Fall work outfit // Camel wool skirt + bell sleeve top

black petite top hermes belt pencil skirt dressy fall outfit

Express top xxs petite (similar), J.Crew pencil skirt 000 petite (factory version), Halogen pumps (similar), Tory Burch bag (on sale!), Blank NYC jacket xs, Ray-Ban sunglasses in matte gold, Hermes belt (similar)

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!

what to wear to work fall outfits stylish office fashion
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.

business casual work outfit professional office style fashion
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.

black leather jacket classic petite fashion

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54 Comments

  1. Melissa C. wrote:

    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!

    Posted 11.25.17 Reply
  2. FC wrote:

    Bought this skirt and it’s perfect. My one stop source for amazing petite items and great deals. I love your blog!

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  3. Rosemary wrote:

    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.

    Posted 10.22.17 Reply
  4. Lisa wrote:

    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.

    Posted 10.22.17 Reply
  5. Jeannie wrote:

    Did you shorten the sleeves on the faux leather jacket??

    Posted 10.22.17 Reply
  6. Liana Ekawati wrote:

    That belt is cute. Love it girl.

    Posted 10.21.17 Reply
  7. Lindsay wrote:

    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!

    Posted 10.20.17 Reply
  8. Florence wrote:

    Love this! Would you be able to tell me what color highlights you get? Your hair always looks so great! Thanks!

    Posted 10.20.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      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.

      Posted 10.20.17 Reply
      • Florence wrote:

        Thank you so much! Mine always seem brassy so I’m definitely going to ask for cooler toned.

        Posted 10.23.17 Reply
  9. Malak wrote:

    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?

    Posted 10.20.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      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)

      Posted 10.20.17 Reply
  10. Tennile wrote:

    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.

    Posted 10.20.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      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

      Posted 10.20.17 Reply
  11. Jenna at Boston Chic Party wrote:

    This is the perfect fall office look! I need a camel skirt!
    xoxo, Jenna
    Bostonchicparty.com

    Posted 10.19.17 Reply
  12. Jenny John wrote:

    I loved it <3
    SO Stylish and classy. The overall look is just perfect. The shoe is the addition to it, just loved it!!!!

    Posted 10.19.17 Reply
  13. I love this outfit for work Jean! I also have this belt and it’s so versatile and classic 🙂

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  14. Laura wrote:

    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.

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Laura! Yes it is the Small … the regular size is very generously sized against a petite frame.

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  15. Mei wrote:

    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

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  16. Jennifer wrote:

    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

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      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!

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  17. sue wrote:

    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?

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • sue wrote:

      heavier items like a 32 oz water bottle (thirsty person here!)

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
      • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

        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)!

        Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  18. Mizeats wrote:

    Looking classy and stylish as always! Love your sleeves tip!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you, hon! xx

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  19. Shloka wrote:

    I love that top! The bell sleeves are such a chic addition and the colour combo is fabulous!

    x
    Shloka
    http://www.thesilksneaker.com

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  20. Carmen wrote:

    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?

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      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.

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  21. Phoebe wrote:

    Love your hair in a ponytail!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  22. Grace wrote:

    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.

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  23. Tara Watson wrote:

    Great office look! What lip color are you wearing? So flattering!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thanks, Tara! It’s Lolita by Kat Von D

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  24. Such a classy look! I really like it. X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  25. Michela wrote:

    i lve this outfit so much!
    miki

    https://LITTLETASTEOFBEAUTY.BLOGSPOT.IT/

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  26. Shelley wrote:

    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!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      That made my day! Thanks for the kind words, Shelley : )

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  27. Marjorie wrote:

    Simple and stylish. It couldn’t be better!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  28. Elizabeth wrote:

    Loving this super polished look so much, especially that skirt! <3 🙂 Super cute!

    XO, Elizabeth
    http://clothestoyouuu.com/

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  29. I absolutely love this neutral look! That belt pulls it all together 🙂

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  30. Oooo Love this look! It’s simple, clean and elegant!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  31. Beautiful blouse,I loved

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  32. 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/

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  33. 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

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you Lieske for all of your lovely comments! xx

      Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  34. Love this look!

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  35. Anonymous wrote:

    This may be a silly question..but how do you stuff the sleeves of that top into the leather jacket?

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      I wrote about it in the blog post! Second paragraph : )

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  36. I love your skirt, and your belt. So chic!

    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply

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