Holiday office party: Lace sweater tee + sequin skirt

ann taylor lace top sweater3

Ann Taylor lace sweater, Zara sequin skirt (similar) borrowed from Khatu

I fell in love with this lace top sweater in both colors, and luckily found one in my size at a local store. I was worried the lace would be very delicate and tear easily, but it’s held up well so far over a month of wear – just be cautious around hooks and jewelry! For those who don’t care for strapless bras, I’ve been wearing this with a regular black bra underneath (straps can pass as thin camisole straps), or you can try a black under tank. In my opinion this sweater would look better more fitted on someone (I’m wearing xxsp for reference), to avoid any loose wrinkles across the torso like in the pic above.

ann taylor lace top sweater2

I’ve gotten a few requests to show outfit ideas for upcoming office holiday parties. Even if you need to stay in conservative hemlines, there’s plenty of ways to show holiday spirit with colors and sparkle. While at Ann Taylor, I also tried on this metallic skirt reminiscent to the flared one I wore here.

ann taylor holiday 1

Left: Bronze jacquard animal skirt in 00P
Right: Botanical stone necklace, bottom necklace not online

This skirt would be nice for a business casual holiday party with a silky shell tucked in, or a fitted black peplum top that flares over the waist. I also loved these two faceted stone necklaces for extra sparkle. The top necklace is a pretty smoky dark bronze, which my phone couldn’t capture very well.

Several online reviews for this skirt note that it runs small. Unfortunately, even though the waist of this skirt is slightly elasticized (usually a sign of a nice and snug fit), it was about 1-2″ too roomy for me – seemed true to size for AT.

ann taylor holiday2

This flared jacket in a true red would be nice over slim pants or jeans for a casual office party. Material is a stretchy crepe material and comes with a coordinating pencil skirt. I’m not sure about wearing both pieces together, but thought the jacket was cute on its own. I tried it on over a thin sweater and it fit well (sleeves could be a tad slimmer).

ann taylor holiday

Here are two more pieces in ravishing red that I was eying online but didn’t find in-stores (darn online exclusives!). I love a good work dress with sleeves, to minimize morning time spent scratching my head over how to layer. These would transition nicely for any holiday party with gold or nude heels and a sparkly statement necklace.

ann taylor holiday 4

Ann Taylor petites crepe crossover dress (3 colors) and ponte flounce dress

ann taylor lace top sweater4
ann taylor lace top sweater

Here’s how the top looks with a tweed skirt for work (been adding dark navy or black tights for the chilly commute). It’s also a great piece to add interest to a plain black suit.

ann taylor lace top sweater5

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36 Comments

  1. Phoebe wrote:

    Jean, what shoes are you wearing with the metallic animal print skirt? I've been looking for a pair of pointy black flats to wear with pencil skirts, and I haven't had much luck. (Or if I've found some, they're often uncomfortable!)

    I tried that skirt on last night at Ann Taylor, and it does seem to run a little small. It is definitely also cut a little different near the waist if you try on petite vs regular. I found the petite to be more voluminous/less straight, oddly enough, giving it more of a tulip shape.

    Posted 11.27.13 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    I love you lace teal green top and black sequin skirt, it's so perfect for a Christmas party at work! I just ordered mines too online 40% off at Ann Taylor. Thank you for the inspiration! I like longer pencil skirts than mini skirts as they are more work appropriate. Check out some of my hand made Kblossoms emerald green jewelry to match your work outfits! http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com

    Posted 11.25.13 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Tiffany – omigosh! Congratulations! I had no idea you were an expecting momma : ) What about a flared version with elastic waist to wear above the bump, instead of fitted pencil? I'm also assuming you mean the sequin skirt and not the AT one. I haven't seen this in person, but maybe something similar: ($29 in black or gold) http://www.jcpenney.com/joe-fresh/skirts/joe-fresh%25e2%2584%25a2-sequin-skirt/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003310286

    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    Hi there, I have pants clip hangers and clip 3 skirts to each. With knit ones I also roll them up and store in my underbed bin (shown here https://www.extrapetite.com/2013/07/garment-care-petite-hangers-and.html ) with a clear top so I can see each one.

    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Hi Anne, sorry I forgot to clarify! It's an XXS petite.

    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Thanks, it's the audrey bateau neck cashmere sweater in Petite P from Talbots!

    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  7. rodelma lopez wrote:

    Wow I never knew sequin skirt would look this much awesome.like the way you paired it

    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    Can you make post about how to dress if you're busty petite, particularly for the office?

