I’m so stoked to welcome Elizabeth Barajas to share her take on a “Survivalist’s Guide to Fashion.” Back in the days when we were single and childless, Elizabeth and I would romp around Florida beaches and down Orange Street with the latest outfit we could squeeze on in our price range. Today Liz and I are both lawyers and both busy mothers living totally different lives with similar survival techniques. The vibe in Denver, Colorado, Liz’s current stomping ground, is often chill and laid back. With Liz’s busy and beautiful life, I wanted to hear her tips for getting through her week as an Assistant District Attorney, a mom, and what practical fashion tips she had to give when prioritizing comfort, versatility, and being a new mom. From our wild single times to the jungle that is motherhood, Elizabeth has confidently shown her ability to not only survive in any environment, but to thrive and look good while doing it. Enjoy!

As I prepared looks for this blog, I asked myself to identify themes in what I choose to wear for work. Yes, choose. It’s always a choice. Sure, there isn’t always isn’t a lot of time to plan, to coordinate – I have lunches to prepare, beds to make, and laundry to load. Oh, and coffee to make. Lots and lots of coffee. I would be lying if I said I don’t sometimes grab the first shirt/pants that are ½ folded, falling out of the closet, and move on with my morning.

But still, I always choose, and thankfully it’s a generally easy task. When I looked at my wardrobe to help identify “looks”, all addressed these needs well:

1) Comfort- this is necessary. If it itches, is too short or tight, I’m not wearing it (to work or elsewhere). After all, it is still Colorado, where we wear Birkenstocks into work and around our office:)

2) Weather appropriate- Colorado weather can swing massively in one day, so being able to layer with the outfit is super important- I have worn all these outfits and thrown on a sweater or tights and made it work for a massive snow storm in the afternoon. Wait, you don’t have a snow shovel handglove in your purse?! Yea, me neither……

3) Breastfeeding-accommodating- this probably goes without saying, but this just matters. No one wants to completely derobe 3-4 times/day, so items that allow for easy “access” are vital.

From Dockets to Drinks

I love this look for many reasons. One, it's simple. Nothing needs ironing or special “care”—it’s very much grab and go, business casual, at its best. I like that it combines modern, minimalist look with traditional and textured look of the skirt. Shirt is light, flowing, not figure hugging but flattering, and sits nicely if I have to throw a blazer on top for the courtroom. The skirt is hip hugging, but still courtroom appropriate, and is lined. It also can be modified to work for a trial to witness prep -- it's not pretentious and stiff. My favorite is the shoes. I love the shoes because they dress up or down this outfit, and provide a little touch of edge – they just exude BOSS to me. The heel isn't outrageous, making the bootie wearable throughout the day and into happy hour.

A Fierce Career Requires Fire Fits

Having a baby can do a number on your self-esteem, and will swiftly force you to re-evaluate your wardrobe for what "works" and "doesn't work", especially when coming back into the office after a pandemic! This dress is the exception. Whether I'm hiding some postpartum weight or just trying to get comfortable under fluorescent lights for the first time in 18 months, I always feel feminine and put together when I wear this dress. Like so much of what I wear, I enjoy it because it moves well when I walk, doesn’t bunch in weird places, and sits nicely on the hips. Also…..it has pockets. I think it transitions really well from spring/summer to fall/winter given its neutral color. Also, for the breastpumping mom like myself, this dress is a full button-down style, which allows the flexibility of pumping while sending emails at my desk. Truly, it’s a great canvas – throw a cardigan and some boots, a wedge sandal and a flowing hat, or chunky jewelry, and this dress will bring it together every time.

Bring the LBD to Work

I love the femininity that comes out when I wear this dress. Let’s face it, criminal law and prosecution specifically feels tense and uptight and all-around “Type A” a LOT of the day. It can be a stiff and thankless job that can be mentally exhausting. I like this look because, while subtle and formal, it’s fun. And light. And non-traditional. It reminds me it’s possible (and OK) to feel pretty and also kickass at our jobs, at the same time. I think the mid-calf length also is super flattering. I tend to wear black a lot (not just at work) and this look feels “safe” for me. The pops of color are subtle, and the sheer overlay is comfortable and classy. I like to pair with a brighter shoe to pull out the pops of color. Without a doubt, it's hard to bring a feminine/flowy look to work as a trial attorney, and this gets you there. It also is cute with leather boots in the fall/winter.