Colorful petite-friendly work staples

express petite white linen pants summer work outfit

Express linen pant 00 petite (see pant #2 below), Silky Portofino blouse xxs, Polene bag, M.Gemi heels 35.5

Boston’s pivot to 80 degree weather this week has me jumping to a summer state of mind! While my wardrobe has become increasingly more neutral, this time of year I love working in some color. Neon yellow is actually one of my faves that used to make regular appearances on the blog! Growing up, I was told those with yellow-undertone skin should steer clear of wearing yellow, but personally I find it to be pretty flattering and love how fresh it looks against white and prints.

I’m partnering with Express to share a couple work staples I own that were recently restocked in a bunch of colors. Each pant style featured is fully stocked in Petite or Short options, which is a rarity!

1. Classic high waist ankle pants

One of my favorite pants that I own in cream, black and yellow. These are made of a fluid, lightweight and nicely draping 4-season fabric. These were sold out in shorter inseams for a while but just had a huge restock, including white which went quickly last year! I’ve tried on both Petite and Short sizing and they usually measure and fit almost exactly the same, so I can wear either. The waist fits a little big on me so I usually wear these belted. Also see them styled on me here and here.

PS – For each color these pants come in, Express usually has a few tops or blazers in the same exact color! So if you love a bold monochromatic look, just type the color name into the search box to see what color-coordinated pieces are available.

fall business formal outfit

Outfit originally from this post 

2. Belted linen blend pant

I love the belt and shorter ankle length of these! Compared to the pleated ankle pants described in #1, these are made of a slightly thicker textured linen fabric and come with a belt. I saw how cropped they looked on the model which gave me hope that they’d actually fit above-the-ankle length on me. The belt is a nice accent that’s also practical for cinching in the waist for a snugger fit.

express silky portofino blouse neon yellow

3. Silky Portofino blouse

I have both their regular Portofino blouse as well as this silky version, and the latter is great if you want something that drapes closer to the body and appears more slim-fitting. This style only comes in regular sizing, but the XXS regular fits slim with just the sleeves being a little long on me (see above).

4. Wider cut trousers

I also wanted to mention these for anyone looking for a pair of tan / beige trousers (surprisingly hard to find in shorter lengths). These look very similar to a pair I got earlier this year!

classic white shirt tan pants work outfit

Updated version of these pants. Full outfit details are in this post.

Thank you to Express for partnering on this post.

express petite linen pants spring summer work outfit express white linen pants petite polene nano

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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10 Comments

  1. Pam wrote:

    Is the white Polene bag a numero un nano? I thought the strap
    was not removable, but your photos don’t show the strap. Any tips on how to hide the strap?

    Posted 6.13.22 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Pam, yes that is a Numero Un Nano and the shoulder strap is removable! The leather shoulder strap is adjustable or can be taken off entirely.

      Posted 6.13.22 Reply
  2. nancy wrote:

    Looking good!

    Posted 6.2.22 Reply
  3. Skinly wrote:

    Your color combo is amazing!

    Posted 6.1.22 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    How easily do the linen trousers wrinkle? That’s always my problem with linen.

    Posted 5.15.22 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      They will wrinkle due to being a linen blend, but not as much as 100% linen, from my experiences wearing them so far.

      Posted 5.17.22 Reply
  5. susan r rawls wrote:

    Great looking outfits. I love them all. The color combinations are very flattering.

    Posted 5.13.22 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you Susan, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well!

      Posted 5.13.22 Reply
  6. Katie wrote:

    what’s the trench in the last pic?

    Posted 5.13.22 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      It’s an old one from BR, I’ve been on the hunt for something similar but haven’t had much luck yet!

      Posted 5.13.22 Reply

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