Business Casual: Trousers and Lace

Apr 28, 2011

 

Polyvore Set Found Here.

I don’t wear pants very often, simply because I find skirts and dresses more forgiving, but when I do, I like a wide leg trouser.  No skinny, pinching, straight leg pants for me.  These black trousers are incredibly forgiving, and if you want to make your legs look longer, wear them with a pair of point-toe flats/pumps/wedges.

If you want to wear pants, you need to wear a nice blouse.  I greatly prefer it to a cami and cardi combo.  A long silk blouse or a wrap sweater would be nice, but here, I’ve chosen a short-sleeved lace number.  As long as the shirt has a sleeve, you don’t need a cover up.

Because the blouse is so intricate, you can skip the necklace and wear a set of bangles instead.  These mixed media bracelets give you a little bit of color and some nice texture.  Add a simple, gold drop earring or stud to complete the look.

Business casual lesson number three: If you’re going to skip the cardigan or jacket, choose a structured blouse in a dressy fabric.

Casual Style

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  1. A says:

    Love it!

  2. Rory says:

    I adore this outfit! However, as someone who is apple shaped, dresses and skirts are usually VERY unflattering on me. I actually just bought my first dress in years two days ago (a maxi).

  3. terri says:

    This is a great approach to the infatuation that is lace. The wide leg trouser is always my go pant. Five pounds up or down, no matter. And…really like the purse and earrings too. I can hear that paycheck flying out the wallet.

  4. dm58 says:

    I am not purchasing that shoe in nude for summer.
    I am half a heartbeat away from purchasing the pants as well.
    I don't know whether to thank you or curse you for these suggestions, Belle!

  5. dm58 says:

    oops – that was supposed to say “I am NOW purchasing that shoe in nude”!!!

  6. Jessica says:

    Belle,

    thank you so much for “business casual week”!! I work in a more casual office and always feel like wearing a full suit I'd look like I'm playing dress-up, it just feels like a little much. These were great suggestions and outfits! Such good advice.

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