Two Ways: Styling a Draped Blouse for Work

One of my wardrobe themes is choosing pieces that are basics with something extra.  A draped blouse takes a standard layering piece and gives a bit more.  Here are two ways to style it for the office, whether your workplace is casual or formal dress.

The Blouse // This draped crossover blouse from Mango runs sizes 0-20.  You can tuck it into pants or a skirt with ease.  This one from Nordstrom has a slightly less dramatic neckline.  If you’re concerned about it staying closed, a bodysuit will fit closer to the body.  For the highest level of modesty, try this high-neck crossover blouse.

Like this blouse but don’t like the deep neckline?  There are two solutions.  My friends at My Sister Made Me Buy It love this micro-stitch gun that lets you tailor your clothes with a single, well-place stitch.  It’s a temporary fix, but no more gaping blouses or showy dresses.  The second solution is a tank.  Instead of a standard nude camisole, try this mesh trim v-neck shell that complements the neckline with a bit of lightness.  Spanx also makes a similar style in a camisole.

For a Professional Office // A navy suit is the foundation of most warm weather professional wardrobes.  But it can also be a snooze.  So why not try a different blue hue?  Something with a little more pizzazz.

This Reiss double-breasted blazer and wide leg pants comes in a bright blue that still falls toward navy.  For something lighter, Hobbs has a delicious dusky blue suit.  Need something more affordable?  Halogen has a single-breasted blazer with wide leg pants comes in a soft blue.

Because the buttons on this suit are black, the accessories should be on the dark side.  These Cole Haan block heels are extraordinarily comfortable.  Add in the Kate Spade satchel (on deep discount) and you’re ready for court or a job interview.  I finished out the look with a dark pearl earring because it feels more posh than an enamel hoop.

This outfit is dark, so you’re makeup should be fresh and light, but no pink.  It won’t play well with the other colors.  Try a plum blush a more neutral lip.

For a Casual Office // This spring, color is on the menu — from pastel pink to bright green and our friend orange.  This COS cardigan has a bright color and a slightly-popped neckline (which I really like).  For something under-$50, try this v-neck cardigan from Yoox.  Plus-size?  Yoox also has a cardigan in that range.

I would be lying if I said the 90s girl in me isn’t excited that wide leg jeans are back.  These soft, chambray ones from J.Crew give me such a warm feeling of nostalgia.  I bought them instantly.

For the shoes, I wanted a gold accented sneakers and these Adidas are perfect.  I like the gold extras because they give the sneaker a little class.  If you want something even more unique, this pair from Vintage Havana, they’re a riot.

As for the rest of the accessories, I loved this Mango bucket bag when I put it up last week, so I brought it back for an encore.  If you’re looking for a weekend bag and are thinking about a crossbody, snap this one up instead.  You’ll be glad you did. Finish out the look with these Madewell hoops in a unique shape.

While pink is off limits with the outfit above, it’ll bring out the best in this bright orange if it has a hint of brightness.  Try this Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Gloss, it’s an oldie but a goodie.

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