Drape front tee + flattering black ankle pants

Knowing that some of you are gradually returning to physical offices, I wanted to share an easy workwear pairing that can toggle between casual to more formal business wear. With these particular pieces, just the tee paired with the pants and a pair of flats (like these!) is very comfortable for a casual dress code setting, and you can throw on a cardigan or sweater jacket for offices that always have the AC blasting. For a meeting or dressier office environment, layering on a blazer and swapping in a pair of pumps can pull everything together and elevate the look.

Cross Front Tee (on sale)

In 5 colors, shown on me in ‘sorbet’

I’ve been partnering with Express throughout this year to share petite-friendly finds, and this top has to be a favorite! The fabric is very soft and drapey with a slightly looser fit. I’m wearing it here tucked in at the back center, and when untucked it hits near hip length on me (5 ft.). While it’s an everyday casual tee, the draped cross detailing allows it to have a slightly dressier look as a layering piece under sweaters and blazers. 

High Waist Luxe Comfort Knit Columnist Ankle Pant

In 6 colors, regular & petite sizing

A pair of these in classic black or navy make a versatile staple in any work-to-weekend wardrobe. Dressy enough for the office, comfy enough to wear at home all day (passed the “squat with toddler for an hour on playmat test!”). The stretchy medium to thicker weight fabric has a similar feel to ponte pants, and is not as tight or casual as leggings. They’re pull-on style so there’s no zipper or clasps, and the wider banded waist is flattering and provides a little tummy hold in that area. An xxs petite fit me with no waist gap (hard to find!), and the length actually hits perfectly above my ankles, with small slits on each side.

Supersoft Double Knit Two Button Boyfriend Blazer

In 3 colors, regular & petite sizing

The color on this is really pretty in person in a true pale sage, not quite as mint-toned as it reads in a few of my photos. I’m wearing the xxs petite and it fits a smidge big on me with light padding in the shoulders, but the sleeves and overall length are a good petite fit if you want a longer length blazer. Note that Express’ “Supersoft double knit” material that they use often is a ponte-like fabric and not a sweater type knit that some might expect. The fabric is medium to thicker in weight with stretch and a smooth finish to it.

High Waist FlexX Jeans

Saw these paired with the sage blazer and was very intrigued by the concept. Their new “FlexX” jeans collection is supposed to be able to stretch across up to 3 sizes, which sounds ideal for weight fluctuations and postpartum! I got the XS short to review but since I’m only my regular size now, I couldn’t tell how well they’d adjust fit with a little weight gain or loss. They’re definitely comfy and stretchy though and the Short length is very petite friendly.

Thank you to Express for partnering on this post.