Dress Boden Elsa Ottoman Dress ($148)
I love a striped dress for the office. I bought one from Banana Republic years ago, and it’s still one of my favorites. This Elsa dress has a flattering cut and sleek style. This Felicity & Coco dress is a nice under-$100 option. For something with a less uniform stripe, try this Donna Morgan dress.
Plus-size? This Bisou Bisou dress is nice. It may fit too close to the body for a professional office, so size one size up and tailor as needed for a more forgiving fit.
Left, Earrings Vince Camuto Textured Drops ($35) Bag Kate Spade Margot Bag ($348) Shoes Head Over Heels Court Shoes ($89) Jacket Zara Long Blazer ($99)
A long blazer is one of my favorite outfit toppers. It’s chic, slimming, and versatile. This Zara jacket is a nice choice. I recently bought this patterned Ivanka Trump jacket. And I keep putting this coral Halogen topper in my cart and then taking it out (ugh, indecision).
I layered the jacket over the dress, and it felt a bit monochromatic. So I added these shoes from Dorothy Perkins that have a hint of cobalt on the toe cap. It’s such a fun way to mix in color. They could also be worn in any season, which is a nice bonus.
The bag is a simple Kate Spade satchel. For something more affordable, try this chain link dome satchel from Avenue.
I chose these earrings to pull in the shoe. Their black and blue texture is very cool. And I love these black and blue studs from The Affair, they bring just a hint of drama.
Right, Sunglasses Michael Kors Tortoise Sunglasses ($132) Bag Target Structured Crossbody ($27) Necklace Nenet Layered Tassel ($14) Shoes Worth an Amble Black Flat ($35)
For a casual look, I decided to keep things fairly basic. This slim crossbody bag has an amazing shape to it, and the price tag isn’t bad either. I also like the way the cognac contrasts with the black and white stripe. If you prefer totes, I love the look of this Gabrielle Rocha bag.
I added the long necklace to balance the stripes a bit. I like this inexpensive tassel with a black accent. However, the long necklace I always recommend is this Stella & Dot Rebel necklace that I wear almost every day.
And how great are these little flats? The texture on the front is so fun. They give you all the joy of wearing a sandal, but are still office appropriate. They also come in two more colors, pale beige and sparkly silver. Add a pair of cool sunglasses, and you’re all set.
I understand the appeal of a long blazer. I also understand the appeal of a white blazer. I curse my memories of Organic Chem lab though every time I see you post long white blazers because they will forever read to me as ‘Lab Coat’.
(A totally ridiculous personal hangup that I wish I could get over.)
It does have that ‘sexy lab tech’ vibe doesn’t it. Good catch!
I also can’t wear a long white blazer – it looks too much like a lab coat.
H&M has a $30 long collarless jacket in multiple colors/patterns (although I can’t speak to the quality of the material since I don’t own it): https://www.hm.com/us/product/34940?article=34940-F#article=34940-B
I have a similar version of this, but since I have two dogs, a cat and a toddler, and I haven’t completely lost my mind yet, my long blazer is navy. Makes me wish the weather could cooperate so I could start wearing it before July.
I love all these choices and the blog generally. I just don’t love the Ivanka Trump recommendation…
I realize Ivanka is not her father (she seems lovely, actually). But she’s been a prominent campaign surrogate and is definitely a part of the campaign. And since Trump is essentially saying he’d be a good president because he’s a “good” businessman, I feel like supporting Trump-related businesses is somewhat tantamount to supporting Trump.
I don’t mean to criticize and/or tell anyone for whom to vote. But since you’ve expressed your distaste for Trump before, I just thought you might be interested in this perspective.
I 100% agree.
Agreed – and I am someone who swears by Ivanka Trump heels but I just can’t bring myself to buy them right now.
I’ve struggled with this, too. I had my eye on a few Ivanka pieces for over a year waiting for the right moment (e.g. a raise or bonus) and I don’t know now if the right moment will ever come. But I don’t begrudge any other woman her Ivanka! She’s still a goddess of class and style.
I’m struggling, too. I like the styling of many of her pieces, but I don’t think I can buy any of them in good conscience right now.
She certainly isn’t her father, but the support she lends and willingness to ignore things (his remarks about women, etc) make me not feel great about supporting her. I realize she’s probably just trying to do right by her family, but…ugh. Perhaps if she were less involved I’d feel differently, but, well, not right now.
The Causal Friday option is my perfect outfit! I love Boden — thanks for the style ideas.
The coral jacket is now 55% off – and super cute! Thanks!
What are yours – or anyones thoughts on this dress (love it) for someone petite? I’m 5 foot, average – typically 4 or 6. Are the wide stripes too much?
I don’t think these are too wide at all as long as the dress isn’t too long.
Does anyone own this dress? How does it fit for someone with tummy fat? Is it very clingy?
Hi – a good friend of mine has this dress and it’s definitely form fitting. She’s worn it to work, but I think I would need spanx, IMO. The fabric is a good weight that doesn’t show every bump, but it’s not terribly forgiving.
Thanks HH! After having 3 kids, and being too lazy to exercise (truth), maybe I’ll double-spanx it. LOL.