Casual Friday: A Pretty Ruffled Blouse

Aug 19, 2016

Casual Friday attire is where the wheels come off.  From the horror of people who dress too casually, to the co-worker who feels the need to overdress, there are endless opportunities for issues.  I try in vain to forget the day one of my interns wore a bikini top under her sheer white blouse, because changing for her post-work pool party after the bell rang was just too much to ask.

This new feature aims to cover the different interpretations of the word “casual,” and style the same piece for each.

casualfriday1

Center: Ruffled Popover Blouse ($69)

I’m still iffy on J.Crew, but I thought this blouse might be a good way to use this gift card in my wallet.  I like the ruffled detail and the versatile dot print.  I’ll let you know if they quality or fit is any better.  For a similar look in a non-J.Crew brand, this Double Zero navy blouse is a good basic and this multi-color Nic + Zoe blouse really pops.

Left: Marc Fisher Tammy Pump ($159) // Skagen Mikkeline Satchel ($295) // Melissa Joy Manning Hoop Earrings ($100) // No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Wool ($120)

Is your boss’s definition of casual decidedly dressed up?  Bring in a bright color to lighten the mood.  This outfit has all the professional pieces you need with a bit of sass.  If you must have a blazer, try this tailor white one from Missguided.

I chose the smokey blue bag for something a bit different.  A cobalt one could also be really nice.

Bottom: Ray Ban Matte Gold Aviator ($165) // Lolly Ella Turquoise Bangle ($26) // Dolce Vita Jasmyn Sandal ($90) // BR Solid Short ($40) // Merona Faux Leather Crossbody ($30)

Need an outfit for the office barbecue?  A pair of colored shorts and a long sleeve shirt–rolled up, of course–is the way to go.  I added a simple set of bangles and an easy sandal to round out the look.  And don’t even get me started on these matte-gold Ray-Bans.  A friend has them, and I am obsessed.  If you don’t like lace-up sandals, try a huarache.

Right: AG Ballad Mid-Rise Bootcut ($89) // Cavallari Cadence Flat ($119) // Dorothy Perkins Double Zip Satchel ($35) // Rebecca Minkoff Pearl Plate Earrings ($32)

If your office dress code permits jeans, white or colored denim is a great choice for summer.  But if you choose to wear white, skinny may not be your best option.  These slick bootcut jeans are a good option.  You can also go for a wider leg jean, like these AG Lana jeans.  And as always when wearing summer neutrals, a colored flat shoe just brings it all together.

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  1. Katie says:

    Yay for Casual Friday! This is a wonderful idea, and I look forward to more of these post 🙂

  2. Anne says:

    Can I also say (as a newly minted old-fogey and boss), if you are going to wear a woven cotton shirt or blouse, for the love of god, please iron it. It’s not hard to iron and if you can’t take the five minutes it takes to iron, either send it out to be laundered or wear a knit top. You look like a schlumpf who just rolled out of bed otherwise, which is never a good look, even on a casual Friday.

    • abidina says:

      let me live! schlumpfing is a way of life! it’s taken ages to cultivate this level of disheveled, i can’t throw it out now by buying an iron.

  3. Cait says:

    I love white jeans for casual Friday! I worked in an office where “casual Friday” meant “wear jeans” but I melted when I wore my dark denim in the summer in the South and when I wore skirts (even casual ones), people gently reminded me that it was Friday and I didn’t need to “dress up”. White jeans are the answer!

  4. Gill says:

    Love the new casual Friday posts – keep them coming!

  5. DisenchantedinDC says:

    who dress *too casually

  6. Shelley says:

    Love this new feature on your blog! I live in white jeans on Fridays in my casual office environment.

  7. Deb says:

    One of my favorite posts ever! Thank you and I hope to see more just like this!

  8. Meg says:

    I bought this shirt based on your recommendation. I already own a number of pieces that you styled it with. I was pretty happy with the shirt when it arrived as far as style and fit, but I am very worried about how thin it is and about it shrinking when it is washed. I am very curious to hear your thoughts. Will you be doing a follow up post?

    • Belle says:

      Mine got here a couple of days ago, and I haven’t taken it out of the plastic yet. I’ll let you know my thoughts when I do.

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