    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  9. the|avantguardian wrote:
    Posted 11.20.13 Reply
  10. TaraMixandMatch wrote:

    This is a gorgeous combination, you look stunning!

    Posted 11.19.13 Reply
  11. anne wrote:

    Jean, was the top an xs from the regular line or was it from the petite line?

    Posted 11.19.13 Reply
  12. understatedclassics.com wrote:

    I love the second look with the sweater. Muted, yet still office chic. Love the two ways to wear!

    Posted 11.19.13 Reply
  13. Jackie wrote:

    That skirt is amazing!! *__* I love it!

    Posted 11.19.13 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    love the sweater you were wearing when you tried on the jacquard skirt. where is it from? been looking for a basic sweater like that for a while…

    Posted 11.19.13 Reply
  15. Jessy T wrote:

    I LOVE how black your hair is, Jean. My mom's hair is also naturally black, but I get my dark brown hair from my dad. So jealous!
    http://www.jessydust.com/

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  16. Bogi Kenney wrote:

    Great look! Conservative, yet very trendy and ladylike.
    Bogi
    http://www.redreticule.com

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  17. Dice wrote:

    Teal is a nice color on you! I love the sequin and tweed skirt you paired with the lace top.

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  18. Maggie Adofo wrote:

    You look great! The perfect mix of party without the animal lol

    xo
    Maggie A
    LOVEMAVIN.COM

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  19. knightleyemma.com wrote:

    WOW, these outfits would look good on LOTTA gals! I LOVE that lace top- saw it recently at AT. I would wear a blazer though (to suit me).

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  20. Carol Li wrote:

    I love how you have combined lace & sequins together 🙂

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  21. Choochoo Li wrote:

    The sequin skirt is fabulous! Who knew lace and sequin and look so chic and classy!

    Choo Choo
    http://choochooli.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  22. Jen wrote:

    That lace top is beautiful! Great holiday party outfit!

    Jen
    http://www.witsicle.com

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  23. kimmy016 wrote:

    Love the outfit!

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  24. Tiffany wrote:

    I absolutely love that skirt! I've been searching for something similar for a few weeks now. Any suggestions for a similar style or material that might accommodate a baby bump? Pregnant ladies gotta look fabulous, too, but finding a good quality sequin-covered skirt that actually fits over my hips/stomach is proving harder and harder.

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  25. Helen wrote:

    Teal looks great on you! Thank you for sharing these wonderful holiday party ideas! Love your style as usual.

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  26. Mari wrote:

    That lace sweater top is gorgeous! I really love the design of the lace and it's placement.

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi jean, I had a quick organizational question. How do you store your skirts in your closet? i currently have mine folded over a regular hanger but that just makes them really bulky and they tend to get knocked off really easily. I've been scratching my head over skirt storage for the longest time and I was hoping you'd have some suggestions.

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  28. zozo wrote:

    Love the lace on your top and the tweed skirt really lengthens your legs! Looking beautiful as usual <3

    zozo
    atelierzozo.com

    Posted 11.18.13 Reply
  29. Tayler Worrell wrote:

    too cute! I like the leopard skirt a lot.

    http://www.styleinterplay.com

    …..

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  30. Suzie Q wrote:

    The sequin skirt paired with the great photo backdrop makes everything about this look so stunning!

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  31. Happiness at Mid Life wrote:

    Wow – that skirt is gorgeous!! I purchased the bronzed jacquard skirt and did size up since it did not give any stretch.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  32. kileen valenzuela wrote:

    this outfit is perfect for the holiday party! i love that sequin skirt!

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  33. Shira wrote:

    This skirt is everything. I want to steal it away from you even though you borrowed it;)

    http://www.asequinloveaffair.com

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  34. Adelia Ng wrote:

    Stunning outfit! Love u as always 🙂

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  35. The Internet and The Unicorn wrote:

    That top is SO pretty on you! Usually I don't like half lace things, I always thought it looks weird. But here, you totally make it work, and it looks especially elegant on you. Great job! I also tried that leopard print dress on at Ann Taylor and wasn't a fan. It looks good online, but in person it doesn't loses that wow factor a bit. BUT! I did find this gorgeous crimson lace skirt at Ann Taylor LOFT for 40% off just yesterday, which I'll be debuting on my blog soon.

    Anyways, my main point is that your top looks so great on you. Fantastic choice!

    http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply
  36. Michelle wrote:

    Your post reminded me to ask Jon if his new work has an office party. :p Teal is a nice color on you. The spot that you guys chose for your pics is nice.

    Posted 11.17.13 Reply

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