Winter Workwear // Long layers + bow sleeve blouse

goyard st louis tote j crew petite coat

Ann Taylor tie sleeve blouse xxs petite (extra 60% off!),J.Crew lady day coat 00 petite, Ann Taylor pants (altered; similar), Talbots cardigan (similar on sale), TL sunglasses, Manolo Blahnik BB pumps sz 5, Heremes belt (similar), Goyard tote

If I’m going somewhere by car (instead of by foot) and the ground isn’t yet muddied with winter slush, I love “treating” myself by wearing floor-length pants! Trousers like these are so flattering, but they’re not the most convenient for city folk who have to change into flats for commuting. Here I stacked two long silhouettes on top of each other, with my duster cardigan for indoor wear and lady day coat for outdoors. When the cardigan or coat meets the floor-grazing pants, the result is a continuous line that’s lengthening even on petite women!

Unfortunately my pants are old (style name was high waisted flare pants), but I rounded up a few other options that come in both petites + regular:
Ann Taylor Madison trouser – similar cut in what looks and feels like the same camel fabric as mine (it’s a nice quality, thicker weight material). I get all of my AT pants taken in to fit (except for the ones with elasticized waists), so if you’re similar in size I would expect to need waist alterations on these!
WHBM black wide leg pants – 30% off with code 74934 + free shipping and returns on petite items! WHBM pants in general actually fit me the best off-the-rack, compared to other American brands!
Express petite mid-rise belted pants – Belts are nifty for helping pants fit a little tighter at the waist, if needed!
Ann Taylor velvet smoking pants – These look like the most similar in cut to my pair here, but in a dramatically luxe navy velvet for holiday! I can see this paired simply but elegantly with a black off shoulder top or lace cami. I’m also intrigued by this cropped lace wide-legged pant as an alternative to skirts and dresses for festive events!
camel long cardigan sweater_petite women fashionI got several questions about this tie-sleeve blouse after this post on my Instagram! It’s on super sale right now after extra 60% off – I love that the neckline (you can clasp it shut at the nape of the neck) and sleeves subtly elevate a classic white top. A few notes on the top, FYI: 1) as with all white blouses, you need to wear a skin-toned bra underneath; 2) the material is fluid and drape-y so the sleeve ties can come undone pretty easily. I tie my bows super tight and then used double sided fashion tape to secure down the bow ears – I keep it like this and wear it a few times before laundering; 3) one reviewer said the fabric “melted” under an iron – I always recommend using a garment steamer instead of an iron with blouses like this!
professional work wear_petite business casual outfits
jcrew lady day coat white jacket petite fashion
winter office style outfit ideas_petite fashion blogI’ve hardly reached for my shorter cardigans this year after adding a few dusters to my wardrobe! This one from Talbots just sold out in size Petite P (see other ways I’ve styled it here and here), but I also tried on this similar long cardigan which is on sale, and thought it was equally nice and fit the same on me! Some might even prefer it since it doesn’t have ribbing. Right now you can use code 25ALL to take 25% off your purchase! Other pieces to check out at Talbots:

– Adorable scallop wool-blend skirt for work, starting in size 0P
– Festive bow-back pumps in holiday plaid or black suede, starting in size 5. Also comes in a flat version!
– And of course, my favorite reversible belt that’s a great dupe for my Hermes one here! XS sold out in a jiffy, but you can buy a bigger size and have a cobbler shorten it for you (worth it in my opinion, for such a versatile piece)!

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26 Comments

  1. Lizzie wrote:

    Beautiful outfit, Jean! The colors look great on you. So elegant.

    Sometimes when I’m wearing longer pants and commuting, I wear flats and then cuff the pants and use four binder clips to keep the cuffs in place. Yes, it looks dorky especially when the colors don’t blend, but it keeps my pants clean until I get to my destination (indoors) where I switch out my footwear and release the hems.

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  2. Mary Ni wrote:

    Hey Jean, stunning outfit. So smart/ casual, elegant.

    Mary

    Posted 11.25.17 Reply
  3. ericca wrote:

    This is a look that i could wear everyday to work if i had to . Very stylish yet looks effortless and comfortable. I question , i have a bit of a pear shape (stomach , wide hips and a butt) can i wear my shirt in my pants with out it looking weird. I have not much of a torso.

    Posted 11.21.17 Reply
  4. Sincerely Ophelia wrote:

    I absolutely love long layers cause it’s sooo warm! Love your bow sleeves too!

