Monday Outfit: Let’s Get to Work

Whether you’re working from home or working from an office, knowing what to wear is a challenge right now.  We all want to be comfortable, but many of us also need to look professional.  So today’s fashion inspiration pairs a top and sweater set with different bottoms to give you some options.

Blouse and Sweater. Ba&sh Floral Top and Banana Republic Long Cardigan

This outfit from Kelly in the City is just one of her great work from home outfits. I loved the mix of the dark, understated floral and the neutral cardigan.  It’s a combo you can wear in any season.

The blouse is from a very cool brand called Ba&sh.  I own one of their blazers, and it’s fab.  I like the mix of florals and birds in the print.  Looking for something else?  This navy Ann Taylor wrap blouse is awesome.  I also like this moody floral blouse from WHBM.

I actually need to replace my oatmeal colored cardigan, and this Banana Republic option is at the top of my list.  This 1901 Sweater Blazer has a little more structure.  For something more modern, this cropped cotton cardigan from Target is fashion forward in an approachable way.  Plus-size?  This Belldini cardigan is a great place to start.

Top. Banana Republic Cropped White Denim // Rothy’s Merino Flats // Anthro Hoops

White denim is my go to summer pant right now.  But, of course, after three months of being at home, cooking for fun, ordering takeout, and not being at the gym, I needed a new pair.  I decided to buy these wider leg, ankle-length jeans from Banana.  They’re not the style I usually wear, but for this moment in time, they feel like the style I need.

Looking for a full-length wide jean?  I like this NYDJ pair.  They also make a nice bootcut style in plus-size.

I added a slightly large, oblong hoop and some Rothy’s camel colored flats.  These are pretty close to skin tone on me.  Their Fawn flats are a little darker, as are their Mink flats (though they have a mauve undertone).  If you want a lighter color, their Ecru flats are worth a look.  Frankly, I wish they’d get off their asses and make a diverse skin tone line, but so far no luck.

Bottom. Norma Kamali Jersey Skirt // Kate Spade Porto Sandal // Lace Agate Earrings

I chose this skirt because it is jersey, and stretchy, and comfortable.  But it is more casual due to its snug, tube-like fit than professional.  It’s great for work from home and weekend (with a t-shirt and some great sandals), but tricky in a professional office.  For the office, switch it out for this Eileen Fisher pencil or this under-$50 Modcloth skirt.

These Kate Spade sandals are so cute and fabulous, and now so discounted, I could no longer say no.  They’re the perfect sandal for dresses — not fancy, but pretty and cool.  Have wide feet?  The Lane Bryant straw sandals are pretty cute too.

There’s some blue in the top, so I thought these lace agate earrings on deep discount would bring that out.  I also like these pale purple studs from Kate Spade.

Need more casual options?  Or warm weather options?

Writing this blog is more of a challenge lately because our experience is becoming less and less uniform.  It’s hot where you are, it’s chilly where I am.  I’m on WFH, some of you are back in the office.  And some of you are not feeling any pair of pants with a waistband, ever again.  So let me make a few more recommendations for bottoms to go with this top.

If you want shorts, these Ann Taylor tie waist shorts are really great.  Fun and unique, and a little dressy.  One of my law school friends also swears by Talbot’s ‘Yoga Skort,’ she calls it her summer leggings.

Of course, you could also just wear this top and sweater with leggings.  I’d pair that with a Rothy’s black loafer.  Or you could go with a fuller yoga pant (<$20 at Old Navy) or slim jogger.

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