I often see women shy away from cute dresses because they don’t know how they would wear them to work and feel guilty about splurging on a piece they believe they can only wear on date night or to the occasional special event.  As someone who shops on a budget, I totally understand the sentiment behind this, but I am here to tell you that you can indulge in cute dresses and fun prints and wear them both day and night!

One of my favorite ways to tone down a dressier look or a bold pattern for work is to pair it with a neutral cardigan or blazer.  A blazer, in particular, is going to add some structure and “seriousness” to a look while serving as a great layering piece for a chilly work environment.  (You can also add a little extra fun to the look with a pinstripe or fun lining like the blazer below!)

What I especially like about wearing a non-traditional work dress during office hours is that it can easily transition into the after work hours part of your day!  Come 5 p.m. you can ditch the blazer, change your shoes and a few accessories,  grab your clutch out of your handbag and you are ready for a night out on the town.  No more planning and lugging an entirely new outfit to work with you; you can easily fit these few extra touches into a small bag that you can store in a desk drawer during the day!

Dress: Charlie Jade (summer 2012 via a Roka gift card) / Blazer: Gap (summer 2012; major clearance find! Similar style) / Shoes: Halogen via Last Chance  (spring 2012; similar style) / Bag: Marc Jacobs via Last Chance (spring 2012) / Belt: J.Crew (fall 2011; similar style) / Necklace: Kate Spade (fall 2011; sample sale find! Similar style) / Ring: Kate Spade (spring 2012; similar style) / Bracelets: Kate Spade (spring 2012), Forever 21 (spring 2012), and Loft (spring 2012; similar style) / Watch: Michael Kors via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)

Dress: Charlie Jade (summer 2012 via a Roka gift card) / Shoes: Nine West via Last Chance  (spring 2012) / Clutch: Hobo via Last Chance (summer 2011; similar style) / Belt: J.Crew (fall 2011; similar style) / Earrings: Loft (spring 2012; similar style) / Ring: Kate Spade (spring 2012; similar style) / Bracelets: Kate Spade (spring 2012), Forever 21 (spring 2012), and Loft (spring 2012; similar style) / Watch: Michael Kors via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)