Two Ways: Drape Neck Blouse

Jan 3, 2013

 

From Left, Earrings: Gorjana Chloe Stud ($35) Ring: Set in Stone Ring ($54) Bag: Melie Bianco Teal Tote ($84) Shoes: Ann Marino Circle Pumps ($25) Sweater: Isabel Marant Oversized Cardigan ($501) Pants: Apt. 9 Curvy Fit Trousers ($28)

From Right, Hat: Repose Beanie ($20) Scarf: Isabel Snake Print Scarf ($69) Earrings: Fafelina Drop Earrings ($19) Bag: Franco Sarto Dixon Satchel ($64) Shoes: Loeffler Randall Mignon Flats ($103) Jacket: Mango Leather Perfecto Jacket ($270) Jeans: Citizens Amber Bootcut ($64)

For Casual Monday. Last week, someone asked me if she could wear an oversized cardigan to the office.  Honestly, it depends on the size, shape and quality of the cardigan.  If it’s in good condition, has some structure and isn’t too oversized, you can wear it like a casual jacket (depending on the formality of your workplace).  This Isabel Marant cardigan has a warm cozy feel, and looks stylish when paired with professional separates.

If you’re not feeling the oversized cardigan, try a drape cardigan, like this grey one one.  Remove the flimsy cloth belt and replace it with stretchy or embossed leather belt.  Plus size? Try this cardigan.

With trousers, you want to wear a pointed toe shoe to lengthen the leg.  I chose these simple pumps because they were inexpensive and chic, but if you want something a little sturdier, these t-straps are nice too.

For the rest of the accessories, I chose a teal bag with fun details for under-$100.  If you’re not feeling teal, this grey satchel is also nice. Add simple stud earrings and a statement ring to tie all of the aubergine pieces together, and you’re all set.

Because the outfit is a bit more casual, you should balance it out by having a hairstyle that is a bit more “done.”  No weak Meredith Grey-esque ponytails, please.  Instead, try a twisted updo or a nice, teased and curled ponytail.  As for the makeup, I would breakout the Black Honey lipstick and the black eyeliner.

For the Weekend.  Truth be told, this outfit is probably better suited to Fall weather.  But you could also wear it during the not-quite-warm but not winter weeks of March. 

This distressed leather jacket pairs well with the soft color and feel of the draped blouse. It’s tough to find well-made leather jackets for under-$250.  So if you’re looking for an edgier look at a sweeter price, try a knit moto jacket instead.

I chose a bootcut jean to balance out the leg and the weight of the blouse.  This jean is a great price, but is sold out in most sizes.  Try the Joe’s Icon Jean or the AG Angel Jean (a Belle Favorite).  If you’re plus size, a friend of mine swears by Lucky jeans and James jeans.

The accessories include a pointed toe navy flat, a pair of cool earrings and simple brown satchel.  If you’re not crazy about croco-embossed leather, try this cool tote from Loehmann’s.

I also added a cool scarf (which you can wear or not thanks to the drape on the blouse) and a skull cap, knit hat.  If you’re looking to stock up on sale items for next winter, scarves, gloves and hats are where you should be looking.  There are a lot of great accessories on sale right now.

For the makeup, try using a deep purple eyeshadow and an angle brush to line your eyes and then smudge it out.  For the hair, wear it down and with a bit of wavy texture.  Try Oribe texturizing spray to give it added zing.

Ask The Edit, Three Ways

share this post

Leave a Reply to anon in tejas Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. SS says:

    I love drape neck tops, but I find them to be a problem when wearing at my job as a teacher–if I bend over to assist a student, you can see right down the shirt! Even if I wear a camisole, it still seems inappropriate.

  2. anon in tejas says:

    I just wanted to say that I really like the outfit on the left. As someone who routinely buys at a lower price point due to finances, govt paycheck and being thrifty, I appreciate when you bring out some cute/staple pieces that are available at lower price points.

    however, if I had the money, I'd totally rock the outfit on the right 🙂

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Saw It On Social: Rooted

A few months ago, my husband killed two of my plants. I was out of town for several weeks, and while I was away, he apparently forgot that plants need water to live. So when I returned, my snake plant and my Calamondin tree were both dead, while his braided money tree continued to thrive. […]

1

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Versatile Sweater Jacket

It’s allegedly spring. However, for every minute of sunshine, there seems to be an hour of rain and gloom. So while I’d love to wear lighter spring pieces, it’s time to bring on the layers.

2

READ MORE 

Ask the Editor: Volume IV, No. Nineteen

Inside the reader mail bag there are questions about summer beauty, hiring a personal shopper, navigating a sudden breakouts, and more. Let’s dig in!

13

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Features, Saw It On Social, Top Posts | April 25, 2024

Saw It On Social: Rooted

A few months ago, my husband killed two of my plants. I was out of town for several weeks, and while I was away, he apparently forgot that plants need water to live. So when I returned, my snake plant and my Calamondin tree were both dead, while his braided money tree continued to thrive. […]

1

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Style, Top Posts | April 25, 2024

The Find: A Versatile Sweater Jacket

It’s allegedly spring. However, for every minute of sunshine, there seems to be an hour of rain and gloom. So while I’d love to wear lighter spring pieces, it’s time to bring on the layers.

2

READ MORE 

Ask the Edit, Posts, Style | April 24, 2024

Ask the Editor: Volume IV, No. Nineteen

Inside the reader mail bag there are questions about summer beauty, hiring a personal shopper, navigating a sudden breakouts, and more. Let’s dig in!

13

READ MORE 

Career Style, Posts, Style, Work | April 24, 2024

Business Casual Outfit: Linen Closet

And just like that, it’s April. Summer is almost upon us, and the retailers are filled with linen wares. Now, you know that I am usually unwilling to wear linen to work due to the wrinkles. But in this post-pandemic world, perhaps my mind can change.

2

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO