Several of you have requested more office outfits, so I’m excited to share some transitional looks as we slowly ease into spring. This outfit is simple (I topped it off with a gray wool wrap coat), but each seemingly basic component stands out to me in some way, whether it’s little feminine details or an impeccable fit.
Tailored slim Pants (no waist gap!!)
I first raved about these J.Crew Cameron pants in an email newsletter last year (subscribe here!). If you often have trouble with pants gapping at the waist, definitely give this style a try. I always either alter my pants at the waistband, shrink them in the dryer, or use a belt to hoist them up … so buttoning up this pair with no waist gap off the rack was a hallelujah moment! The only downside is they are almost always excluded from sale.
Based on reviews, it seems to be the general consensus that the Cameron high rise sizing runs about 1 size small. I took my usual 00 petite but in hindsight could’ve sized up, especially as the hip area is snug getting on and off. Compared to my other fave BR Sloan pants, the J.Crew Camerons run noticeably smaller throughout (I always have to shrink the Sloans in the dryer first). Also in comparison, the material on the Cameron has more 4-way stretch, the rise is higher, and the pant legs are more tailored and fitted down to the ankle.
Striped Blazer with pearls
This stripes + pearls blazer couldn’t be more up my alley, made of a weightier knit fabric adorned with faux pearls. The jacket has some stretch to it (it’s also wrinkle-resistant, good for traveling) with a full lining, and the front pockets are functional. It’s a classic piece that would look equally chic paired with boyfriend jeans or a pencil skirt. Fit-wise, this runs true to size for Ann Taylor. My usual size 00 petite has a little room on me, enough to layer a long sleeve sweater under.
Measurements of pants in sz 00 petite: 12.5″ across the waist, 16″ across the hips, 9″ rise, 24″ inseam. For fit reference, my waist & hip measurements are 24″ and 32″ around, respectively.
I’m quickly outgrowing these pants, otherwise I’d be getting them in every color! Just ordered a BellaBand hoping to extend the wear of my favorite jeans and pants. Currently, a rubber band is doing the trick holding these up at the un-zipped waist ; )
Hi Jean. Having issues with gaps in the waist of many of my pants, I snapped up a pair of (high rise) Cameron pants after reading your newsletter. Glad to report that these are gap-free! I’ve never gotten pants from J Crew before, but the 2P seems to fit my 5 foot, 110 lb frame quite well – just a tad roomy, and the high rise is very high. I was surprised to find that 2 in J Crew sizes is a 25! Anyway, thanks for great tip off! I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them.
Great outfit and love the color!
Jean,
I love your blog. Thank you for inspiring this +60 year old petite. I especially love the looks I can wear to work.
Last year at your suggestion I tried the Banana Republic Sloan pant – I now have it in so many colors! I love the new side zip Sloan the best. I hope they continue to make it in more colors!
Beautiful blazer! Love the stripes.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
love this outfit!!
http://alexamjohnson.com
I had a very different experience than you in regards to the cameron pants. I did not like them at all. I bought four pairs in 00P – black, navy, heather grey, and burgundy – and they all fit soo differently with different quality and sizing. The black and navy ended up becoming one size bigger in the wash. The grey shrank in the wash, and the burgundy remains the only one true to size. Not to mention, some had waists that hit very high up past my belly button while others hit under the belly button. J Crew also consistently charges me double my order and mails me two of each thing. I hated shopping online there so I am no longer customer.
Love this outfit!! Would it be possible for you to do a blog on some cheaper blazers too sometime soon ? 🙂
Hi Steph – H&M is usually my go-to for more affordable blazers. However I do usually need to get the sleeves shortened since its not petite sizing (around $25 for alterations) and although I like the narrow fit of H&M, just a heads up their materials are not as nice (you usually get what you pay for) and wrinkle-resistant as BR or AT blazers.
This look is amazing!!!
xx
https://closettostreet.com
You look stylish as ever Jean. I can imagine you are happy and grateful that you have ‘survived’ the first 3 months of your pregnancy. More relaxing months to come fatigue-wise and more challenging ones fashion-wise. I am sure you will come up with fantastic maternity wear. Looking forward to seeing you grow and glow. Love, Lieske
Thanks for the pants suggestion! I’m always looking for a good pair of comfy pants for work. I’ve tried the Sloans before but found then not slim enough at the ankle, so I’ll have to give the Camerons a try. I really like the WHVM ponte pants too. My last wishlist is a non-cropped version! All the pants are cropped nowadays…
Your outfit looks lovely! Your pants looks comfy too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I love that blazer so much! You are seriously making me question my moratorium on buying new clothes until the spring. My credit card is begging for mercy.
Jean, will you be blogging about maternity wear when the time comes that you need it?
Yes, absolutely! I’m excited to attempt to navigate those unfamiliar waters style-wise : )
ADORING this outfit look, so classy, feminine and chic! The blazer is such a statement piece!
xx
Ankita
http://realgirltalks.com/
Absolutely love it!
OMG I’m in love with the striped blazer!
Happy FriYAY!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
That blazer is so cute! love it. X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Really in love with your elegant look with the blazer!
With love from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
This blazer looks sooo chic and put-together! <3 🙂 Loving the print so much! And your hoes are adorable too!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
LOVED reading the word “trimester” in the blog post and despite being far too young to be a mom myself, I am so looking forward to your maternity posts. Having followed your infertility journey (and your blog for the last 7+ years), I am so elated and excited and get a bit of a thrill every time you mention the fact that you’re expecting. So happy you’re bringing us along on this journey and can’t wait to reference these posts when I have my own children (way down the road…).
Hi Winnie – Thank you for your sweet comment and for your support over (gosh!!) so many years! That means so much to me!
Such a perfect look for the office!
xx, Daeyz
http://www.daeyz.com
The blazer looks amazing on you, Jean! I never tried a striped-patterned one before – I find it quite hard to wear because I’m short already to begin with. Though I do love the navy colour of yours, very classic! 🙂
http://charmainenyw.com
How tall are you Charmaine?
Not even 5″1′!
Love ❤️ that simple tailored look! 👍🏼💗👍🏼
Hi Jean! I’ve yet to buy slim work pants because they always seem to be smooth in the front and fit at the waist, but the back (mostly behind the knee area) creases a lot. Is this common for slim pants or am I just trying the wrong sizes?
Hi Ling … you mean like in the second to last photo in this post? I think there is usually some creasing with slimmer pants, but for this pair at least, they are not permanent and just happen naturally when you walk and bend your knees.
I love your look! The classic blazer looks great!
Oh, I LOVE the pearl detailing! It’s so chic, and works so well with the navy stripes.
http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
I have a different body type than you (5’7” with long limbs, and size 2) and I want you to know how much I appreciate your blog!! I can adapt the ideas for my figure and I’m so grateful I found it. So many creative outfit combinations and I adore your style! Please keep blogging after you have the baby, don’t leave me now 😉. Can’t wait to see some “mom” looks too, that’s what I need. Thanks so much!
I feel the same way! So happy that I’ve found your blog. Thank you 💕 /Hanna