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    1. Fashion

    I Work Remote—What I Packed for a Business-Casual Professional Conference

    I may be out of the office loop, but these three work outfits stepped up.

    Mecca James-Williams's avatar
    By Mecca James-Williams
    Published 18 December 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Mecca James-Williams wearing a work outfit at a professional conference
    (Image credit: Mecca James-Williams)
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    This year has been full of home office work, Zoom-from-the-waist-up meetings, and in-the-field market appointments here in Jamaica. (Gone are the days of getting up early for work, putting on a full outfit, and running out the door to catch my 8:30 train to the office.) Most of it was spent figuring out how to launch an international business, which involves a decent amount of travel. That has made my work wardrobe lean quite casual. I rarely pulled out a polished look unless it was for a special occasion. Still, I revel in any moment to get dressed and feel like the businesswoman I'm growing to be.

    This past month, I was chosen to be part of a leadership fellowship for Debra Lee's Leading Women Defined. Twenty-five women, including myself, attended a jam-packed leadership conference in LA that included everything from community building to panels packed with executives. We grew in professionally and personally, and created connections to last a lifetime. And when it came to getting dressed each day, I knew I needed to dust off some of my favorite workwear pieces—plus add a few special items to the mix—to feel as special as the weekend itself.

    Below are three easy workwear looks I put together from my closet before and during my time at the conference.

    A Silky Set

    Mecca James-Williams wearing a work outfit to a professional conference

    (Image credit: Mecca James-Williams)

    This satin red set from Argent was the perfect day-to-night look. During panels, wearing these pieces with a blazer (also from the brand) felt effortless and professional. I took off the jacket in the evening for a chic, easy-going ensemble that transitioned seamlessly into dinner and networking events. I paired it with monochromatic pumps that complemented the rich red tone without competing for attention.

    Argent top

    Argent
    Tank
    $165
    SHOP NOW

    Argent

    Argent
    Bias Midi Skirt
    $265
    SHOP NOW

    Argent

    Argent
    Chelsea Blazer
    $495
    SHOP NOW

    Prada Satin Pumps

    Prada
    Satin Pumps
    $1150
    SHOP NOW

    A Versatile Blouse With Business-Casual Denim

    Mecca James-Williams wearing a work outfit at a professional conference

    (Image credit: Mecca James-Williams)

    This wrap top from Monse is my favorite business top. It's cropped to perfectly accentuate the waist, but still feels professional. I paired it with a high-waisted denim skirt and my Prada pumps. I love incorporating denim into my work wardrobe, and a skirt made this look feel elevated yet still business-casual.

    Monse Striped Long-Sleeved Wrap Cropped Shirt

    Monse
    Striped Long-Sleeved Wrap Cropped Shirt
    $750
    SHOP NOW

    Madewell Flared Denim Midi Skirt in Rinse Wash

    Madewell
    Flared Denim Midi Skirt in Rinse Wash
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    A Colorful Trouser With a Knit Top

    Mecca James-Williams wearing a work outfit to a professional conference

    (Image credit: Mecca James-Williams)

    I love infusing bold color into anything I wear. I paired these easy single-pleat trousers from Argent with the perfect vintage Missoni striped knit. It felt bold and special without oversaturating my look.

    Argent Single Pleat Trouser

    Argent
    Single Pleat Trouser
    $295
    SHOP NOW

    Missoni Striped Knitted T-shirt

    Missoni
    Striped Knitted T-shirt
    $657$368
    SHOP NOW

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    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Mecca James-Williams
    Mecca James-Williams
    Social Links Navigation
    Contributing Editor

    Mecca James-Williams is a New York-based Creative and Stylist with a vast portfolio in content creation, styling, and creative direction. She writes the popular Substack Sweet Like Jam.

    Read more
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