Sweater: Jackie Pullover (J.Crew, $65)
From the Left, Necklace: Bubble Necklace ($150) Purse: Bowler Bag ($72) Shoes: Orra Pumps ($120) Suit: J.Crew Super 120s Pinstripe Blazer ($240) Skirt $128)
From the Right, Necklace: Tiger Necklace ($108) Purse: Asos Portfolio Clutch ($85) Shoes: Archer Sandal ($55) Jeans: similar Michael Kors Jeans ($80)
For the Office. I don’t feature enough suits on this site. The primary reason for this is simply that most suiting retailers don’t make their product Polyvore-ready (stand alone white background image, no model). J.Crew is one of the few who even come close, but this could be a basic navy suit from anywhere.
This look is a mix of green and blue hues: navy in the suit, mint in the sweater, turquoise in the necklace. I paired it with brown accessories, but you could easily choose grey ones instead.
The bowler bag from TopShop is one of my favorites. I own it in the light tan with contrast coral trim. The black and white colorblock version is also nice.
For the hair, I would wear it half up-half down with a loose wave to it. For the makeup, I would choose a rosy cheek and a pink lip. The color palette is so colorful and bright that you need a little color on your face to pull it off.
For a Casual Dinner. Pink and mint together is a bold combination. To wear it without looking like an Easter Egg, you need to choose basic pieces without frills. You also need to wear it like you’re not afraid of it. Half of making an outfit work is to act like you’re working it.
I love the necklace in this set. It’s unexpectedly, uniquely chic. It really lifts the sweater up a bit. And the other accessories, a metal trimmed clutch and sandal, add a bit of edge without distracting from the statement pieces, the jeans and the necklace.
For the hair, I would wear it up to show off the necklace. Wavy in a messy updo, pinned low on the neck is best. A high bun could also work, but it feels a little forced. As for the makeup, a sheer pink lip gloss and a little shimmer on the eyes would be perfect.
Belle, I noticed a tweet of yours from a little while back about how the quality of the J.Crew super 120s blazer. Do you think that was a fault in the one that you bought or indicative of general quality? Would you still recommend them?
DB: I've had blazers that were excellent quality in the past. I'm wondering if I just got a lemon.
Perfect. I have a navy suit and a mint top that I haven't worn in a few years. I never thought to try them together. What's your opinion on nude shoes with dark pants? I have some patent nude peep toe pumps that are the perfect height for my navy suit pants, but I always feel a little bit like Michael Jackson with the lighter colored shoes and defer to gunmetal or navy.
KC: They're okay. I prefer a dark brown or grey or navy, but tan shoes in summer are alright.
I love this set! I haven't thought to pair pale green with navy, though I put kelly with it all the time. Thanks – I think I'll wear it tomorrow!
one of my favorite combinations – pink and green.
I recently purchased the J.Crew Bubble Necklace in black. I love it, but I'm not sure that it's a work piece – it's HUGE, and it makes a lot of noise when you move. Belle, do you have any thoughts on whether jewelry that makes noise is appropriate for the workplace? I'm totally torn.
What are your thoughts on the Jackie pullover fit-wise? I've been debating purchasing a few but haven't had the opportunity to try one on in person. I've heard mixed reivews on it, so I was holding off in case it stretches out too much.
e: I don't own this particular style. I'm long torsoed, so I buy the Tippi sweater. Similar cut. I haven't had any problems.