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Bringing Pretty Back, Part II

Apr 15, 2010

On Tuesday, we talked about how to integrate pretty into your work wardrobe by selecting high heels with decorative details, bright colors and fun prints.  Today, we’re going to focus our attention on blouses that are work appropriate but have pretty feminine details.  The trick to keeping these flirty tops professional is to pair them with sleek separates and simple suits.  We’re looking for a soupcon of pretty not a deluge.

Beyond Vintage Flower Lace Top (Piperlime, $198)

 I adore lace, it is the ultimate in pretty.  This lace blouse is so light and airy that it looks to casual for work, but pair it with a high waist tulip or pencil skirt and gold accessories for a feminine work style.  You could also wear it over jeans with a braided brown belt on a casual day.

Elizabeth & James Polka Dot Shirt (ShopBop, $245)

 Sheer blouses in dark colors are a great way to add a dose of sexy to your work wardrobe.  Pair a sheer blouse with a coordinating tank underneath and basic black slacks or a black pencil.  Here, I chose a dotted blouse in a loose, menswear inspired silhouette because these cuts enhance femininity when worn with bouncy waves and soft makeup.

Danella Sequined Tank (Net-a-Porter, $335)

 Wear sequins to work? You can if you know what you’re doing.

First, locate a simple chiffon bow-blouse in candlelight white.  Then, layer the the sleeveless sequin tank over it.  You can wear this look with a navy or black business suit and minimal accessories.  Because when you are wearing something this bold, you want to keep everything else subtle.

Pitter Patter Blouse (Anthropologie, $98)

 This blouse is a bit more muted than the rest of the pieces in the lineup, but it is no less pretty.  The soft colors and bird print is sweet but not overwhelmingly saccharine.  Because I like monochromatic looks, I would pair this top with a grey pants suit and a bold yellow or green necklace.

Milly Ivy Chiffon Top (Nordstrom, $265)

This bright summer print is the perfect blouse to wear to a casual summer dinner with white denim just like the model, but this same blouse could be work to work with the right separates.  This top would look lovely with a white or navy business suit.  You could also tuck it into a beige pencil skirt and pair it with coordinating cardigan in a similar pinky hue.  Add nude heels and you’ll have a chic and playful outfit for work.

As former-blogger Johanna Cox used to say, “A Serious Job is No Excuse” for ignoring your femininity and sense of style.  Soft fabrics, flirty prints, delicate textures and fun colors are an easy way to keep your wardrobe pretty and girly.  If you like that sort of thing.

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