Fashion
7 Ways to Channel Summer Music Festivals at Your Day Job
Unfortunately, being all grown-up means we can't spend the entire summer rocking out to Björk, wearing flowers in our hair, day drinking, and trying to make sure we're popping Advil and not Ecstasy tablets. As you slouch back to your desk, here are seven ways to be a little more Janis Joplin and a little less Michael Scott.
We're moccasin-deep in music festivals
Unfortunately, being all grown-up means we can't spend the entire summer rocking out to Björk, wearing flowers in our hair, day drinking, and trying to make sure we're popping Advil and not Ecstasy tablets. As you slouch back to your desk, here are seven ways to be a little more Janis Joplin and a little less Michael Scott.
Flower Crown → Flower Arrangements
Unless you work at Free People HQ, a crown of fresh flowers may not be the best way to impress your stodgy boss with your interpersonal skills. But before your blooms fade away, separate the individual flowers and place into recycled glass bottles. Position around your computer and get all zen about emails.
Bellbottoms → Maxi Skirts
You swayed to live music in your mud-splattered bellbottoms all weekend, but come Monday, swap them out for a floor-grazing maxi skirt. Same flowy vibe; won't connote Vietnam protests to your aggressively Boomer CEO.
Image: Maegan Tintari on flickr
Crop Top → Sundress
One of life's minor indignities is that summer heat waits for no 9 to 5. You can frolic outdoors in a breezy crop top, but you gotta cover it up at the office, even if it is 101 degrees outside. Keep your cool and your paycheck with a whisper-thin sundress and a linen scarf flung around your shoulders.
Crazy Patterns → Crazy Nails
Depending on how conservative your work environment is, pattern mixing may be a little too much for the old guard to handle. If you think your HR department might collectively faint at the sight of your Navajo-print maxi skirt paired with a vintage plaid button down, then channel all that design energy into some seriously crazy nails. Nail polish stickers are the easiest way to get crisp, clean patterns. Just keep your nails short to avoid clacking away at the keyboard.
Fringe Shorts → Fringe Bag
Fringed leather short-shorts are a great way to get featured on Refinery 29's Pitchfork fashion slideshow, and an easy way to lose your investment banking gig. But a slouchy leather bag with fringe worthy of Stevie Nicks? You can fit in your laptop and essential oils for aromatherapy lunch breaks.
Image: Housing Works Thrift Shops on flickr
Crochet Bikini → Major Necklaces
You've seen those divas at Coachella, looking straight out of an acid flashback: sunkissed hair, crocheted bikini top, patchouli smoke coming out of their ears. Create the same, um, visual interest with a series of textured necklaces; think fringe, beads, brass, and stones (not jewels).
Live Music → Workday Playlist
Remember that awesome new band you overheard playing a tiny set on the stage behind the trash cans? The 90's girl group that's still touring? The headlining group's amazing cover of "Wonderwall"? Download everything you heard and loved, pair with some new tunes that you'd like to check out, and make a 'til-the-weekend-comes playlist. Just don't forget a pair of headphones, ya crazy beatnik.
