Polished Neutral Work Outfits Vol. 12

neutral work outfits winter to spring

I’m eagerly anticipating a few vibrant pieces I ordered for spring, but the gloomy cold weather here still has me in neutrals mode. My wardrobe has become neutrals heavy over the years since it makes getting dressed just so much quicker, but I’m looking forward to bringing back a little more color in the coming months. For now, here’s a few of my go-to neutral combos that always feel polished! You can also see these looks in my Instagram video.

1. Grey + Almond
Banana Republic Factory petite midi sweater dress
Madewell cardigan xxs, BRF dress xxs petite (similar Nordstrom, Asos, Lulus), AT pumps 5,
Polene bag, watch resized, Edited Pieces mini belt xxs

Grey and beige sounds snooze-worthy, but I love the resulting soft color palette of two light tone neutrals. This cardigan has an oversized fit on a petite frame and a substantial weight like a “coatigan,” and you can sub in a tall knee high boot for more cold weather leg coverage.

2. Black + White + Camel
express chanel style tweed sweater jacket petite

The perfect trio of neutrals that I could wear every single day. I also can’t get enough of this cardigan jacket and have heard such great feedback from those of you who got it as well! See it on me with grey jeans, with blue jeans, and with camel trousers.

3. Shades of Blue + Taupe
business casual winter to spring outfit
A+F jeans 24S (similar), blazer xxs petite, Vici blouse (similar), Polene bag, similar shoes

I love doing varying shades of one color, like light blue with denim and the light taupe blazer here with deeper taupe shoes and handbag. This blazer has a straighter cut and slightly more relaxed fit in the torso – you can see it on me here with the sleeves at full length.

4. Olive + Black + Cream
Amazon The Drop silk skirt petite try on

Olive and black has always been a staple combo, and adding a lighter color like cream into the mix helps brighten it up – and in this case, add some coverage for a cardigan with a deep neckline. If your legs get cold, I’d wear this same outfit with my Sheertex tights (my review) and black ankle booties.

5. Navy + Brown + Taupe
Theory Outlet crepe ankle pants petite outfit
Theory crepe pants 00 (petite friendly), BP turtleneck xs (similar),
Mango coat (similar), similar pumps

Navy is probably the most versatile neutral in my wardrobe, and a combo I see less often and love is navy with chocolate brown or varying shades of brown.

I don’t mention these Theory pull-on crepe pants enough, but they’re an amazing piece that I’ve gotten in a few colors over the years. If you prefer mid rise to my usual high rise pants, definitely check these out. The crepe material is elevated, fluid and wrinkle-resistant. The cut is sleek and classic. I didn’t even notice they added a size 000, which is good for very petite customers since I found these to run a tad loose in the waist.

Size 00 measures 12.75″ across the waist (plus stretch with the elastic back), 9″ rise, 25.5″ inseam. I’m currently about 25″ at the natural high waist, and the 00 fits me mid rise with room.

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13 Comments

  1. Lisa wrote:

    I bought a cute bag from Cafune – a mini drop duffel and the size is perfect for me. I so appreciate your tips along with the links for finding sources for clothes and accessories for us petite ladies.

    Posted 3.8.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you so much for your kind note, Lisa! I’ll have to check out that Cafune style

      Posted 3.9.23 Reply
  2. Anne wrote:

    Loved the Express cardigan so much, I finally purchased it! Great fit, goes w/ everything, but sleeves are too long. Fortunately, some creative sewing shortened the sleeve length while keeping the black wrist band intact. It’s a great cardigan/light jacket!

    Posted 3.3.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      So glad you were ale to pick it up, Anne! I think it’s a perfect piece for transitioning from winter into spring. Yes the sleeves are a bit long but it sounds like you’ve found the perfect solution.

      Posted 3.3.23 Reply
  3. Lee wrote:

    Hi Jean, these looks are awesome. I want to get a silk slip skirt and was wondering -how do you find the Drop skirt vs the Quince silk skirt in terms of sizing? Are they similar? thank you!

    Posted 3.3.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you, Lee! I shared the measurements for both of the skirts in this review post, but also want to mention that the Quince silk is thinner and more delicate while the Drop is not silk but feels hardier and is also longer in length, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.

      Posted 3.3.23 Reply
      • Lee wrote:

        Oops must have missed the measurements in the post! Thank you so much for the response and your continued posts and recommendations -you always look Amazing!!

        Posted 3.8.23 Reply
  4. Kathryn wrote:

    Love all the outfits especially #3!! Ordered the BRF dress! Now I just need a sale on the cardigan and for the white mini belt to come out! 🙂

    Posted 3.2.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you Kathryn! We hope to have the white / taupe mini available soon 🙂

      Posted 3.3.23 Reply
  5. Elisa wrote:

    What’s nice about Neutral colors is that I can still were them in the spring, but add a pop of color through shoes and accessories. Also, I still have my eye on the One Quince silk skirt and silk blouse. Do you own any of their tops? As a petite girl, I enjoy your blog!

    Posted 3.2.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      I agree Elisa, I love the versatility that neutrals provide across seasons! If you haven’t already, I’d recommend taking a look at my review of the Quince silk skirt – I also have the notched color silk blouse and like it. Thank you so much for reading along xx

      Posted 3.3.23 Reply
  6. Karissa Dole wrote:

    I love all of your posts and outfit inspo! I am a college student and will be entering the workforce soon and this has been helping me get some ideas for flattering and chic looks! I would love to see some affordable suggestions for those of us in college or transitioning into early career opportunities! Or even the best times to get these items on sale! Many of the outfits you suggest are SO CUTE, but I am not sure I can afford some of them just yet…

    Posted 3.2.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Karissa, thank you so much for your kind note and congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I would recommend checking out Poshmark for some of these brands and pieces and filter by your size as there are so many good deals to be had on there for brands like Theory and more. When I was a college grad I got some pieces like blazers, blouses and dresses from H&M that served me really well for many years, so def check there as well!

      Posted 3.3.23 Reply

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