personal style and are appropriate for your workplace.
To answer the question you asked :) I would say, a pair of black pants. Now, whether those are joggers, jeans, tuxedo trousers, or structured leggings and whether they are skinny, high-waisted, flared, or cropped depends on your job and body type.
As a personal example - I have two pairs of ponte knit leggings from Zara that I have worn more times than I can count, in every situation imaginable. I got them tailored to hit right above my ankle, and they look just as good with a blouse & heels for the office (the thicker material makes them look like "real pants") or paired with a denim jacket and kicks for a more casual work outfit that takes you straight to Happy Hour (this is where the "Moto style" pair really shines.)
What advice do you have for young professionals/women in general or for those that may be interested in your field specifically?
Ooh, this is taking me back to my recruiting days! One thing I used to say when speaking to college students or whoever is - never burn a bridge. That, and - pay attention to the things you actually enjoy doing and feel that you are good at, regardless of the title, company, or industry they may be attached to. This will keep you open to so many opportunities, and hopefully, work that is actually fulfilling and enjoyable. You might surprise yourself and end up in an industry you never dreamed of!
Thank you sooo much for being a part of the series and sharing your insights and advice, Priya! Be sure to follow her blog and YouTube channel and stay tuned for more in the Working Woman Style series!