Two Ways: A Lace Blouse for Summer

I spotted this lace blouse on the Nordstrom site and needed to have it.  The unique texture, the cool shape and the puff sleeve made it a must own.  But how do you style such a piece?  Here are two ideas to make it right for work and a cocktail event.

The Blouse // This Ted Baker floral texture blouse is selling out. It has disappeared from the shelves at Nordstrom and there’s only one size left at Bloomingdale’s.  But you can also find it on the TB website.

What I love about this blouse is the dramatic sleeve and the textured material.  The length is a little shorter than most of the tops I own.  It grazes the top of my mid-rise jeans.  This has the unexpected effect of making my legs look longer, but to keep my midriff covered, I would recommend a higher pant.  You could also do a sheer tank underneath.

The blouse also ties in the back, which is a lovely detail.  I am very smitten with this blouse.  I looked for a budget-price alternative, and I did not see one.  The closest I came was this top from Saks Off 5th.

For the Office // I paired the top with Ted Baker’s pin tuck trousers.  These are the kind of pants you will wear for years to come.  I love the crossover tab front and the wide, but not too wide, cut.  Need a pair under-$100?  These Halogen pants are a close copy.

A blazer lifts this look for work, but I struggled with where to go with the color.  I decided this rosy-rust beige from & Other Stories was the best choice.  It has a warm weather appeal without being a pastel or a bright.  I also considered a mustard yellow, but thought that might be better for fall.

Need a work-appropriate beige heel for work?  These Nina patent shoes are a dream.  At 2.75″, these heels are walkable, comfortable out of the box, and cost under-$100.

I finished off the look with a dark Everlane tote in a sleek, basic shape and a crinkled hoop earring.  The styling is a little bit modern and interesting, but not fussy.  For the makeup, I would keep the lip a rosy color.  For the hair, I would wear it up and curly.

For Cocktail Hour // This top is a great choice for layering.  You put it on over a strappy sheath or slip dress and you get 1) more coverage, 2) a new outfit with an old piece, and 3) a cool look.  Wearing a boxy top over a sleek dress is a lovely way to change up a look.

This dress from Reformation comes in a sultry, chic dark green.  You could also wear it with this  pale pink or dark pink dress.  Are you planning to get married this year?  Wear it over a white dress for a casual ceremony or a rehearsal dinner.

How phenomenal are these shoes?  This knotted sandal from Marc Fisher is just stunning.  I adore them.

To finish off this look, I pulled in this Aldo chain bag (which can also be worn as a clutch) and these bangles to finish the look.  The bangles could be worn on separate wrists or on the same one.

For the styling, I would wear hair half-up and curly.  A little bit of lift at the crown would be nice here.  The makeup should have a little more drama.  I love these pencils for creating a subtle, smoky eye.  Here’s a great tutorial.

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