Ann Taylor skirt (old, similar – 40% off w/BRNEWFALL), Ann Taylor necklace c/o, thrifted blouseM&O; cardigan (old, similar – great price for cashmere; note final sale), Parentesi tote, Louboutin heels
This skirt has spring-y, pastel colors but is thick like a wool coat, making it a challenge to style across seasons. I’m hoping to get a few more wears out of it before temperatures drop further, and the dreaded opaque tights dilemma arises. I wasn’t able to find a successful pairing last winter, but may try very dark burgundy tights this year with shoes in the same color.
I haven’t bought anything new in the work wardrobe arena, but stopped by a few stores recently to browse. First up, I thought this little LOFT jacket (avail. in regular, petite, or tall) was reminiscent of my beloved Theory Gratian blazer (worn here):
I love the clean collarless style and curved front. The “bracelet length” sleeves are just like on my Theory blazer, which some women aren’t a fan of, but I don’t mind for showing off shirt sleeve cuffs or wrist jewelry. This jacket was a pretty shrunken fit, cut narrow across the shoulders and through the torso. The only alteration I’d get on this jacket is a slight slimming of the sleeves, but I prefer my sleeves to be very fitted. Material is on the thinner side.
Here’s a closer look of the Colorblocked Collar blouse underneath. The cream and navy color combination is classic, but I only found an XSP (one size up from what I’d normally try), and the fit was pretty blousy with too-long sleeves.
Another repeat from a previous season is this LOFT Lace Ponte Skirt, comprised of a light grey ponte pencil skirt with olive green lace overlay and stretchy grosgrain ribbon waistband. I liked it last year and still think it’s a beautiful skirt, but once again sizing runs a little big. For reference, I’m trying size 00P and have approximately 24/33 waist/hip measurements, and would recommend this size for someone with at least 25/34 measurements. This skirt will only look good if the ponte layer is fully filled out, otherwise it forms unsightly wrinkles beneath the lace.
For anyone interested in their Box Pleat Front Blouse (one of my favorites – shown above and worn here), it’s been restocked in petite sizes with three colors for fall. See other LOFT Fall posts here:
– Tweed stretch jacket and pencil skirt review
– Zoe fit pants review
I picked up this dress for a friend, and thought it was a good office piece for a great price. I was drawn to the thin sweatshirt-like knit material (very comfortable for a long workday) and basic but flattering design. The v-neck makes it easy to layer a button-up blouse underneath, if you don’t feel like covering up with a cardigan or blazer.
The front half of the torso is lined in a soft material, and the rest of the dress is unlined. Sizing is in more generic letter sizing, but an XS fit me perfectly. I was unable to find this dress online – the item # is 044699 and it was located in the workwear department. Back zipper closure, 72% polyester/24% cotton/4% elastane. I would’ve been tempted to pick one up for myself if it came in more colors!
I second this!
Just wanted to note that Ann Taylor Factory stores are having 60% off this weekend – can't wait to go buy more work pants… thought I'm even starting to wear some of those awesome pants outside of the office!
Lol! That just made my day! Your mom sounds too cute (and what great taste she has to have picked up this AT skirt : )
So I sent my mom a link to this post because she has that exact AT skirt and never knows what to wear with it. She sent me an email today:
"I wear a white blouse with yellow cardigan to go with that pink skirt I got from Ann Taylor (same outfit as Ms. Petite). EVERTONE complimented me in the office!"
I thought it was cute (typos and all) and it made my day. Thought you might appreciate it too, Ms. Petite 🙂
I never thought of using a skirt half slip to eliminate the lines from the shirt. Thanks for the great suggestion!
Hi Jadeite – it's not so much limiting due to colors being inappropriate in certain seasons, but more so having trouble finding opaque tights that go with these light, pastel colors. Tights that are appropriate for a business environment are usually black or other dark colors, which can be harsh against pastels.
Thank you for the recommendations!
Hi there – I was thinking just a regular dress shirt (I have one from H&M;, and my friend swears by the non-iron ones at Banana) in a pinstripe pattern or the sort. If it's showing lines, I'd try a half slip over the waist of the shirt, but under the dress if that makes any sense. I use a nude half skirt slip from Target from Vassarette brand.
I'm so happy to have had you reading along over the years, Bara! Unfortunately H&M; doesn't seem to name their items and just goes by department name and item #. I'm not sure if the item # is the same in all countries, but it's definitely in the workwear department. Hope you can find one to try on! It's super comfy even in the few minutes I had it on.
Thank you for letting me know! I hope to get to visit Chicago someday : )
Hi there – congrats on your new job! I would say definitely no need to overthink it. Honestly, any combination of what you mentioned sounds fine – not too over nor under dressed. I'd go with bottoms and shoes in either burgundy or olive for the season and pair it with a grey blazer, but keep the blazer off at your desk if you notice everyone around you being more casual. Given the older median age, I'd shy away from bright colors or fun patterns and just stick to the basics and neutrals. Good luck and more importantly have fun!
I am in love with the first outfit. Looks incredible on you! The necklace makes the whole outfit.
I would die for this coat…ok slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean 🙂
XO Melissa
Sale Rack!
