One of my favorite things is to mix different fabrics and textures. Today’s look blends a silk camisole with a wool blazer and a very cool pair of shoes to create the perfect business casual look. It’s straight off the streets of Paris, and it’s just fabulous.
I spotted this outfit on Pinterest, but the original is masked. A Google Image Search didn’t clear it up either. But regardless of where it came from, it’s phenomenal. Every element is fantastic on its own, but together, magic.
Blazer // This pale oatmeal blazer from & Other Stories is an oversized, modern cut. If you prefer a more classic style, this Ted Baker blazer has a sleek look. Want a darker color? J.Crew’s Regent blazer is still one of my favorite pieces (also in petite and tall). Plus-size? Try this classic Calvin Klein blazer.
Camisole // If you want to add a bit of femininity to fall separates, a silky camisole is the way to do it. This Banana Republic cami is a great option (also in tall and petite). I also like this Boden Silk Cami. MM LaFleur also makes a gorgeous camisole that is also washable. For something under-$50, H&M makes a nice camisole. If you need a plus-size option, try J.Crew.
**Some commenters have mentioned that this tank would require a strapless bra. This Wacoal bra is the best strapless bra I have ever worn. Yet, I know strapless just isn’t preferred by many women. So here is a wider strap silk tank for those who prefer it.**
Looking for other ways to wear it? Wear it under blazers, chunky cardigans, and v-neck sweaters. It would look great with this wrap cardigan from Topshop.
Jeans // Jeans are tough right now. First off, waistbands are tough right now. Secondly, I’m just not feeling the 80s Mom Jeans so many of the trendsetting young ones are wearing. But these Wit & Wisdom jeans with a slimming Absolution panel are a nice compromise between skinny jeans and Mom jeans. The wash is a nice medium, and the rough hem gives them a little something extra. They also come in petite.
Shoes // I told you the shoes are special, and they are special. These Serena Slingback flats are epic. They’re easy and simple, but the little details raise them up. These Cole Haan slingbacks with a pleated back are also worth a look. For something under-$75, try these Nine West slingbacks. Wide feet? Try these Naturalizer slings.
Handbag // The little leather bag with the tortoise handle was not for me. This Aldo tortoise box bag with a dramatic chain is much more my speed. Need a “real” purse? This incredible DeMellier top handle is everything.
Jewelry // A classic watch is always a nice addition to any wardrobe. This Daniel Wellington watch is an easy piece that you’ll wear with everything. And the necklace is from one of my favorite lines of jewelry — Shashi. I adore the ivory scarab in the pendant. And it’s made in the USA.
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I will never understand the skimpy cami look for anything but club attire. Nice as it may look under a blazer, you kind of can’t take the blazer off at work. Even at my extremely lax dress code office, someone walking around wearing only that camisole as a top would be noticed.
Or maybe I’m just bitter because there’s no way I could wear that top without a substantial strapless bra, which I would think would rather negate that “effortless” drapery feeling you get from the camisole.
Silky tee, silky tank with thick enough straps for a bra, maybe. But not what is basically underwear as a top.
I was having the same thoughts! Ann Taylor usually has some excellent sleeveless shells, but not in that lovely washable silk…
Same! I cannot deal with the discomfort of strapless bras anymore (thanks, pandemic). But I adore this look so I went on the hunt for some options I may be able to wear a bra with and I found a couple of choices.
LILYSILK brand has a bunch of colors at a reasonable $80, but it’s hard to tell on the computer if they have that luxe sheen like the inspo picture’s cami does.
The Ravella Amalfi silk tank specifically notes that it’s bra-friendly and they have several beautiful colors in that gorgeous sheen…though they weigh in at a much more budget-busting $160…
I love “dupe”-ing this look with a silky V neck tee, especially a boxier cut that works with higher rise jean and flatters my body shape more. Also, saves my blazers since I can wash the tee and won’t have as much underarm contact with the blazer itself. It’s the same vibe, but more office appropriate, and you can definitely shed the blazer too. That’s the nice thing about fashion, we find inspiration and make it work for our bodies 🙂
As a 40 year old woman who did high waisted jeans as a kid, I absolutely hate them and am hanging on to my mid-rise and even some low-ish rise jeans until these high waisted things crawl back into the earthen hole from which they emerged.
Amen to this statement.
Abra, I know you wear a lot of Amazon Essentials. Have you tried the t-shirts that come in a 2-pack (see link)? I need new basic white t-shirts and am considering these. If you’ve tried them, please give sizing info too. And if you provide a special link, I’ll buy through that so you get the credit.
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Classic-fit-Short-Sleeve-Crewneck/dp/B07756DPND?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
I’ve ordered them and like them a lot. I am a size 6, 35/27/36, weight 130ish. I got the small, when I am a few pounds lighter they may fit a little more loose, but not enough where I would get an XS.
Love this look. It is from https://www.mademois-elle.com/, one of my all-time favorite bloggers. She’s fabulous! Thanks for this awesome post.
Do you think the captoe style flats are still on-trend or classic enough to be worn without dating/detracting from the classic look? I like how the point-toe flats in sling back style give an airy feel and contrast the jeans (and current clunky shoe trend) but the initial photo shows a captoe; i love it but wouldn’t pair it if it was too stuffy or off-trend…
Absolutely.