There’s no hard and fast rule that says a chic, polished ensemble can’t be born from a thrifted piece! In an effort to spend money wisely and to fill my closet with pieces that will last through many seasons and be worn regularly, I’ve taken to browsing local thrift stores and consignment websites. I don’t always discover a gem, but when I do I strive to incorporate it into my wardrobe as much as possible!

I stumbled across this fun faux leather pleated skirt a few months ago, and I couldn’t believe my good fortune to find a J. Crew piece in like-new condition for more than 50% off the retail price. Obviously, I snatched it up and it’s now become a part of my outfit “recipe” for keynote speaking sessions and any work event where I want to look professional, put together, yet still showcase a bit of flair and personality.

You might not originally think that faux leather falls into the “professional clothing” category, but I think it works well within the creative community. Plus, the lovely pleats and knee-length hemline elevate this from date night to conference-worthy in a flash!

Paired with a simple white blouse in a silky fabric, my favorite gold statement necklace, and a pair of past season Aldo heels, this is a look that makes me feel confident and capable of owning a stage wherever I go. On top of that, the sturdy fabric of this skirt and it’s defined waistline make it easy to clip on the battery pack of a lapel microphone — a concern that absolutely has to be considered when you’re putting together an outfit for a speaking engagement!

For travel purposes, I love that this entire outfit folds down easily and takes up minimal space in my suitcase, and each item is wrinkle resistant on top of that. In cooler temps, I can simply throw on a cardigan, and should I want to make this look a bit more casual I can swap out the heels for pointed toe flats.

When traveling light and working with a travel capsule wardrobe, it’s important to be able to reuse as many pieces in different ways in order to save space in your bag. I’ve found that sticking with a classic color palette like white, black, brown, and other neutral shades can increase your options and ensure that each piece can be worn in at least one additional way. Although this simple white blouse works well as part of my keynote outfit, I can make a few thoughtful updates and transition into a look that’s more appropriate for attending a conference or workshop, too!

In fact, join me next week as I showcase what my go-to ensemble for attending a conference or workshop is. You just might see this little white blouse pop up again!