Believe it or not, the work world is evolving. Most jobs don’t require you to wear business attire on a daily basis. However, figuring out what to wear to the office can be a bit challenging. The whole process of getting ready for the can leave you with daunting questions like “Is this appropriate?” Or “Am I too casual?” Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite office-friendly looks that will have you cozy enough to hit up a after-work happy hour and professional enough to sit in a meeting with your boss. You may even land a promotion!

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Suits + white t-shirts = my summer vibe!

A post shared by Eva Chen (@evachen212) on Jun 20, 2019 at 12:23pm PDT

When I landed my first job after college, I listened to the advice of my mother and dressed as professional as possible on the first day. When I got to the office, I was shocked to find everyone dressed so casual. I mean, my colleagues literally had on sneakers – some even wore flip flops!

While their choice of attire made the culture appear a bit more welcoming and comfortable, it left me feeling a bit anxious about my own work wardrobe. As most people know, working in magazines can come with an underlying pressure to always look your chicest. I was, of course, willing to take on the task as I live for building wardrobes and don’t really need a reason to go shopping. However, I understand that not everyone feels the same. 

If you’re looking to freshen up your work wardrobe, or even add to it, these are my suggestions. 

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Ugh, do I just get both and wear one each just like I did with my #OldCeline? 🙈

A post shared by Aimee Song (@aimeesong) on Jul 11, 2019 at 6:19am PDT

1. A Blazer 

I know, I know – I thought we said blazers were a thing of the past? While that may be true, they’ve been given a second shot at life and you don’t want to miss this trend. Instead of pairing your blazer with slacks, try wearing the piece with ripped denim jeans or a pleated skirt. Spice things up by shopping for blazers in bold colors like pinks and yellows. My go-to look is the pink blazer I purchased from Zara paired with light-wash blue jeans and my white Nike Air Force 1s. The look is sophisticated yet still very calm.

2. A Show-Stopping Belt 

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize. Find a statement belt that you can pair with jeans to really dress up the look. You can even wear the belt around a maxi skirt with mules.

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The Summer mule 🖤

A post shared by Rosie HW (@rosiehw) on Jul 1, 2019 at 1:20pm PDT

3. Vibrant Shoes 

Just because you’re at work, doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Make a statement in pair of metallic platform sneakers or an orange pair of mules. These looks can pair well with a denim on denim look or an oversized blouse and jeans. 

4. A Reliable Tote 

If you’re like me, you carry your laptop to and from the office. Why not do it in style? For my work bag I chose a metallic piece from French Connection. It was affordable, durable and pretty stylish. Don’t worry about it not matching your looks each day – it’s meant to stand alone. 

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🍊

A post shared by Claire Rose Cliteur (@clairerose) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:01am PDT

5. Timeless Bottoms 

I used to hate repeating outfits, but that changed once I got a job and couldn’t afford to buy multiple outfits with each check. Because of this I learned how to repeat in ways that made it seem as if I was wearing something brand new. One day I’d wear my favorite Zara red and black pleated skirt with a white t-shirt and mules and on other days I’d pair it with a blazer and sneakers. It’s all about switching it up and trying something new. 

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Where’s a scooter when you need one? 🛴

A post shared by Olivia Palermo (@oliviapalermo) on Jul 23, 2019 at 7:35am PDT

Growing up, I rarely saw a reflection of myself in beauty industry ads. I found it discouraging that most of the products I used were created by people who didn’t look like me or understand me. 

Like many women of color, one of my first memories with makeup wasn’t exactly a happy one. I was a junior in college at Howard University and had decided it was time to buy my own foundation. Before college, I attended an all-girls high school in New Orleans and I rarely wore makeup. If I did, it was for a special occasion and it was something my  mom had picked out for me. 

So, I walked into Sephora, beaming with confidence. I told the consultant I needed help finding my shade in foundation and that I had worn NARS and Bobbi Brown in the past. She began testing different colors from different brands on my hand. They were all wrong – I mean all wrong. Some were too dark, too light and just not right. She ended up convincing me that we had found my match and I went home ready to slay my face. When I painted on my new foundation, I looked in the mirror and was horrified. I thought to myself, how could she possibly think this was my shade? I looked as though I had dipped my face in caramel mixed with sriracha sauce. I returned to Sephora three more times before finally finding my color — NARS Tahoe Medium Dark 2 to be exact. It was in that moment that I truly felt something had to change. 

Fast forward to 2019, more and more people of color are launching brands for people of color. It’s about time. 

So this seemed like the perfect moment to take a deep dive and research just how far the beauty industry has come in the past decade, and quite honestly I was shocked by the progress.

Not only have brands like NARS and MAC introduced a plethora of additional foundation and concealer shades, but entrepreneurial black women have demanded their seat at the table and have launched their own lines that directly cater to WOC’s needs. In the Hinted list attached here, you’ll find my favorite products that I swear by and some brands that I recently discovered. The selections are perfect for summer. By the time you try these, you’ll be praising your melanin — because beauty should make you feel more comfortable in your skin, not convince you to fit into someone else’s idea of what “natural” looks like.

