Two Ways: A Pleated Skirt for Work

Jul 9, 2020

When I think about what to buy right now, I’m also thinking about what I can wear to work when this is over.  Whether it’s next season or next year, I can only justify shopping right now if the pieces can be worn again in a post-pandemic future.  And this skirt, this skirt can definitely be worn now and later.

Skirt Express High Waisted Pleated Wrap Skirt

First off, I chose this skirt for the color.  It’s not often that I find a piece and think, “I need that color in my wardrobe every season.”  I’m going to wear this now, in the fall with neutral knits, and next spring.  It’s an incredible rusty orange.

Second, the wrap skirt with pleats is a wonderfully versatile piece.  I could also have done a day-to-night look with a silky camisole with a toile print and a blue statement earring.  I could have styled it for a wedding brunch with a chunky heel and a square neck blouse.

When you have a skirt with this much personality in a versatile style, you can do anything with it.  So let’s style it for Work from Home and the Office.

Office Look Five and Two Hoop Earrings // Vince Camuto Rumpled Blouse // Gibson Notch Blazer // Pelle Moda Kendall Pump

This outfit is a summer with color office look.  The simple off-white blouse and blazer paired with the colored skirt is an easy one for summer.  And it gets a lift from the unique color and shape of this skirt.

I chose this Vince Camuto top (also in plus-size) because I have a similar one in my wardrobe and it is a staple.  I wear it so much when I’m wearing suits that if I have multiple job interviews close together, I need a quick turnaround time at the dry cleaner.

If you love the look and want a piece with a bit better quality, you might splurge on the MM LaFleur Rowling top or the Kobi Halperin Mila Blouse.

This Gibson blazer is a solid WFH or office piece.  It has a unique style and comes in a swath of other colors.  Toss it on over a t-shirt or a pajama top (not that I’ve ever done that) and you look instantly pulled together.  The blazer also comes in petite, but if you need plus-size, this Nine West blazer has a similar cut.

Add a leopard pump and some fun earrings and the look is complete.  If you don’t love leopard like I do, this is a good opportunity for these Kate Spade tortoise pumps to shine.

As for hair and makeup, I think a breezy updo is always nice when your blazer collar is turned up.  Something a little loose and messy, not too tight.  I’d also keep the makeup neutral with an eye palette of Earth tones.

WFH Look Madewell Women’s Vote Graphic Tomboy // Tuckernuck French Sole Sandal // Club Monaco Textured Hoop Earring // The Book Club Ephipahnies Glasses

This Madewell t-shirt is the graphic tee for women who don’t wear graphic tees.  It has a great message about suffrage and isn’t too over the top.  If you work in politics, this is a fun one.

I refuse to wear concerts tees for concerts that I haven’t been to, it’s just a personal preference.  So when I want graphic tees, I want something simple and interesting.  This city names tee would fit the bill, so would this really fun map of Rome tee.  If you want a tee with a message, this Modcloth “I Am Enough” tee is beautiful and impactful.

I chose these blue, vintage looking Book Club glasses because they’re so fun.  And since I need to wear the glasses every day to keep my afternoon headache away, I’d like a few cool pairs.  These pale purple ones are also on my list.  If you want a cheaper pair, these TIJN ones come in a lot of colors, but I like the seagreen.

For this look, I’m doing a lot of half-up styles right now so I can shampoo less.  This Drybar dry shampoo is my favorite because it leaves no visible residue.  For a drugstore brand, I like the Cake dry shampoo best.  I try different brands occasionally hoping to find a cheaper replacement for the Drybar, and this is the only one I like almost as well.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}

Style, Three Ways

share this post

Leave a Reply to Katherine Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Ana says:

    Love the skirt! The color is so pretty.

  2. svh says:

    Is there a trick to the graphic tee, decent skirt look? I always love it in pictures but when I put the pieces on, I just look a confused mess!

  3. Amelia says:

    An awesome post, as all your two/four-ways posts are. I can’t pull off most midi skirts due to my height and proportions, but will be replicating this look with pair of J.Crew pants I have in similar color. Love!!!!

  4. Katherine says:

    Looks like the Madewell link isn’t working but thank you for highlighting this t shirt! Want.

  5. Blair says:

    Thanks so much for keeping up some normalcy at your blog Abra. I’ve been reading since I moved to DC in 2013 for law school, and having your blog around right now has been so comforting!

  6. Orla says:

    What beautiful choices! The outfit on the right is giving me cool-girl suffragette vibes.

  7. Naomi says:

    This is such a gorgeous two ways. I won’t be able to purchase the skirt as I’m rocking a baby bump – does anyone have any maternity dupes? I’d also love to see a few more sources for graphic tees; I love the look but am very particular. Thanks!

    • Jen says:

      If it’s knife pleat you’re looking for (not the color) Uniqlo usually has elastic-waist midi ones. I recommend checking there. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy probably go up a size or two & wear the elastic over the bump.

  8. Katie says:

    such great outfit inspiration!

  9. Elz says:

    I usually go for national parks or outdoor type of tees, rather than concerts for the same reason you mentioned. Love the Vote tee!

  10. caitlin f says:

    Oh my god, thank you for refusing to wear concerts tees for concerts that you haven’t been to, it’s a weirdly huge pet peeve of mine for the fashion influencer set.

    I’m sitting here like, ok, do you really enjoy Def Leppard? AC/DC? Sublime? Led Zeppelin? Why would you advertise a band you don’t listen to? Why not get merch for music you actually like?

    That, and if I see one more leopard-print-tongue Rolling Stones shirt I’m going to scream.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

0

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

5

READ MORE 

The Range: Printed Shirt Dresses

If you’re preparing your wardrobe for the warmer weather, don’t sleep on shirt dresses. Casual when worn with sandals or sneaker, dressy with flats or heels, they’re great for any work situation. They’re a great piece that you can throw on any time you need to look pulled together. Here are a few choices.

6

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Beauty, Top Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

0

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

5

READ MORE 

Features, Posts, The Range | March 26, 2024

The Range: Printed Shirt Dresses

If you’re preparing your wardrobe for the warmer weather, don’t sleep on shirt dresses. Casual when worn with sandals or sneaker, dressy with flats or heels, they’re great for any work situation. They’re a great piece that you can throw on any time you need to look pulled together. Here are a few choices.

6

READ MORE 

Features, Monday Mornings, Top Posts | March 25, 2024

The Mondays: March 18, 2024

This weekend was a tricky one. The warm weather and bright sunshine of last weekend disappeared in a flurry of wet snow trapping our very active 18-month-old in the house with us. Plus, our babysitter cancelled, so neither of us feels ready for the week ahead. But in between making mac-and-cheese and watching Aristocats for […]

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO