Monday Outfit: Mad About Plaid

Plaid blazers are everywhere this year.  They’re an interesting play on masculine-inspired styles.  For professional offices, they’re a nice option for days without big meetings.  For creative professions — marketing, PR, etc.– they’re a good choice for dressier days.    And if you work in a casual office, grab your t-shirt and jeans.  So let’s build an outfit.

I cannot find the source of this inspiration photo,  but I loved the unexpected mix of colors.  Sadly, I wasn’t able to recreate it in the same color palette, so let’s build a similar look in blue.

Blazer. This 1.STATE  Twilight Plaid Blazer is lovely, mid-price jacket.  The blue in the plaid is bold enough to stand out without overwhelming the look.  Of all the blazers that I looked at, I thought this one had the sleekest look.

If you want something darker, this navy plaid 1.State jacket with black accents is fabulous.  Looking for some warmer fall hues?  Try this Ella Moss jacket with a mustard accent or this stunning BB Dakota belted jacket.

Plus-size?  I like this Milestone Plaid blazer from Talbot’s.  Petite?  Try this Calvin Klein blazer with an orange stripe.

Pants. A simple wide-leg trouser will never go out of style.  These J.Crew Collection trousers are a fabulous choice.  I tried these on a few weeks ago, and the drape makes the pants look expensive.  And, unlike so many trousers these days, these J.Crew pants are lined.

Looking for a pant closer to the $100 price point?  These Iris & Ink trousers and these Brooks Brothers cotton sateen trousers.

Tall? Try these Modernist trousers from Chico’s (yes, Chico’s).  Petite?  Try these LOFT trousers.

Blouse. I have given up on crewnecks as an option.  The older I get, the more my figure needs the little bit of lengthening and slimming that a v-neck provides.  (40 is so close that I can smell it from here.)  So I chose this Tie Neck Tuxedo blouse from BR.

Need something sleeveless?  This Anne Klein blazer is not to be missed.  Looking for something without the tie-neck?  Try this NYDJ pintuck blouse (also in plus).

Shoes. Navy pumps are becoming easier to find, and that is good news for those of us who like a clean, monochromatic leg line.  Brooks Brothers has these simple kitten heels.  They also have these phenomenal point-toe block heel pumps.  And, for the purists, a pair of classic high heels.

If you need an option for wide feet, these Naturalizer kitten heels are worth a look.

Accessories.  For the bag, I wanted either dark charcoal or a lighter blue.  The contrasting color plays with the primary hue of the look, but also offers a bit of pop.  This Dagne Dover Signature bag offers both colors in their classic laptop tote.

I added this lightweight cashmere scarf from Cuyana even though it wasn’t in the photo.   When it’s chilly out, but not cold, wearing an overcoat isn’t always necessary.  To layer up without being too hot, I add a scarf to my blazer.  For a less expensive option, try this Marks & Spencer scarf.

Missoma is one of my favorite new-to-me brands.  The jewelry is chic, fashion-forward, and has a mid-price with better than mid-price quality.  I chose this Missoma chain because it’s fabulously unique.  I also wouldn’t miss their Starstruck Pendant.

{image by Meric Tuna; this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}