When I started my career in my 20s, I started in an office that had a pretty strict dress code. I didn’t always follow said dress code because something about being 23 a voice goes off in your head on Friday’s and says ‘it’s okay, no one will notice they are jeans.’ But besides the occasional self-imposed casual Friday, I became very bored with the idea of work wear dressing. Granted this was 2008 and before I discovered Pinterest, pencil skirts and Nordstrom. Nowadays, though I don’t work in a typical office, I still love dressing for work may it be for meetings, events, or even moving my office to a nice coffee shop for the afternoon. Plus what is this phenomenon of putting on a pencil skirt and immediately feeling like you are going to get everything on your to-do list done…and then you do. It’s a powerful thing.
I picked up this Rebecca Taylor pencil skirt because I loved the texture and I’ll be honest, the stretch. It’s a nice texture that’s easy to move and breathe in. And I love it paired with this top. Which is why we are gathered here today — I wanted to show this top two different ways. Actually I had planned for three but the rain and online shipping windows got the best of my plans. So just imagine my body in these pants with this top. Take that sentence however you’d like.
When I think of workwear and what to wear to an office, I like to think of what is the most versatile to get me through the week, every week. Tops that can have a full range with skirts or pants always top my list, but the typical button down gets tired after a few times. Althoug a classic, typical button downs needs a day off like the rest of us. So I love this top with the eyelet and slight crop feel to it, so it’s easier to wear with higher waisted skirts. Which brings me to my next look: a midi skirt.
I feel like midi skirts are underutilized in an office environment. They are so easy to wear and give a softer feel to the very professional pencil skirt. It’s also a nice way to mix it up during spring and a more versatile piece than say a dress. I overheard someone say the other day that they just don’t buy skirts because they don’t know how to wear them. If you are in the same boat as this poor stranger that I straight up eavesdropped on, I am hear to tell you that you skirts might take a bit more effort but the versatility of their styles can be endless. Just think — with this simple eyelet top, two very different looks happened. Nothing like a versatile top to get you to from Monday to Friday.
*This post is brought to you by Nordstrom. And years and years of awkward office dressing.
42 Responses
If you think US offices are restrictive? In the UK we can’t even wear most colours or patterns! It’s all a sea of grey, black and white – and also nude, and Royal blue, for some reason. (Maybe because of Kate’s royal blue engagement dress?!) My brown blazer was considered “adventurous”. It’s like fashion prison! ^_^;;
Love both these looks, navy and white is just so classy, and the second one gave me a great idea of how to style a floral skirt I already own – thanks a lot! 🙂
Whhaaattttt!! I did not even know this! Is this just an across the board rule with most offices? This is blowing my mind.
It’s kind of unspoken, kind of heavily hinted at… and yeah, unless it’s a really creative office or something, it’s pretty much across the board. You’re supposed to leave your personality at home and just look like everyone else. Bright colours get you noticed – and not in a good way. Some colours are okay in some offices, but always sort of matte ones? Like mustard and, ahem, oxblood. Basics with a twist is how I stay sane in places like that! 😉
I love that pencil skirt. Being in my early 20s, I have to say that I’m not great with work wear. I love dressing up but the dress code in so many workplaces seems to be black and I love a bit of colour.
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Heh, you’ve totally nailed these two office looks! I’d say that the first one if my absolute favourite because it totally shows how one can look feminine, classy and in trend even while “sitting” at the office. 🙂
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i love both looks! would love to work in an environment where i could wear something like this! as an engineer, it’s almost impossible to wear a skirt to work, even if you are spending most of your day tied to a computer/in an office, at least in my experience. Just the chance you’ll be called out into the manufacturing environment makes it necessary to wear long pants. it’s one of the reasons I’ve struggled so much with my personal style the last few years.
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Would it be possible to store a pair of pants in your office? My dearest who works in quite a strict dress code office stores a whole suit there, dresses quite casually for the ride there and back – shoes, colourful pants, sometimes even shorts (and occasional coffee with me after works) but takes fresh shirts. He changes into full suit mode there. Maybe you could wear your skirts and have a pair of pants handy? 🙂
I work in an office environment and both of these looks are perfect. I agree about the midi skirts. I bought one on a whim last year and I wear it so much more than I thought I would! Especially to work! Great post per usual!
Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com
I LOVE all the different eyelets paired together in the first look! That top is super versatile & goes so well with both looks!
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Lov e the skirt! 🙂
❤️,
Lily | pslilyboutique.com
Too funny. I definitely bent the office style rules in my early 20’s. I “snuck” in the occasional pair of jeans too, but with skirts this pretty, who would need to?! I LOVE the white one!
Fizz and Frosting
Oh I love both looks so much that I can’t even pick a fav!
XoXo One Stiletto At A Time
Both look are definitely perfect for work but lets talk about that eyelet top, its everything and so versatile, I need an item like that. I love the mix of textures in look one which is my favorite by the way. I adore the flared skirt in look 2 as I’m in love with anything puffy. I think the second look would be perfect for church as well.
Princess Audu
Pencil skirt for the win, very flattering cut and fit.
These two look are so amazing.
I love both of these looks! And what is it about pencil skirts that make you feel like some sort of power/productivity in you that you normally don’t? I am lucky that my office is pretty flexible and casual (sweats are acceptable on Fridays!???).
Love the first outfit!
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Both skirts are so pretty!!
Kristina does the Internets
These are gorgeous! Feminine, but still really polished. Pinning:)
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
that top is so cute
http://hashtagliz.com
so chic! 🙂
I love both these skirts!
xo, Syd
anchoredinthesouth.com
love this! when i was working in a more corporate setting i had real difficulty dressing “professionally” – didn’t feel like myself! That floral midi skirt – i’m in LOVE!
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I love both of these outfits! The pencil skirt is gorgeous – I love a good, unique take on a pencil skirt!
Kim
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Wow, you completely nailed it styling this shirt. I looked at it online and it looks boxy but on you tucked in, it looks amazing. You are inspiring.
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Sooooo Summery beautiful! 🙂
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That white skirt is perfection and all I can think is “don’t get that coffee on it!” Hahaha.
Oh my gosh I know! I’m a ninja anymore at spilling coffee. You’ve never seen a non-athletic person move so fast when coffee is going down! 🙂
Good…
india
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Both looks are great for the office! Love the bright colors in the second look!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
awesome skirt and blouse , looks stunning:)
mens tailored suits
Loved these outfit ideas!! That midi skirt stealed the show, that print is lovely!!
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Both of those skirts are to die for!! This post has definitely given me some inspiration to spice up my work wardrobe.
Great post!
XO.
Trecee
I adore both of these looks! And as someone who just started a new job where for the first time I am required to dress like an adult (boo!), I love the idea of looking put together while also showing off your own style and personality. And since you are the queen of that, your guidance is very welcome!
Jeanne
Fashion By Committee
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Wow! I’m ion love with your floral midi skirt. Iy smell of summer
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I’m really liking that top, but I’m wondering about the cropped fit. You have it tucked (at least partially) in both looks, did you have issues keeping it that way? Better to style the top loose and rely on your cami to stay in place?
The one with the midi is fully tucked in, you just can’t see it from the back! I didn’t have any trouble with it staying, because both of the skirts were very fitted at the waist so little shifting from the top. The cami also helps it stay that way! But I do think it will work untucked as well, with the right skirt and definitely a fitted trouser! I’m tall and have a long torso so what is ‘cropped’ on me, isn’t always true for others. Definitely worth a try! 🙂
Both of these outfits are fantastic! That Eliza J floral midi skirt is almost too perfect – and I agree, they’re definitely underutilized. I have a few that I love to wear to work ; they’re comfortable while being functional (and adorable), too.
So lovely skirt, I love it!
kiss
Aurélie
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That white skirt looks AMAZING on you. Love the versatility 🙂
Fantastic white pencil skirt, completely agree that powerful outfits change your mindset! Gorgeous statement pieces, looking forward to seeing more!
I’m still in my awkward office dressing years…ha, some days are a struggle