Top: Picket Silk Tee (Madewell, $89)
From the Left, Earrings: Kenneth Cole Hoops ($26) Ring: Faux Emerald Ring ($61) Bag: Rose Tote ($175) Shoes: Sacha Nadira Shoe ($120) Blazer: Sandro Virgule Jacket ($450) Skirt: Pencil Skirt ($70)
From the Right, Bracelet: Lapis Lazuli Bracelet ($78) Purse: Tory Burch Shoulder Bag ($325) Shoe: Banji Sandal ($118) Sweater: Gucci Cardigan ($895) Jeans: AE Skinnies ($40)
For the Office. First off, let me say, that for the vast majority of purchasers, this top will need alterations. Like nearly every piece of off-the-rack clothing ever made. It may need to come up in the shoulder, or in at that waist, or up in the sleeve. So when you put it on, instead of saying, “Ugh, it doesn’t fit,” take it to a tailor and see what it would cost to make it fit perfectly. If it’s more than you want to spend, return it to the store. I do it all the time.
All white suits can be tricky, so I like to mix my white separates with other suiting pieces. (Just make sure they’re similar material. Cotton pants and a wool jacket can look mismatched.) Here, I mixed a navy pencil with a modern fit blazer. Add the bright, striped blouse underneath and you’ve got a light spring and summer look.
For the accessories, I chose navy pumps, but you could also go with tan or nude. I added a light brown bag that’s perfect work. And I finished the look off with gold hoops and a faux-emerald and gold ring. This outfit is young and stylish, but still professional.
For the makeup, I would recommend something neutral. No bright blushes or bold lips, just a solid natural look with plenty of mascara. For the hair, I would do a sleek ponytail or a bun placed at the back of the head (not low or to the side). But make sure you get a little lift at the crown, I don’t want your hair plastered to your head like a gymnast.
For Casual Friday. Ignore the $900 cardigan. You can’t believe how tough it is to find a v-neck cardigan in bright yellow. Not pale yellow. Not gold. Not citron. Just bright yellow. So feel free to swap this Gucci number (who knew Gucci made cardis?) for something a bit more…affordable/reasonable/not jaw dropping in a bad way.
I bought a pair of these jeans last weekend because I need knock arounds to wear to the shooting range, and I love them. They’re so comfortable. American Eagle, who knew?
I added cobalt accessories because I wanted punch, but I thought tangerine or fuchsia would be too much. Lapis is always a favorite of mine, so I’m coveting this bracelet big time. Add a matching flap bag and a cool, casual sandal and your already for casual Friday, an afternoon with the girls in Georgetown or a casual dinner date.
For the hair, I would advocate for something bouncy and soft with lots of volume. Straight or curly, dealer’s choice. For the makeup, I would play up the brightness with a hint of bronzer and pink blush. I would also use a gold eyeshadow and a brown eyeliner. And, lastly, I would avoid nail polish in any trendy hues like yellow (too obvious), mint (blech), orange (clash much?) or black (you are not a bumblebee).
Since you referenced it in your post, I'm dying to know how others manage to get “a little lift at the crown” when wearing a low ponytail. I can't seem to get it right! Thanks!
I am HUGE on American Eagle jeans. I feel like everyone is making some sort of specialty cut these days (and not a flattering cut on my runner's legs)…but American Eagle has tons of styles, cuts, and everything runs pretty true to size (at least, to my size). I don't care if I'm twice the age of some of those kids in there (oh my god…I just realized how old I'm getting), I'll go down wearing AE jeans until the tiny skinny, poorly made jeans disappear from other stores.
I love that you needed jeans to wear to the shooting range. That statement just make my day.
Just out of curiosity, do you always hate mint nails? Or just with this outfit?
I second HMB. I attempt to do the gibson after your suggestion, but I haven't found any helpful tutorials for chignons/buns/french twists. I would love some more hair posts!
KLo: I especially hate them with this outfit. Bright yellow with pastel mint, yick. But I'm ambivalent toward them otherwise.
HMG: I've been using Oribe Dry Texturizign spray. That, and some teasing give me a lot of volume. Then, I lightly gather it into a ponytail, lightly smoothing it with my fingers.
https://capitolhillstyle.squarespace.com/capitol/2012/2/21/bpgp-oribe-dry-texturizing-spray.html
I'll try to post some more hair tutorials next week. I don't have the patience to make them myself, but I'll find some that other bloggers have made that I like.
HMB – for adding volume at the roots you could try Osis+ powder. I use it as a root booster but my stylist used it once as a styling/sculpting product that I would never be able to replicate myself. You really only need a little bit dusted at the root plus a little teasing depending on how much oomph you want. Just watch out that you don't accidentally dump too much on your roots or in one spot because it does have a distinct texture/feel and it can almost feel wet if you put too much on. Overall it took me some time to figure out how to use it effectively, but it does help add some life to roots that need highlighting or a pony that needs lift.
https://www.amazon.com/Schwarzkopf-Osis-Dust-10-gm/dp/B001CN5S4C
Ok – 3 things:
1.) When I try to tease my hair I can never get a smoothed look over the top. It just looks like a big ratty mess. Maybe my hair is just too fine?
2.) For your office look – Do you tuck your shirt into your pencil skirt? This shirt looks a little full. I always have trouble with pairing a shirt with a pencil skirt.
3.) I'd love to see some posts on accessorizing 101. I have a hard time “completing” my outfits because I feel like I can't choose the correct accessories.
Thanks!!