Coastal Office style - outfits I've worn to work in seaside - 30A Mama™

Jami Ray What to Wear in Seaside Office Outfits brown polka dot draper James

Shop the Look: brown polka dot dress | tote bag | curling iron

Working in Seaside means my wardrobe has to balance more than just style. My goal each day is to look professional, even while most people in town are here on vacation. As much as I’d love to show up in a swim coverup or flip flops for work, I like to look a bit more put together for my role as a destination marketer in Seaside.

As a longtime 30A local—25 years and counting!—I’ve made a career sharing the little towns that dot our coast and documenting the lifestyle that comes with it. From marketing the destination to building local brands to sharing my personal style and family travels, I’ve had my hand in a variety of projects along the way. I love that my work life comes with a backdrop of charming pastel cottages, white picket fences, iconic t-shirts and details that remind me why so many save up all year to spend a week in a place that I’m lucky enough to experience daily.

Now in my 40s and balancing life as a working mom of two, my wardrobe has evolved to blend professional polish with effortless resort style.

Typical work days might be something like emailing and office hours or strategy sessions and video calls or touring media or partners from out of town. The Florida heat and humidity make smart fabrics and silhouettes non-negotiable, but I’m usually indoors for the most part and love dresses, trousers and matching sets. While I can appreciate a neutral, I also go for more pastel pops of color alongside classic, coastal-inspired pieces that reflect the laid-back aesthetic of 30A. My closet is a mix of lightly tailored-looking pieces and flowy silhouettes, sun-bleached shades like aqua, blue, white, blush or butter, and patterns like a soft floral or a classic stripe. I like linen, cottons and a sprinkle of feminine details that mix affordable fashion with designer pieces that stand the test of time. In other words, professional doesn’t have to mean boring and colorful doesn’t have to look chaotic.

Whether you’re working in a relaxed business setting, scrolling for summer office style, running from meetings to after-school pickups, or just want to bring a little seaside sophistication to your day, I’m sharing my recent coastal office outfit formulas. You’ll see lightweight blazers and tailored shorts to preppy shirt dresses and elevated sandals, these looks are polished yet practical. When you’re marketing paradise (or want to feel that you are), you’ve got to dress the part.

Here are some of my recent looks are girly but office appropriate.

30A Mama Jami Ray work wear Amazon find Cicy Bell

Amazon Cicy Bell top | mint trousers | Gucci belt (similar to mine) | Aurate peridot tennis bracelet | sheer pointy toe kitten heels

Jami Ray What to Wear in Seaside Office Outfits-1

I wore this suit to an out-of-market industry event in Nashville a few months back and have worn the pants and blazer separately since then, but this was the first time I brought back the full look for a quarterly meeting I was speaking in. The powder blue in a power suit is a combo that makes this one of my favorite looks in my closet. Truly, it is SUCH a vibe. Kind of amazing what a suit can do for your inner voice and confidence.