Eight Springtime Office Essentials

May 14, 2014

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J.Crew Crepe Short Sleeve Dress ($160) // H&M Pleated Dress ($50) // Tahari ASL Blazer ($104) // Ivanka Trump Amoro Pumps ($50) // BP Moveover Flat ($50) // Coast Dolita Skirt ($93) // H&M Peplum Top ($35) // CC Pleated Crepe Top ($100)

What is an essential?  It’s the piece you reach for when you’re standing in your closet wondering, “What on Earth do I wear?”  It’s the top you wear so often you wonder if you’re wearing it too much.  It’s the shoes that you own two pair of in case something happens to the first pair.  These are the pieces that get me through spring days spend at the office.

Dresses. A short sleeve sheath is a must have for me.  Whether I’m wearing it with flats on a casual Friday or with pumps and a sweater/jacket on a work day, it’s a piece that I reach for all spring long.  This navy dress is nice (comes in other colors), but I also found this aqua Donna Ricco sheath with a v-neck.  Plus-size?  Try this colorblock sheath from Saks Off 5th.

Pleated dresses are lovely layered under cardigans and belted blazers.  This dress from H&M comes in powder pink and dark blue, I also found this Jones New York dress in basic black.

White Blazer.  It goes with everything.  It can be worn casually or professionally.  And whenever I don’t know what to wear over something, nine times out of 10, a white blazer is the solution.  If you’d like something with a more defined waist, I like this J.Crew one-button blazer with puff sleeves. I’m also a big fan of this Bop Basics blazer, or if you want something with a retro vibe, choose this Mango panel textured blazer.

Shoes. Colored pumps and “nude” flats, done.  All spring long, done.

Printed Skirt. I adore this printed pencil skirt from Coast.  Most people wear prints on the top, but I find wearing them on the bottom to be a bit more unexpected and more fun.  I also located this printed pencil in blue from JCPenney and this black and white print from Rachel Roy.  Petite?  Try this WHBM skirt in a grey print (also in misses size).

Tops. One white short sleeve blouse and one navy short sleeve blouse can get you through many a fashion conundrum.  I chose this peplum top for a little something different, and I like that the white blouse can be unbuttoned for a more casual look.  I wear them with skirts, skinny jeans and wide leg trousers.

Work Wednesdays

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  1. That skirt is gorgeous! I’m short, so I try to keep the skirt no longer than knee-length, but the price is really tempting me.

  2. Mrs. Jones says:

    I just bought the Moveover flats and love them.

  3. Anna says:

    I’m a little confused by the “belted blazer” on the pleated dress description. How do you mean? I sometimes wear cardis with belts, but never really been able to make it work with blazers.

  4. Lady Macbeth says:

    The H&M dress is lovely, but it’s very tight at the chest (or you have to size up and get it taken in)

  5. Lily says:

    I have the white blazer from Zara with gathered shoulders and I love it. But I never know what to wear it with. So far I’ve worn it with my navy suit pants and skirt. I don’t want to wear it with black. My only other options for pants/skirt are a very light powder blue or maroon. I also have a gray suit dress. Do I need some different colored bottoms to go with the blazer?

    • LS says:

      Lily – Belle has done a ton of posts with white blazers over the years. Have you tried using the blog search function?

  6. Joules says:

    I love that H&M pleated dress!

    Style by Joules

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