Retro Style: Mustard turtleneck + sweater pencil skirt

sweater skirt business casual winter work outfit

Chicwish jacket xs (sleeves hemmed), Talbots tights S, Zara pumps (very similar)

One of my biggest style inspirations is undoubtedly fashion from the past. If I had to choose, my favorite period might be the 50s-60s, when popular silhouettes balanced conservatism with glamour and femininity. That balance is something I always look for, so it’s no surprise I’m often drawn to a good full skirt with nipped-in waist, tailored coat, or fitted pencil dress!
mustard sweater striped skirt ann taylor petites
This sweater pencil skirt feels Mad Men-esque with its below-the-knee length and curve-grazing silhouette (and yes, finally an AT skirt that fits at the waist!). With items this length, a high waistline is usually key for me to not feel truncated. I wore this skirt higher up, and tucked in a turtleneck sweater to continue drawing the visual line upwards. This little ribbed sweater is so good, you’ll want it in all colors! The fit runs small like reviewers said, and is especially narrow in the arms. There’s good weight to the knit, and I personally love the un-tucked length on me (hits by my lower hips) for wearing with pants.
chicwish gray drape trench coat professional style
I prefer this outfit with bare legs, but wanted to show more pairings with tights, per your requests! I finished off this look with one of my favorite draped trench coats (use NEWYEAR20 for another 20% off) again. Please note the sleeves on this are dolman / batwing style, and I had the sleeve length shortened by a tailor.
mustard navy business professional work outfit
I always get questions on tucking, so have to say a sweater of this thickness typically will not tuck seamlessly into a fitted skirt. I usually recommend tucking lightweight, fluid blouses into heavier skirts that are lined. This skirt is lighter weight and unlined, but is made of a tightly-woven knit, almost similar to those on bandage-style dresses. I think that in combination with the striped pattern helped conceal even a chunkier sweater this time around!
striped sweater skirt ann taylor petites office fashion
Looking back on this outfit it’s no surprise my husband liked it so much – it’s pretty much a walking ode to his beloved San Diego Chargers team (just missing a lightning bolt patch)!blue yellow business casual fashion extra petite

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26 Comments

  1. Lauren Sherrell wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 1.21.17 Reply
  2. Lauren Sherrell wrote:

    What size did you take in that Ann Taylor sweater? I'm debating on getting an xs or xxs, and I think I'm about your same size. -Lauren

    Posted 1.21.17 Reply
  3. Clare wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    Really like this outfit, they are two pieces I wouldn't have thought to put together but they look great!
    I was wondering if you could do a full blog post about different shirt tucks? Like when you would full tuck/ half tuck? I also struggle with tucking in dress shirts…Sometimes I think it creates more of a muffin top on me!
    Glad though that you mentioned in your post about different materials and tucks, I was actually wondering how you tucked in the sweater so seamlessly. Looks great!

    Posted 1.16.17 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    I think this is the case for many brands, unfortunately! I definitely wish their sales would apply outside of the US.

    Posted 1.14.17 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Yes yes, a very sad time for him and SD fans!

    Posted 1.14.17 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Let's just say he's still crying himself to sleep …

    Hope you've been well! : )

    Posted 1.14.17 Reply
  7. nazita wrote:

    You are such an inspiration! Your looks are totally gorgeous and I love, love that skirt

    Greetings from France

    https://nadiemelodijoblog.wordpress.com/

    Posted 1.14.17 Reply
  8. mybeautrip wrote:

    Mustard and grey look great together!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 1.13.17 Reply
  9. Revanche wrote:

    Adorable 🙂

    Is Nick disappointed about the Chargers moving?

    Posted 1.13.17 Reply
  10. Jenna Power wrote:

    Lovely outfit! I really don't understand Ann Taylor's international prices – the jumper is $80 but then has 40% off if shipping to America, while it's $100, no discount available, and then shipping and taxes will need to be added on top still if going to the UK. Crazy pricing!

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    Beautiful outfit, Love the skirt <3
    But perhaps not the best day for a SD Chargers reference 😉

    Go give Nick a hug, and some comfort, I think he needs it, after todays news

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  12. Kaitlin Schubert wrote:

    Obsessed with this color! It's amazing on you.

    Katie | WillowAndWhiteBlog.com

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  13. Rachel wrote:

    I love the mustard yellow paired with that pencil skirt! So chic!

    xoxo
    Rachel
    http://thetrendytomboy.com/

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  14. Jessi wrote:

    I love that sweater! That's such a great color on you 🙂

    -Jessi
    http://www.thedarlingdetail.com/

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  15. Julie Hiller wrote:

    You and I have very similar fashion sensibilities. I love retro styles as well. Hopefully Ann Taylor and Loft will get on board the high-waisted skirt train–I think high-waisted is the only way to go.

    Style by Joules

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  16. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    I love that sweater!
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  17. Ewa Macherowska wrote:

    Love the whole look!

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  18. Neeltje | Thoughts in Style wrote:

    This looks great together! Love this look.X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  19. Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) wrote:

    Love this classic look, perfect for work.

    xo
    Pinksole

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  20. Abigail Alice x wrote:

    Love the colour of your jumper, it's so pretty!

    Abigail Alice 💕

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  21. Sophie Spiegelberger wrote:

    I love draped trenches so much and this one is so gorgeous!
    http://www.ofsilkandsatin.com

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  22. Beckie Porritt wrote:

    You are so stunning and your figure is to die for!!! I'd kill to be so petite.
    The Pale Tails
    – Beckie x

    Posted 1.12.17 Reply
  23. Little Red Book wrote:

    Mustard is such a good color for winter, looks great on you.

    http://bit.ly/littleredbook-xo

    Posted 1.11.17 Reply
  24. Maggie Zemanek wrote:

    I'm loving that pop of color!! And the high pony is so chic!

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

    Posted 1.11.17 Reply
  25. Charmaine Ng | Architecture and Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    Love the look. I've been obsessed with turtlenecks and mustard lately – this is perfect.

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 1.11.17 Reply
  26. Jane Northey wrote:

    I've never thought of wearing mustard sweaters and striped skirts, but you made them look elegant together. And thank you for answering my question regarding the parka!

    Jane
    http://www.janenorthey.com

    Posted 1.11.17 Reply

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