Monday Outfit: Work from Home in Relaxed Basics
Aug 10, 2020
Like most of you, I’m not shopping as much as I usually would. But when I am buying pieces, I’m balancing what I want to wear today with what I can still wear when this ends. This outfit blends sculptural pieces with simple basics to build an outfit that brings style to work from home attire.
The origin of the inspiration photo has been lost to Pinterest. But linen pants are one of my pandemic fashion must haves, so when I spotted it, I loved the simplicity of the outfit. Sometimes the easiest outfits are also the most sophisticated.
Blouse. Stunner. That’s the only way to describe this Club Monaco top. The voluminous, high-low blouse is like a sculpture. I absolutely adore it.
As for other ways to wear it, you could easily layer it over a sleeveless sheath to give a cocktail dress new life. It would look incredible over a simple pencil skirt. Or just toss it on with your favorite jeans and a bright coral sandal.
Pants. Linen pants are summer sweatpants. They’re comfortable, light and breezy. These Vince Camuto drawstring pants are absolutely perfect (and on sale). If you prefer a flat waistband, this $20 pair has you covered. Plus-size? Don’t miss this pair from Old Navy.
Sandals. These LK Bennett sandals will become a wardrobe staple. You can wear them casually. You can dress them up. They’re perfectly styled for any occasion.
Bag. If you need a bag that has utility and fresh style, this round straw bag from H&M is a fantastic choice. The leather strap is a nice touch. I also love this straw bag from Nordstrom Rack that’s one solid piece with the handle cut into the bag. Prefer a simple tote? H&M also has you covered there.
Earrings. The inspiration photo shows a wood bangle and fringe earring. The tassel earrings felt a little dated to me, so I decided to blend the two accessories and choose these wood and metal disc earrings. If you want a more updated fringe earring, these leather fringe drops are a nice option.
Hair and Makeup. With this outfit, I want an easy updo to show off the back of the blouse. If you have medium-length or longer hair, this updo takes two elastic bands and three bobby pins. It’s sleek and easy.
Who else isn’t wearing makeup often? Yeah, I feel that. But maybe just a little colored lip balm and mascara.
{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}
I was just eyeing this top on sale at Nordstrom online over the weekend. It’s 50% off over there, though I’m sure it won’t be in stock for long. You’ve just convinced me to pull the trigger!
That top looks like a facsimile (to put it kindly) of an independent label called Kaarem that has been selling that style for five or six years.
https://kaarem.com/products/white-wind-chime-raised-collar-top
I actually wore the top and pants for my wedding after party and love the quality. Just FYI if you are looking to support small businesses!
Eh – the Club Monaco top adds the extra roll of fabric at the shoulder that is definitely a distinguishing design/construction feature. I’m not seeing that in the designer you referenced.
So, while these are similar (clean line, oversized tops) I wouldn’t call them copies.
Not to be that person, but it absolute does not. I mean, they both are sculpted pieces that augment the shape of the wearer’s body, but they have significantly different construction methods which changes their shape dramatically. This kind of design choice can be traced back to the thirties with Madam Gres’s incredibly influential collections of grecian style gowns that exhibited this kind of draping. I hate when big business’s steal small business’s work, but this isn’t the case here.