I am very grateful that my daughter is a three-nager and not a teenager. Because if she were in high school, she would be demanding that I take her to buy chunky loafers, denim skirts, peasant tops, and all of the trendy pieces that I wore while I was in high school. And I just don’t think I could take it.
Everything old is new again, and today’s outfit takes some of the signature pieces of our misspent youth and brings them to the office. Because why not?
Today’s Pinterest outfit blends the loafers and denim midis of my 18th year, with the bow blouse and cardigan of my 38th year, to create an outfit that is perfect for casual Friday at a law firm or a dressier day at a tech shop. Here’s how to recreate it.
The Cardigan // A burgundy cardigan in a fine fabric is a great jacket alternative for a more casual office. It’s not as boring as a basic black, but it also doesn’t scream “look at me” like the chartreuse cardis everyone is selling right now. This one from Boden has a lovely texture and a pretty scalloped collar for a bit of something extra.
Prefer a simpler look? & Other Stories has a great alpaca wool option, but Gap also has a nice pick for under-$75.
The Blouse // Even though I’ve simplified my wardrobe a bit since working from home, a dramatic bow blouse will always have a place in my heart. This one from Mango is affordably priced and brings the volume. The bow needs its own zip code.
I also found this fantastic striped blouse from Elle Collection that would look smashing with a navy suit. But if you want to go very trendy, try this Veronica Beard denim tie neck blouse for the Canadian Tuxedo look that they’re trying so hard to take mainstream.
The Skirt // This denim skirt from Pistola is awesome. I tried it on in store, and I am still thinking about going back to get it. It’s perfectly proportioned, a great medium wash, and a piece that you will still wear with tall boots in ten years. You know, when the trend comes back around for a third run. Gap also has one and so does Universal Standard (also in plus).
The Accessories // Let’s start with the 90s loafers. This pair are medium chunky and come from Dolce Vita. They carry the trend across but don’t look like they fell from a Delia’s catalog. If Evereve is sold out in your size, you can also find them here.
Prefer something chunkier? Then, you need these loafers from Margaux which give so many 90s vibes that I expect Claire Danes to appear beside my locker at any moment.
To complete the look, I added this great Cuyana bucket-style bag. Need it to hold a laptop? This is your girl, I’m carrying mine on a trip today.
Finish the look with a great set of resin bangles, and some burgundy nail polish. I would wear my hair up for this to feed into the school teacher aesthetic. If you want to tone it down, wear your hair in loose curls.
Want a slightly different look? I would also wear this skirt with my tall boots from Loeffler, and a burgundy blazer. I would also swap the resin bangle for a simpler gold bracelet.
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Talk to us about loafers. Are you wearing socks with them, like shown in the Evereve product photo? I like the look of sockless loafers, but going truly sockless gives me blisters and I have yet to find an actual no-show sock that stays put.
Here’s what worked for me! They do not move. I did make the mistake of lotioning my heel once and they did scooch around a little then, but still mostly stayed put. https://www.target.com/p/peds-women-s-unseen-2pk-liner-casual-socks-5-10/-/A-86080474?preselect=84685696#lnk=sametab
Oh, if you’re at the higher end of the 5-10 size range, I do recommend sizing up.
Just here to say your writing has really been on fire lately. I feel like every post in the last few months has had a sentence or two that thoroughly delighted me. Whatever youβre doing to keep the creative juices flowing is working!
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