Camel with black is always classic, but I especially love it for a fall work outfit. I threw this on in a rush, and like how the simple color scheme allows the silhouette of each piece to stand out. The juxtaposition of the dramatic ruffles with a tailored pencil skirt and sleek printed pumps, results in an office look that’s a little more fashion-forward. It also goes easily with opaque black tights for our long (dreaded) winters!
It’s hard to tell in photos, but this bell sleeve top from Express petites has a stretchy, textured material. It feels comfortable like a tee, but the thickness gives the puffed sleeves more structure and fullness. The sleeves will form a slight lump if you wear a fitted layer over it, so as a trick, I found that folding the ruffled part back onto my shoulders before putting on a jacket makes it much easier! That way, the ruffles underneath just look act as a little shoulder padding. Note this top runs on the short side in petites, so try regular sizing if you have a longer torso.
Side note – I know several of you were interested in my ruffled swing dress from this blog post, but sizes were sold out. I just saw Express brought it back in a new dark gray color, with a full range of petite sizes! Check it out during the current dress sale before sizes are gone again!
Last year when J.Crew added more extended sizes (and a rainbow of colors) for their No. 2 wool pencil skirt, I happily snatched it up in three colors! Sadly it seems like they’re no longer making 000 petite (or it’s always sold out), so it’s back to altering all pencil skirts. If you’re looking for a wool pencil skirt in a classic camel color, J.Crew Factory has one that looks very similar to mine at a good price.
As a quick sale note, my Tory Burch bag is 25% off w/ SAVEMORE through 10/22! I’ve been happy with this small Parker tote as a lightweight, everyday purse for trucking my laptop, heels, and snacks around. You can see more photos of it in this blog post.
I seriously can’t get enough of pencil skirts, love the color of this one! My current obsessed is robin b.’s pencil skirt because I love the midi length, so many petite people think they can’t pull off that length but I’m only 5′ 2″ and I love the way it looks (with the right shoe, of course). Thanks for sharing looks for petites, because it can be so hard to find good pieces. Here is the link to my current fav. skirt!
https://www.robinb.style/products/essential-pencil-skirt
By the way, love how your blog is organized by season and occasion, such a great idea!
Bought this skirt and it’s perfect. My one stop source for amazing petite items and great deals. I love your blog!
I love the leather jacket! Can you give a short review of it. Should I be hesitant of the shoulder pads? It looks great on you.
That final photo is badass – no smile and looking into the camera. And the clothes are great too. Thanks for all of the wonderful advise.
Did you shorten the sleeves on the faux leather jacket??
That belt is cute. Love it girl.
Very very random – but have you ever thought about any of those cute work backpack? I see them around (Everlane etc.), and have considered one, but have not pulled the trigger on anything. Just wondering, because your reviews are so spot on of bags, and I would love to know your thoughts!
Hi Lindsay … are you looking for a laptop bag? I know Kate Spade makes one https://www.shopbop.com/inch-nylon-tech-backpack-kate/vp/v=1/1532342265.htm?fm=search-viewall&os=false and I also just received a Samsonite one (style name Zalia) as a gift that I was surprisingly very impressed by! I haven’t tried Everlanes or any other brand that isn’t specifically designed for a laptop.
Thanks Jean!
Love this! Would you be able to tell me what color highlights you get? Your hair always looks so great! Thanks!
Thank you, Florence! I ask for highlights in a cool, medium brown tone. My hairdresser never tells me the color she ends up putting in since it differs. I just make sure to specify cooler toned instead of warm, since a warm brown can come out brassy on my dark hair.
Thank you so much! Mine always seem brassy so I’m definitely going to ask for cooler toned.
You are the BESET DRESSED person I have ever seen!! LOVE your style! Question about the belt. Talbots no longer carries the black belt in a small. Do you have any recommendations for something similar anywhere else?
Aw thank you!! I’ve looked high and low for belts in that style and it’s very hard to find. I know Ferragamo makes one but it’s in the hundreds. I think your best bet is to still get the Talbots in a larger size and have a cobbler cut off extra tail length and punch new holes. (my cobbler charges about $15 – $20 for this service)
I just love your blog. I love how you really give a lot of details with each piece of clothing. It really helps me when I’m making my purchases. Keep doing what you’re doing. Because of you my style has improved. P.S. I just bought some clothes using the links from your other posts. Thanks so much.