    XOXO //
    SINCERELY OPHELIA

    Posted 11.21.17 Reply
  5. Caterina wrote:

    Hi Jean! I really love your style and we have the same height, body type and shoe size haha so i always search your blog for outfit ideas. I noticed you use your Goyard St. Louis a lot. I’ve been eyeing one for the longest time now but i’ve read reviews that the straps crack or break. What’s your experience so far?

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  6. Phoebe wrote:

    Awesome outfit! I love how leg lengthening the trousers are! BTW What do you have on your lips?

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  7. Jeany wrote:

    Such a gorgeous outfit and so in love with the color combo!
    xx, Jeany from http://vogueetvoyage.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  8. Jessica wrote:

    This is really beautiful – loving this top!

    http://www.jessicabroyles.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  9. Jun wrote:

    Great hair and pics as always. Just could not believe your height in reality in these images. i am just as petite and struggle to look as professional in my day to day life. Over the years, I noticed you rarely wear dark colored wide pants – is it because colorful ones are more flattering on petites?

    Also wonder how you withstand the wintery cold with wide pants and pumps?

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  10. Jandrew wrote:

    This classic look is made all the better by elongating the leg ! These are the expert style tips that make fashion blogs worthwhile!
    Thanks !
    Jandrew
    Dress The Part
    http://www.jandrewspeaks.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  11. Meghan Burns wrote:

    I have a shirt that ties on the arms like this, however I can never get the bows to be just right so I have never worn it… Any tips? lol
    xo, Meghan | http://tanlinesanddaisies.com/

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  12. Catherine wrote:

    Did Ann Taylor discontinue the high waisted flare pants?? They are my favorite cut and style but I can’t find them on the website any longer!

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  13. Malak wrote:

    You look fantastic as ever! I have a question. What heeled bootie do you recommend with skinny black dress pants (like the BR Sloan)? I LOVE the look of high heels with those pants but in the winter it’s too cold for that. What bootie (with a comfortable heel height because I do a lot of walking) do you recommend to wear?

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  14. Tess Felber wrote:

    Your style is so chic! love love love those pants on you!
    xx Tess |Sequins are the New Black

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  15. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    I absolutely love your style, Jean! Your outfit is wonderful and I love the colours!

    I hope you have a great Monday,
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  16. Shloka wrote:

    Such a beautiful colour on you! This combination is so chic and elegant!

    x
    Shloka
    http://www.thesilksneaker.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  17. Mireia wrote:

    Absolutely love it!

    Mireia from TGL
    https://thegoldlipstick.com/

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  18. Rachelle wrote:

    Such a sharp work look and I love your belt.

    xo
    Pinksole

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  19. Marjorie wrote:

    These pants are so amazing!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  20. Lucy Laughton wrote:

    Dear Jean,

    I just popped over here today to pop a link to your blog on my own blog (I hope this is ok) but I didn’t realise about the medical issues you’d been going through lately. I’m so sorry for the ups and downs you are going through, you are such an inspiring, hardworking woman and I wish you and Nick every happiness. I’m sad to learn about any difficulty you have to undergo as I’ve watched your life go from strength to strength for years via this blog which I started following back in 2011, but I know you will be able to overcome this like you have every other challenge you’ve silently faced without us knowing over the years. Here’s praying for specific blessings for the IVF in the next few months.

    Your friend and fan,

    Lucy

    ps your outfit today is beautiful beyond words haha this should’ve been the first thing I mentioned xD

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  21. Kimberly Hsieh wrote:

    I adore this color combination!! Also really love that the blouse is so crisp 🙂

    http://www.lovekimber.com

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  22. Elizabeth wrote:

    I love this blouse so much, especially the little bow details on the sleeves! Thank you so much for sharing that great tip about the garment tape! Definitely need to try it out! <3 🙂

    XO, Elizabeth
    http://clothestoyouuu.com/

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  23. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    I love the pants you’re wearing. The cut of them, the colour, they’re perfect! ❤ Also love your hair! ❤

    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 11.19.17 Reply
  24. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    Simply beautiful … classy elegant! ♥️

    Posted 11.19.17 Reply
    • Rhoda Bernard wrote:

      Lovely outfit — You mention your garment steamer. Is there a brand or particular model that you recommend for a garment steamer?

      Posted 11.22.17 Reply

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