Wednesday Outfit: A Brighter Color for Work

Jan 13, 2021

My wardrobe is mostly black and white this session, but every now and then, I just need to wear color.  I picked up this dress at a Neiman’s sale before Christmas and, it’s so bright and bold, I just had to share.  Please excuse the selfie-style photo, it’s what’s available to me at the moment, but it helps share the look.

Dress // How bright and fun is this color?  I just adore it. Maybe not exactly right for a very professional office, but mine is a bit more relaxed.  This fuchsia frock from Badgley Mischka is available at The Outnet on discount or at Olivela full price.

The fabric is a thick crepe.  The dress is lightly lined.  It has a slit, but a work-appropriate one.  And the puff sleeve gives it a little bit of whimsy.

Your size not available?  This Tahari dress with a shorter sleeve comes in a similar color but a few more sizes.  This Black Halo dress is also deeply discounted.  And if you need a plus-size option, this Calvin Klein dress with black accents is very feminine.

Mask // My every day mask, the Wolford reversible lace mask, makes an appearance.  For a more affordable option, try this Eugenia Kim birdcage mask.

Jewelry // These dainty studs from Missoma are now my daily driver earring.  I adore their simple, but pretty, look.  They’re a great earring.

The necklace I’m wearing in the photo was snapped up at a TJ Maxx years ago.  I love that it makes an impact with the oversize beads, but it doesn’t steal the show.  I can’t find the exact one now, but this one from QVC is similar.  This abalone necklace is also a nice option with a bit more color.

Boots and Tights // I’m wearing black Spanx tights with this outfit.  I could probably get away without them, but I prefer to wear them when I wear my sock booties.  It gives you a really clean, 2-out-of-3 leg line.  It simplifies the look a bit.

I own the Stuart Weitzman sock booties.  They’re sleek, comfortable, and once you treat the suede, easy to keep clean.  For a more affordable option, I dropped these MIA boots in the collage.  If you need a wide width, Aquatalia makes one, but sizing is limited due to a sale.

Bottom line, I wear color when I’m tired to boost my mood.  This look is good for my medium-professional office.  If I need a blazer, my favorite Express one with a puff sleeve is where I’m headed.

Do you wear color to the office?  Which one is your favorite, and what’s the best way to style it for your workplace?

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Career Style, Style, Work

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  1. E says:

    Wow! Professional and still stunning and stylish. My total girl crush on your style continues.

  2. ABVV says:

    I wore a pink cashmere cardigan today for exactly the same reason (though I’m still working remotely). For nostalgic reasons, a “Legally Blonde” pink is my power hue, and today I needed a boost.

  3. A says:

    Thank you for this tiny tiny little bit of something like normal.

  4. Sarah says:

    You look fantastic!

  5. E says:

    Love it! I have a similar colored shift dress with a square neck and puff sleeves from Ann Taylor a season or two (or three?) ago and wore it all the time in the Before Times and got tons of compliments on it!

  6. Cait says:

    I know you’re not the biggest fan of posting photos of yourself, but I just have to note how refreshing it is to see someone dressed for work! I go into the office but we are closed to the public so it’s gone pretty casual. I enjoy the comfort but I miss the element of “suiting up” for work. This helps me regain a feeling of normalcy just a little.

  7. H. says:

    The dress fits you beautifully! Did you have to have it tailored, or is it just perfectly cut for your figure?

  8. A says:

    I LOVE this dress – it makes me miss suiting up for work meetings and fundraisers!

  9. Diane says:

    Just snagged this one on sale from The Fold that I’ve been trying to convince myself to wear in these now generally casual times: https://thefoldlondon.com/product/kenley-dress-magenta-crepe/ Thanks for the motivation.

    • TheLOOP says:

      That dress is a work of art.

      • Mary G says:

        I loved that dress until I saw Amy Coney Barrett wear it to her confirmation hearing

        • TheLOOP says:

          Ugh. Then the nicest thing I can say about her is that she appears to have good fashion sense.

        • H. says:

          Ugh. I had a similar, “well, this outfit is now a bit tainted” experience. A few years ago, I bought a beautiful Boss suit with a distinctive asymmetrical blazer to celebrate paying off my law school loans. A few weeks later, then-Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen wore the same suit for her “we don’t have a policy of family separations” press conference.

  10. A says:

    Fabulous!! A gorgeous outfit and just so much fun. We need FUN these days. That Power Pink has some Samantha Jones vibes, I love it.
    (Bonus: what a lovely tiled bathroom.)

  11. Bridget says:

    Dress is great but can we talk about your hair for a second?! #inspiration

  12. Amy Miller Keish says:

    Abra,
    I know it’s not typically your thing, but I love this selfie-style outfit documentation every once in awhile and you look absolutely fabulous! Best of luck this session. Now, off to research jewel-tone sheath dresses…

  13. Jenn S. says:

    When the oddities of quarantine and WFH started, I stuck to my usual wardrobe. After Thanksgiving, I relaxed a little and started doing a lot of leggings+sweater ensembles. Today, I found myself in the same on an unlucky air dry day (50/50 on whether it works out as lovely or … not) when I came here, looked at this, and found inspiration again.

    I wear color (partial to green, blue, and red), but I’m in STEM with a dress code that errs on the casual side of business casual. A Karen Kane cascade wrap dress is definitely elevated in contrast to the ‘norm’, but with no women in leadership in my division and very few in the company overall, I don’t look foolish setting a better-assembled tone.

  14. Amanda says:

    I agree with the comments that your selfies are so cute, and I LOVE seeing people suited for work during month TEN of personally wearing nothing but joggers and sweatshirts! Love this dress, and you look awesome!

  15. Amanda B Carpenter says:

    That dress is STUNNING. Excellent.

  16. Jennifer says:

    This looks SO good on you. Love it.

  17. GF says:

    absolutely love this look and your styling, you nailed it! Please do keep up sharing your looks with us, they are providing serious inspo for me!

  18. SC says:

    Late to the party but WOW that is a stunning pink! I just ordered several swatches of pink silk fabric to make a top with a subtle peplum…I neeeeeeeeed color in my life right now.

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