From work to weekend // lace top + circle skirt

spring work business casual outfit for petite women

Scallop lace top xxs petite, Seamed skirt 00 petite (waist taken in 2″) c/o, slingback pumps 5.5 c/o – full outfit is on sale!

Pale blue is one of my all time favorite colors (I couldn’t resist wearing it at our baby shower which unintentionally confused our guests ; ), so I was happy to see it get its moment in Ann Taylor’s spring collection! It pairs easily with neutrals but also with bright colors, like yellow or a deeper blue if you want to do a monochromatic look. I would say the true color of the “cool peri” hue is in between how it looks in the outdoor vs. indoor photos in this post. This is an outfit that is business casual work appropriate, but can also be worn to dressier events like a bridal or baby shower. The lace top is also an easy way to dress up a pair of jeans and sandals on the weekends!

beacon hill cafe boston fashion blogger

Pale blue dresses

Not pictured, but I tried on this tiered dress in the same “cool peri” color as my skirt. The dress is lightweight and flowy in a flattering A-line silhouette, with a comfortable elasticized waistband and fabric that seemed wrinkle-resistant (no steaming needed out of the package). My usual size was a little loose on me at the waist but would not require any alterations – I would just add a waist belt to cinch that area in. There is also a flutter sheath dress in the same color as well with great reviews! That one is in their doubleweave fabric, which is a little more thick and substantial with stretch.

Scallop Lace Yoke Top

This is described online as a jersey knit top, but I liked that it’s actually a little thicker in-person like a ponte fabric. The medium weight material makes it more ideal for wearing untucked, but it does also work tucked in if you “blouson” the fabric out out a bit over the waistline! The yoke top portion is partially see through, but you can still wear a regular skin-toned bra underneath.

Seamed full skirt

This is a gently flaring, seamed skirt made of a lightweight crepe fabric with good movement and drape. The waist measures 13″ across on a 00 petite which is true to size for Ann Taylor bottoms. I had it taken in 2″ from the back seams to sit higher up on my waist, so perhaps try a size down if you also prefer your skirts to be high waisted!

lace top spring business casual work outfit ideas
ann taylor petite spring outfit ideas

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18 Comments

  1. Karen M wrote:

    I bought the top and skirt but somehow the top looks a lot darker than in your pictures. I bought the Ecru color. Did you buy the Ecru color?

    Posted 6.15.19 Reply
  2. Aki! wrote:

    This cinderella blue color is gorgeous, but I also feel like only certain skin undercolors look good in it. I have an olive complexion and have never been able to pull it off!

    Posted 5.11.19 Reply
  3. Anna Hassan wrote:

    The outfit is very feminine and sweet

    Posted 5.6.19 Reply
  4. Betty | CHALK Academy wrote:

    The lace top is so gorgeous!! Thank you for recommending it! I think I will pair it with skinny jeans, and I might try it with shorts for the summer!

    Posted 5.5.19 Reply
  5. Sharon Rausch wrote:

    I learn so much from you as well! Thank you so much for sharing your helpful information.

    Posted 5.2.19 Reply
  6. Roses for Fridays | by mia wrote:
    Posted 4.30.19 Reply
  7. Marta wrote:

    That’s a gorgeous skirt, I love the cuts that it has, it gives it a really nice fit and flow.

    Posted 4.30.19 Reply
  8. Janine wrote:

    This outfit is sooo pretty! I love pastel tones, like this pale blue, but as a blonde, I always feel like they don’t suit me as much or wash me out a little… you definitely made me want to try those colors more often!
    xx Janine
    https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.30.19 Reply
  9. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    I love the skirt Jean, it looks like a great transitional piece!

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

    Posted 4.29.19 Reply
  10. Elizabeth T. wrote:

    This lace top is so pretty and feminine <3 🙂 I love how you styled this look with this skirt! It's such a beautiful look for spring!

    XO, Elizabeth T.
    http://clothestoyouuu.com

    Posted 4.29.19 Reply
  11. Charmaine Ng wrote:

    Oh, this is so cute! I love the lace details of your top, Jean. The colours of your outfit are beautiful too! ❤️✨

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

    Posted 4.29.19 Reply
  12. lisa wrote:

    I adore powder blue ! I will try the skirt at my local Ann Taylor ! May I ask your weight/waist size? Did the skirt run large? I am just wondering about the 2 inch alternation you mentioned- but its a lovely piece for sure!!

    Posted 4.29.19 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Lisa! For fit reference I’m about 5 feet tall, 95 lbs with a 24″ waist. I see one reviewer thought this skirt ran big, but it measured 26″ around the waist which is consistent with the majority of pants and skirts I’ve tried on from Ann Taylor over the years in the same size. So I thought it ran TTS for the brand, but the brand in general runs a little bigger than UK brands such as ASOS or H&M. I almost always get my Ann Taylor bottoms taken in at the waist, unless it’s a tie-waist style or elastic.

      Posted 5.1.19 Reply
      • Karen M wrote:

        I bought the top and skirt but somehow the top looks a lot darker than in your pictures. I bought the Ecru color. Did you buy the Ecru color?

        Posted 6.15.19 Reply
  13. Kate wrote:

    I love that shade of blue too. I would love to see a post on where to hem midi skirts/dresses or midi length styling advice for petites. I always struggle with finding a flattering length with longer skirts/dresses.

    Posted 4.29.19 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Kate, I usually follow the rule of thumb of having a longer skirt hem hit at a narrower part of your leg. For example, the area right below your knees or closer to your lower calf / ankle, instead of the widest part of your calf for example. Of course there are times when I don’t care as much about finding the perfect, exact hem length and wear a piece just because I love it, but I hope that bit of guidance helps!

      Posted 5.1.19 Reply
  14. Amanda K. wrote:

    Looking lovely in this simple clean outfit accented with lace. Yes, I’m drawn to the lace too, especially since where it is does bring attention up top. Along with the vertical seams on the skirt, your pointed-toe pumps, and a monochromatic color scheme, I like the slight elongation effect.

    I am interested in the top, but I did not see it yesterday when I stopped by in store; turns out it’s online only, so thanks for giving us an idea about it with your review!

    Posted 4.29.19 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Amanda – thanks for your comment! Totally agree with your points about visually drawing attention up top with the lace yoke and utilizing other details to elongate the outfit.

      Posted 5.1.19 Reply

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