Balzac et les fleurs d'été : Madewell and Balzac Paris make for the perfect summer-casual work outfit!

Since starting my new job as head librarian, I have felt the need to update my look a bit. I wear longer skirts and dresses, more tailored tops, and way less makeup. Except for that last point, I never wore anything too far in the other direction. But! I find myself saying goodbye to the days of jeans, leggings and anything sweatshirt material. I ended up finding my new wardrobe more comfortable and more me than anything I'd worn before, but it's still a big change from college-me who lived in fandom t-shirts and cut off shorts over tights and leather leggings galore!

This outfit right here is actually a bit of a mix between my past-comfy and current-comfy! It's a bit shorter than my more recent purchases, but I think it still feels profesh thanks to the long sleeves, subtle tailoring around the v-neck and the waist. I picked it up on sale at Madewell last spring and feel like the green really brings out the color of my eyes! In addition to going super well with the flowers on the dress, these sunwashed pink suede sneakers are my favorite casual addition to an outfit. They're from my favorite French brand, Balzac Paris (video to come soon!). The velcro makes me feel like I'm in pre-k in the best possible way.

^this is what I mean when I say less makeup- hello freckles! I still love makeup, but my approach is a lot more enhancing features I love, rather than "full-glam." Plussss, I look all of 16 without any makeup on, which is not great for a professional environment. 

What are your favorite ways to mix classic and casual?