When it comes to fashion in the workplace, Kalli Roberts has a refreshing take: “I never buy anything I wouldn’t also wear outside the office”, she tells PEOPLE. This Utah-based influencer believes that personal style shouldn’t be sidelined just because you’re clocking in at a corporate job.
What You Need to Know
- Kalli Roberts is sparking conversations about bringing playful fashion into mundane office hours.
- A recent TikTok in which she flaunted a large pink and white clowncore top caught everyone’s eye.
- According to Kalli, buying fashion fitting strictly for work just clutters the closet.
Every morning, when Kalli heads to her job, she leaves the typical office style norms at the door. “I refuse to check my whimsy at the door,” she expressed in one of her vibrant TikTok videos showcasing her oversized top complete with a fun Peter Pan collar.
Rather than settle for bland button-ups, she playfully quipped, “You want me to wear a button down? Fine! Here’s my clowncore polka dot balloon top!”
Kalli identifies her personal style as a blend of “maximalist, eclectic, and polished.” Thanks to her confidence in her outfit choices, she inspires others who work in environments dominated by suits to express themselves through fashion.
Reflecting on her past job in New York, Kalli recalls how “restrictive” she felt at one point, noting that she used to suppress her individuality to fit the mold of a typical corporate professional. “That small change in how I dressed completely shifted how I showed up at work,” she shared with PEOPLE.
Now based in Salt Lake City, Kalli serves as a creative strategist for TikTok Shop associates, and she’s determined to showcase her style every day she walks into the office. “I love patterns, accessories, interesting tailoring, and all of the details that make an outfit feel unique,” she enthusiastically explains.
Looking back at some of her standout outfits shared on social media, she has rocked a soccer jersey matched with a Balenciaga city bag and denim shorts. Furthermore, she has been experimental with a blue plaid dress over jeans, providing a stark contrast to the prevalent “corporate” dress code at her workplace.
Concerning her current office dress code, Kalli observes that while coworkers don’t dress in the classic “suit and tie” manner, they favor comfortable styles like Lululemon polos and an array of sneakers. “That’s pretty much the uniform both in and out of the office where I live,” she laughs.
While she admits to feeling a bit shy about directly asking her coworkers what they think of her fashion choices, she enjoys discussing her outfit details. From her trademark Maison Margiela Tabi shoes to specific brands, she is always ready to chat about the fashion world.
Interestingly, she’s found those coworkers who appreciate fashion to become her closest allies, where meetings become a casual haven for exchanging stories about their best thrift shop discoveries.
Kalli’s approach to work outfits may be toned down compared to her everyday style. For example, she’s been seen in a flowing tiered dress, layering a quilted coat over denim for adventures, or donning a classic little black dress coupled with stylish knee-high boots.
“I like to keep a professional edge while dressing for the office, though I Freely express myself without worrying too much on weekends,” says Kalli. She reiterates, “I never buy anything I wouldn’t also wear outside the office.” The crux, she argues, is to love what you wear and not waste closet space on clothing that doesn’t spark joy.
Fashion for Kalli is more than just clothes; it symbolizes self-expression. She believes that the time devoted to styling herself should be celebrated, lending confidence and creativity that translates beautifully into her work.
“When I put effort into wearing something cool and unique, I feel cool too – and that positive vibe follows me into work,” Kalli concludes. Now, that’s what I call a fashion-forward attitude!
Discover the original article on People.
