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Tuesday Outfit: Bright Business Casual

Mar 10, 2020

This outfit bridges the gap between professional attire and business casual.  It’s built of professional pieces — a blazer, a fitted pant — that have a more relaxed feel.  It’s perfect for someone who works in a creative field or for a casual Friday in a very professional office.

The origin of this photo has been lost in the Pinterest maze, but I love the fun, modern vibe.  The bright pant is fabulous and the window pane jacket really brings it all together, tying in the black shoes and the white tee.   Let’s re-build it.

Blazer.  This 1.State Mini-Windowpane Jacket is a a slightly more subtle version of the inspiration blazer.  1.State also makes a black blazer with a larger white windowpane print.  For plus-size readers, the closest option I could find was this white Lane Bryant blouse with a black pinstripe.

Tee Shirt. My favorite tee is the $18 t-shirt from Everlane.  It’s well-made, doesn’t lose its shape over time, and fits well.  If you like a thicker, opaque tee, this Talbot’s slub t-shirt (also in petite and plus-size) is a good option.

Pants. The bright orange Theory pants are only available in one size, but they were the best match for the inspiration photo.  Prefer a deeper rust color?  These VB pants are fantastic.  But the best deal are these <$60 pants from Neiman Marcus.

If skinny pants are not your preference, try these rust-colored pants from Veronica M or these brighter River Island wide leg pants.

Shoes. I love these shoes from 27 Edit.  They give you the look of a black flat with a lighter, airier look that’s perfect for warmer weather.  They also come a pale tan that would be lovely with summer dresses.

I also like this slingback flat from Chinese Laundry for an under-$75 option.  These Madewell Margo flats are also worth a look.

Bag. This Etienne Aigner Mia bag caught my eye because I loved the buckle on the handle.  It’s a cool accent.  The bag also comes with two adjustable straps, a thin leather one and a wider nylon one.  I was really surprised how much switching out the strap changes the bag from a standard work tote into a more modern casual bag.  Bag also comes in tan.

Necklace. This <$15 gunmetal necklace comes from LOFT Outlet, and it’s a subtle accent.  This howlite, 2-strand necklace is also nice.  For something with a bit more whimsy to it, try this Altiplano necklace with a mix of charms.

Sunglasses. I plug these Amazon sunglasses almost weekly.  I own two pair.  They’re just an easy, stylish pair of sunglasses for a price that makes losing them no big deal.

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  1. Jules says:

    Is the V-Neck T from Everlane see-through in the white color? I just tried the Madewell t’s but they were sheer. Ugh. I am looking for a nice opaque loose-ish V neck white t….

    • SM says:

      I recommend the Zara basics t-shirts. They drape very well because they are not cotton but are super flattering and machine washable. They also come in a variety of colors. I own 3.

    • Anna says:

      Unless they’ve changed them recently, yes, they’re pretty sheer.

    • Anna C says:

      Try American Giant, if you want a cotton one. I love everything I’ve gotten from them. The white cotton tank I have from them is pretty opaque, and they’re a great company.

  2. Shanghai says:

    I saw the 27 Edit shoes at Nordstrom this weekend—they’re very cute. And the associate told me that they’re made by the same company who makes Naturalizer. The footbeds were cushier than you’d expect, and the toe box was a little wider than usual (great for my wide feet).

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