Lately, one of my favorite outfits is a printed, midi-length dress with a slightly longer blazer. Recently, I picked up a dress that can be worn to work or to an after work function, making it a great choice to pack for a conference. Here are two ways to style it for a work and a work dinner.
The Dress // ba&sh is one of my favorite brands. The pieces are modern and occasionally tilt toward the office. Their Crissy Dress has a fantastic leaf print with a springy color palette (also in this v-neck blouse). Find it in XS-M at Bloomingdale’s, and in size L at Nordstrom. I have worn it both to a concert and to my job, a testament to its versatility.
Looking for a floral midi in a different style? This Chaus midi-dress comes in a black-and-white print. They also make this navy floral dress in a multi-colored print. This green Reformation dress is also a nice option. I also like this ASOS dress that comes in plus-size.
The v-neck on the dress is a little low for me, so I use the Microstitch to make it more modest. It’s some of the best money that I’ve ever spent. No more stocking safety pins in my work tote.
For Work // This outfit is professional with a breezy feel. The pretty dress acts as a foil for the structured blazer. Add the right accessories and the whole look is feminine and modern.
The Captain’s Blazer from BR is one of my favorite purchases ever. The slightly boxy shape initially turned me off, but after wearing it a couple of times, I embraced the more current cut. To emphasize the waistline while wearing a boxier blazer, add a belt worn under the blazer. The buckle on this affordable NY&Co belt complements the gold buttons on the blazer. I also like this obi-style belt.
It’s still a little chilly in Montana, so I am still wearing boots. These tall, slouchy boots from The Drop are a great affordable option. These kitten heel boots in leather are also a nice option. And for a boot you will still be wearing in 10 years (because I’m still wearing mine), go for the Loeffler Randall Gia.
To finish the look, I chose this blue agate necklace. It pulls the blue hue from the print on the dress and the longer length complements the neckline. Prefer white metal? This layered Kendra Scott necklace with blue agate is fab. I chose a lighter bag to lighten up the look, but this Cuyana tote — with a fantastic shape — also comes in black.
To style the look, keep the hair loose and natural. An updo takes the look to a school marm place that feels stodgy. Play up the pink hues in the dress with this great lip balm.
For After-Work // Take this dress from the boardroom to cocktail hour by losing the blazer, changing the shoes, and tossing on a cool coat. It’s a swap that takes a few minutes but refreshes the whole look.
This incredible flowing trench coat from Reiss is beautiful and professional. It immediately adds a freshness to any outfit. Need a white trench in a more affordable price point? Try this one or this one. Plus-size? Try this one from Rachel Rachel Roy.
These double strap block heels give you a chic, sexy look in a shoe you can actually walk in. And without an ankle strap to interrupt the leg line, you look taller. And with an under-$100 price tag, you can also buy them in flesh-tone for summer.
Complete this look with a pleated clutch from Mango. It’s an easy bag with enough room for essentials and an optional chain strap. And don’t miss these pink quartz hoops for pulling the pink hue from the print.
For styling, I might curl my hair in a more tousled style, and then add dry shampoo for texture at the end of day. I’d want a stronger makeup look for night, so add a liquid liner and my favorite glittery eye shadow.
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Midi dresses are quickly becoming my new go to for work; so much easier than knee length dresses where I always have to test how much they ride up or wear tights etc. Please share more recs for versatile midi dresses!
This microstitch thing is blowing my mind. I’d love a post on what the heck to do with it, and how durable the repairs are. Can you hem jeans?
You could hem pants, jeans might be tougher. This is for a temporary fix. Think of the plastic that holds a tag on clothes, that’s what this is, but smaller and more subtle.
That Reiss trench coat is absolutly stunning!