Happy Monday! It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. I’ve had a few favorite finds in recent months that I’ve been incorporating in easy work-friendly outfits. These follow a pretty basic “formula” per usual, and are easy to recreate with similar pieces in your wardrobe! To see each of these looks in motion, check out my latest Instagram Reels video.
For more work outfit ideas see these posts from last winter:
Monday: Drape blouse + A-line skirt
Sarah Flint pumps 35.5 (code SARAHFLINT-JEAN50 for $50 off a first order)
The chic draping on this top made it an instant favorite for pairing with both trousers and skirts. Since it’s a slimmer cut top, I prefer it with wider cut pants / jeans or an A-line skirt rather than fitted bottoms.
Midi-length skirt options:
- Lulu’s champagne pleated skirt
- Amazon pleated skirt (XS fit me okay)
- Quince silk slip in a similar color
- Uniqlo pleated skirt
- ASOS petite pleated white skirt.
Tuesday: Black Mock Neck Top + Cream Trousers / Jeans
Edited Pieces mini belt xxs
There’s just something I love about a simple black and white pairing – or in this case, a winter cream. These trouser jeans from Ann Taylor are different from any jeans I own and SO flattering. I’ve tried them on with numerous tops ranging from fitted tees to cropped jackets to oversized sweaters and it all works.
The petite inseam on these jeans is 28,” making them a lot more wearable than most trouser-style jeans that run several inches longer and require sky high heels. I’m able to wear these with my mid heel booties and kitten heels as pictured above. FYI the rise is higher than most Ann Taylor bottoms though, and only for those who want something pretty high rise. I’ve found that using a contrast black & brown skinny belt helps visually break up the rise!
Wednesday: Blue Button Up Blouse +Camel Pants
These viral Zara pants continue to be a favorite and worth it to get hemmed. They’re wildly popular for a reason – something about the waist seaming and cut is just very flattering and creates a shapely silhouette from the waist to hips through the legs. These can be worn with sneakers and a chunky sweater for cozy casual wear too. I just picked these pants up in 2 more colors, as this camel pair has proven to be a favorite over the past year.
Thursday: Striped Top + Navy Trousers + Black Accessories
One of my favorite ways to pair navy is actually with black, which some may feel is a faux-pas! I love using both darker colors to create a sleek look with just subtle contrast.
Friday: Blazer + Rib Top + Jeans + Loafers
This is my everyday formula for being comfy while looking polished, and just the jacket switches from cardigan sweater jackets to more structured blazers. These loafers are my go-to for flats that have more coverage and are comfortable right off the bat. I’m packing for a trip and literally have both colors of these loafers packed as my only shoes so far! And this is still one of my most well-made tailored blazers, especially if you love a nautical-inspired button detail.
I’m a bit older (mid 40s) and just wore the A&F wide trousers with a fitted sweater. A lovely, petite, single, 20-something co-worker commented on my outfit being so chic and elegant. I’m often mistaken for being younger (being short & lucky to have a youthful complexion) and none of the finds from here have ever made me look “old lady” or frumpy.
I don’t relate as much to the posts about having young kids anymore but I’m still finding as many beautiful tips on fashion as I did when I started following this blog in my 30’s! The gift guides, recipes, how-tos …. All appreciated. Plus, I loved the Edited Pieces items. So many favorites already! Thank you, Jean!
Thank you so much for following along over the years, Elle! I’m so grateful for your continued support and so appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind note xx
You always look amazing! Is there a release date for the mini edited pieces belt? I’ve been eyeing them forever!
Thank you, Eleni! The mini belt will release in March!
for years this was such a wonderful blog with stunning outfits for petites,
week after week. now I never see anything I would want to buy. It’s all about how to do this and that, big legged pants, old lady clothes, and stuff about young kids. whatever happened?
perhaps you just didn’t grow in the same direction as the blogger stylistically, mentally, and life wise. that’s all okay. nothing happened, the blogger just evolved.
Your posts over the years have always been so thoughtfully written and practical— thank you! After taking a career pause for a few years, I had to revisit and refresh my business casual wardrobe. I adjusted my trusty old BR sloan pant lengths to be more current, though I wish they were more of a mid-rise than the low-rise of the days of ‘yore. I picked up a couple of Open Edit knit midi skirts from Nordstrom to change it up. They are form fitting, so I sized up. At 5’3”, they fit closer to ankle length, so I want to add a slit for better comfort and mobility. Would you consider a post on what different silhouettes you get from different slit locations (side, back, front, in front of one leg), and any pros/cons? I appreciate all you do for us petites!
Thank you Naia, the Sloan pants were such a trusty favorite! The skirts sound lovely. Regarding the slit, I usually stick to side or back slits as front or asymmetrical front slits are trendy but a little harder to get right!
Hi! I went to buy that express top but I didn’t see anything smaller than XS – did you definitely have it in xxs? Thanks!
Hi Molly! My top is size xxs, but unfortunately the smallest sizes tend to sell quickly and then the size is removed from the site.
Hi Jean, can you give some tips on what shoes to wear to different weddings? In this post-pandemic wedding season, I have one at a lake, one in a park, one on the beach, one in a safari park! I especially like wearing the same shoes to multiple occasions. Love your blog! -Fellow petite Bostonian.
Hi June, I would do an open toe wedge sandal for those occasions if it’s in warm weather, since a wedge won’t sink into the grass or lake surroundings like heels would.