Hi Tennile – Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement … that means a lot to me to hear! I’m happy to help via the little ways : ) xx
This is the perfect fall office look! I need a camel skirt!
xoxo, Jenna
Bostonchicparty.com
I loved it <3
SO Stylish and classy. The overall look is just perfect. The shoe is the addition to it, just loved it!!!!
I love this outfit for work Jean! I also have this belt and it’s so versatile and classic 🙂
That looks like a great work bag – is the one you are carrying actually the “small” Parker Leather Tote or is it the regular size (large) one? The bag in your photographs looks quite large.
Hi Laura! Yes it is the Small … the regular size is very generously sized against a petite frame.
I like how the camel wool skirt gets a little edge from the leather jacket especially since I feel the skirt can get too formal for me. The leopard pumps spices it up as well!
http://www.piecesofmei.com
When you tuck your blouse into your skirt, how do you get it to look so flat and smooth? Whenever I do, it’s super bulky around the waist and hip (so unflattering!). Thanks <3
Hi Jennifer – it only really smooths out for me when the skirt is thick and lined. This one is a thick wool one with lining, so is great for tucking!
hi jean, does the tory burch parker small tote’s straps feel like they will break/wear if the bag is filled with heavier items ? also, what size is the laptop you tote around?
heavier items like a 32 oz water bottle (thirsty person here!)
Hi Sue! My laptop outer measurement is 12″ x 7.5.” (I can’t go by the usual diagonal screen measurement because there’s something weird about my screen). The straps are thin so honestly I can’t speak to how it will feel with a 32oz bottle in it, but I do carry a decent amount and the straps haven’t bothered me (yet)!
Looking classy and stylish as always! Love your sleeves tip!
Thank you, hon! xx
I love that top! The bell sleeves are such a chic addition and the colour combo is fabulous!
x
Shloka
http://www.thesilksneaker.com
Always love your outfits Jean <3
Could you please share how you could keep the belt stay in place and not sliding up and down?
Thank you, Carmen! I usually have an issue with belts shifting, but not here because the belt is flat and wide, and the skirt has a defined waistband area where the belt happens to sit securely on. With skinnier belts, I sometimes use double sided fashion tape, or if it’s really skinny I’ll loop a safety pin around at both sides as a fake “belt loop” to secure the belt down.
Love your hair in a ponytail!
Beautiful outfit. I wonder if you would consider doing a post styling a black skirt several different ways. Maybe a black leather pencil skirt also, Talbots has a nice one right now.
Hi Grace ~ a leather pencil skirt is on my wishlist! A black pencil skirt in general is forever classic but often overlooked … I did a post with mine in August and will have to bring it out again soon!
https://www.extrapetite.com/2017/08/business-formal-ann-taylor-petite.html
Great office look! What lip color are you wearing? So flattering!
Thanks, Tara! It’s Lolita by Kat Von D
Such a classy look! I really like it. X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
i lve this outfit so much!
miki
https://LITTLETASTEOFBEAUTY.BLOGSPOT.IT/
I also have this top in black. I loved it so much that I also bought it in a fushia color. I love your classic yet fashion-forward look. My first blog reading of the day!
That made my day! Thanks for the kind words, Shelley : )
Simple and stylish. It couldn’t be better!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Loving this super polished look so much, especially that skirt! <3 🙂 Super cute!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
I absolutely love this neutral look! That belt pulls it all together 🙂
Oooo Love this look! It’s simple, clean and elegant!
Beautiful blouse,I loved
Love love love this! The belt makes all the difference, and the shoes are just so classic and chic, great styling!
Mary | O Blog da Mary
https://oblogdamary.wordpress.com/
What an amazing top, simple and stylish in one. I totally love it. It can be worn on skirts, but even if I would opt for a pair of jeans in my classroom, I can create a classy look by adding a top like this and a pair of comfortable ankle boots for example. Fantastic! As a teacher I love to dress comfortably and stylish at the same time; both being equally important to me. Thanks so much for showing this wonderful bell sleeve top on your blog. Have a great week. Love, Lieske
Thank you Lieske for all of your lovely comments! xx
Love this look!
This may be a silly question..but how do you stuff the sleeves of that top into the leather jacket?
I wrote about it in the blog post! Second paragraph : )
I love your skirt, and your belt. So chic!
http://charmainenyw.com