I am starting a new job next week as an Investment Advisor with a prominent firm. Could you give me an idea of what to wear on my first day? They mentioned my first day will be pretty slow- mostly paperwork and getting fingerprinted. I don't want to look too dressed up, and definitely don't want to look under-dressed. I will be the youngest advisor at this particular branch; the branch median age is 55. Being petite and young, I know my age and appearance is going to be the first thing my new colleagues notice about me, and would like to make the best first impression possible. You and I shop at similar stores; I basically live at Ann Taylor and Loft. 🙂 I've been rapidly expanding my business wardrobe in anticipation for this job, and now I have so many options to choose from that I'm overwhelmed. I have pencil skirts/pants in light grey, black, navy, burgundy and olive; blazers in black, light grey and navy, a lot of blouses; cardigans in mustard, black, grey, and cream, work-appropriate dresses in black mostly….pumps in nude, black, burgundy and navy…any help you can offer me before Monday the 14th would be greatly appreciated! Love your blog and so happy I found it.
Just visited LOFT on State St in Chicago and you're in their window!!! How exciting! 🙂
Wow, I love how you combine new clothes with your existing items 🙂 Very inspiring article, I fell like running to HM right now to get that dress! I hope they will have it here in the Czech Republic, sometimes we don´t get all the stuff. Is there any name or something to the dress so that I can ask in the shop or get it online?
Thank you for everything, I am so happy I found a blog that is exactly my cup of tea 🙂
Love that yellow sweater and the H&M; dress! Thanks for sharing your great finds Jean!
Skirt is to die for 🙂
Hi Jean,
I ran out and bought the HM dress based on your recommendation. It really is quite comfy and a great pick at that price! I will have to alter the dress as the neckline is a tad too low for me (short torso) and the hem is too long (hits just above my knees). I love your suggestion about wearing a blouse under the dress but I'm not sure what type would look best as the dress is pretty fitted and I want to avoid unsightly lines- any suggestions?
Thank you!
YYCpetite
That pink tweed skirt is absolutely stunning! I definitely think burgundy tights could work for the colder months.
Good combination; however, the yellow cardigan is too long for your height.
Hi Jean, I have been following your blog for two years. I really love your style, so classic and elegant. Sue in Phoenix
I just bought 7 tops based on your recommendations from Ann Taylor. thanks for the tip.
I am also an Asian girl so i used your sizing to help me estimate my purchases.
thanks
From Wendy Chang
Thanks for the reviews! I think a Navy combination or even an emerald green would look nice with the skirt for the winter. On a side note, do you have any tips for wearing tights underneath skirts for those who experience a full blown Winter in a few months? 🙂
Hi! I love the pink tweed skirt so much and the loft lace skirt as well. Loved how you styled the first outfit, I wouldn't ever think of pairing yellow and pink, fabulous job!
hugs,
Rhea
http://www.sewstylishrhea.blogspot.com
Hi Jean – I bought these at AT recently and they worked out well:
Luxe Twill Flounce Skirt (finally, a navy skirt)
http://www.anntaylor.com/luxe-twill-flounce-skirt/320281
Modern Classic Double Strand Necklace (pair with pearls or jewels)
http://www.anntaylor.com/modern-classic-double-strand-necklace/323627
Such a lady! So elegant.
I can't wait to see how the AT pieces fit you.
Can't wait to see you style what you bought from Ann Taylor.
xo
Maggie A
Love Mavin
i love you skirt and mixing it with a mustard cardigan!!
I'm really loving that stack pearl necklace of yours Jean…it goes with everything and is the perfect piece of accessory to complete any look!
KTR
I've bought the Ann Taylor top before in a yellow-citron color this summer and found the material to be sadly, terribly thin. Hopefully this iteration is of heavier weight!
Love that H&M; dress! I may have to go look for it today…
I live in a tropical country and have not lived in a country with actual seasons since I was 3 years old, so I'm genuinely curious about this! Is it really such a big no-no to wear so-called "spring" colors in winter? or vice versa? It's such an interesting notion to me. We wear all colors, any color, all year round! I just find it strange that a color would cause people to limit their wardrobes even though this is such a lovely warm skirt I can't imagine why you couldn't wear it out when it's cool! Do enlighten me, it's fascinating!
I was also reallly drawn to the color combination of mustard and pink – it's unusual but really looks great together for early fall. I love the LOFT blazer Jean featured as well.
I love your tweed skirt with those pearls! it looks so simple but so chic!
sweetbubbliciouslove.blogspot.com
I think that pink skirt would look great paired with navy tights, as well! And there is nothing prettier than navy and pink!
The tweed skirt is so pretty with all the colors in it. I think there's some grey in this skirt and would be cute with grey tights too.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Love your first outfit! Really appreciate the jewelleries and your skirt!
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
I love the olive lace skirt and the white blouse!! That pink tweed skirt with the white blouse looks divine and so completely appropriate for work. You always give me some great work-wear inspiration 🙂
Oh my goodness – I love that H&M; dress – it's so sophisticated, it looks like a must-have!
I have a j.crew factory pink tweed skirt in a similar color scheme as your Ann Taylor one – so I love the styling inspiration – it looks amazing with mustard! I plan on wearing mine during the holiday season so I'm going to have to figure out an opaque tights combination too!
I love that first outfit! You look great in it. I've also seen that last dress at H&M; before but never thought much about it. It looks nice on you!
I don't think I would have thought to pair together those shades of mustard and pale pink, but I really love the effect!
I love the color combination with the mustard yellow cardigan withe the pastel pink skirt! I also find it difficult to find tight pairings with more light colored work skirts, so definitely trying to get those wears in now before the temperature drops drastically 🙂 Great reviews, I love the LOFT lace ponte skirt, especially since olive is one of my favorite Fall colors!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
love that h&m; dress!