FENTY BEAUTY

Rihanna truly changed the game when she announced she was coming out with a makeup line. The original PROFILTR foundation launch included an unprecedented 40 shades and has since expanded to 50. According to Fenty Beauty’s website, the singer was inspired to step into the makeup world after “seeing a void in the industry for products that performed across all skin types and tones.” She filled this void by launching Fenty “so that women everywhere would be included.” 

My Picks

I fell in love with lip gloss at an early age and have remained a fan. However, I find it so hard to find a simple clear gloss, so when Rihanna came out with Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm I was sold. The product not only hydrates and nourishes my lips but it gives me a natural shine. 

I recently have become obsessed with highlighter. The look of being sun-kissed and glowing just makes me feel so confident. Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava allows me to translate the radiance of my face highlighter to my entire body. While I don’t use this everyday, it definitely enhances all of my vacation looks or night out ensembles. 

KNC BEAUTY 

Kristen Crawley is the definition of a girlboss. She’s a mom, wife, jewelry designer, influencer and beauty icon. 

She started her brand with just lip masks, which soon took over.

“Our lips are the most neglected part of our face when it comes to beauty,” Crawley told Violet Grey.  The simple soft pink mask doesn’t require a lot of effort and can be applied while in an Uber or right before bed. The success of the beauty hack has propelled her to launch more products — the eye mask. 

My Pick:

The Star Eye mask is ideal if you’re trying to reduce puffiness, bags, or overall stress put on your eyes due to work and other stressors. Just like the lip mask, the eye mask can easily be put on before a big night out or right before a quick power nap. 

PAT McGRATH LABS

All hail Queen Pat. If you haven’t heard of this makeup legend by now then you’re doing something wrong. She is most known for her editorial makeup looks, creating concepts for Fashion weeks across the globe, magazine covers and more. 

Her brand, Pat McGrath Labs is now valued at $1 billion after only 3 years, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

My Pick:

The further I get into adulthood, the more daring I am with my looks. I am loving McGrath’s Mothership Subliminal Palette as it comes in fun shades like electric blue. 

Robyn Merrett lives in LA and serves as Hinted’s Contributing Fashion Editor.

Beauty Secrets You Need Now:

Discover the new line designed to give women here the same gorgeous skin that you see on the beaches of Brazil.

This past Friday, the Hinted team was invited to Francisco Costa’s apartment to preview his new beauty line, Costa Brazil. Stepping off the elevator we were greeted by a floor to ceiling wall of living plants, an easy clue as to Costa’s love of being immersed in nature.  The minimalist decor is a stark contrast to his exotic plants and Brazilian art. A lovely earthy smell emanated from a ceramic tray.

After serving us a delicious homemade lunch of hummus and a kale salad, Costa explained the driving force behind his new beauty line Costa Brazil, which he launched after years of leading Calvin Klein’s fashion house,  was a decision to bring the beauty secrets of Brazil to the rest of the world.

Costa just launched the beginnings of a beauty empire. Every product is emade from ingredients found only in the Amazon jungle. Costa spoke of his inspiration and excitement after visiting the Amazon and discovering rare botanicals from the jungle that have healing properties. These became the trinity of miracle ingredients that make up his oils and candle, Cacay, Kaya and Breu Branco.

• Cacay, an oil referred to as ‘Amazonian Gold,’ boasts 50% more Vitamin E than argan oil, as well as Omegas 3, 6 and 9.
• Kaya is derived from the Sapucaia Tree and packed with antioxidants, minerals and micronutrients.
• Breu Branco, a resin considered sacred by the Yawanawá tribe, has cleansing powers and is used in their rituals. As Costa described the special properties of Breu, he lit a morsel of the white resin and passed it around for each of us to hold and experience. The resin ignited and flashed in a sparking way, emitting a fragrant smoke that invigorates the whole body. Lighting the resin feels meditative and intentional. It’s earthy, sensual and calming, and one gets the idea that beauty to Costa, is more than skin deep.

All four of the products currently sold by Costa Brazil are infused with these three miracle ingredients. We tried them all: The face and body oils sink effortlessly into the skin, and trap moisturize all day long.The body oil can also be used in hair to smooth and add scent.The oils contain not only the Breu but also antimicrobial ingredients such as tea tree oil keep skin blemish-free. The candle carries the same serene earthy fragrance of Breu, and the 100% plant-based ingredients mean you don’t have to worry about releasing harmful chemicals and carcinogens into your home.

Burning the Breu resin is a full body experience, which leaves your home smelling incredible and your mind clear. The Breu and candle are both housed in strikingly beautiful silver tins, which are engraved with Costa Brazil’s slogan ‘Brilhe Na Natureza‘ (translated: Shine in Nature). After finishing your products, the brand encourages you to reuse this tin, just one small effort in the brand’s sustainable identity.

All ingredients are certified Fair Trade and wild-harvested, so no trees are harmed in the process of sourcing. Additionally, Costa Brazil is vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist tested and the products contain no parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, gluten or glycols. In every aspect of sourcing, packaging, and charity work, it is clear the reverence Costa has for both the Amazon forest as well as the Earth. It is one thing to develop a line of beautiful objects, but what Costa has created is so much more than that: His brand is entirely sustainable, his products are effective and he proudly pays homage to his home country.

We want to add: Thank you, Francisco, for opening your home to us and giving us a preview of your incredible collection. We were honored to experience the meaningful products and support a brand that is so eco-forward.