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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26 comments
E says:
Wow! Professional and still stunning and stylish. My total girl crush on your style continues.
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.
A says:
Thank you for this tiny tiny little bit of something like normal.
Sarah says:
You look fantastic!
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!
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.
Audrey says:
Totally agree! Loving the OOTD photos! It’s so fun to live vicariously as I’m in leggings.
H. says:
The dress fits you beautifully! Did you have to have it tailored, or is it just perfectly cut for your figure?
Belle says:
I didn’t have it tailored. It’s cut pretty well.
A says:
I LOVE this dress – it makes me miss suiting up for work meetings and fundraisers!
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.
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.)
Bridget says:
Dress is great but can we talk about your hair for a second?! #inspiration
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…
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.
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!
Amanda B Carpenter says:
That dress is STUNNING. Excellent.
Jennifer says:
This looks SO good on you. Love it.
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!
Curvy ceo says:
I would actually recommend the Flare Sleeve Scuba dress from Eloquii if you are above a size 12…
https://www.eloquii.com/flare-sleeve-scuba-dress/1244062.html?dwvar_1244062_colorCode=4&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=productfeed&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwILnmbKc7gIVjY3ICh1T0wJxEAQYCiABEgJeQfD_BwE
Belle says:
Thank you!
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.