Mock neck blouses are popping up across retail, providing a welcomed change in the sea of your standard v-neck tops. These overtly feminine pieces are an attractive option for work, especially if you only dress from the waist up. They bring attention and color to your face, which is all most of your colleagues are seeing of you these days anyway.
If you are back in the office, they pair beautifully with any bottom, like a slim pencil skirt, a full pleated skirt, and your favorite trouser in the best cut and shape for you.
Of course, take this out of the office to drinks and dinner with a pair of jeans. Or, add a faux leather skirt and wear these straight into the holidays.
Pick this style up if you have narrow shoulders and a small bust; however, avoid if you are bustier since it will only make you look wider and fuller than you are.
General body types this will complement are triangles since it will add volume to your upper half balancing out the lower, and straight up and down because it creates curves and visual interest. Hourglass could also pull it off as long as you balance your waist and hips.
It’s also a fantastic option for Petites with a small frame.
I found five seriously gorgeous options in a range of sizes and prices.
5 Fresh Workwear Blouses for Fall
Banana Republic: Satin Billow Sleeve Blouse | Under $50, in regular, tall and petite, in rose (above) and navy.
J.Crew: Long Sleeve Ruffle Neck Top | Originally $89.50 (on sale for Under $50 with code FALLTIME) Sizes XXXS – 3X in green (above), white, pink and navy
Ann Taylor:Seersucker Mock Neck Top | $69.50 in dusty teal (above) sizes XXS – XXL
Nordstrom: 1. State, Keyhole Blouse | $69 in green (above) and pink sizes XXS – XXL
Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Last month our series, “What to Buy at,” featured Banana Republic. I love BR for their classic modern style and commitment to offering an inclusive size range. They make my job so much easier.
After that post, I received several questions about how to wear these joggers, specifically, how to style joggers in an outfit for work and weekends. So today, I’m breaking down a few options to wear for whatever work looks like for you and ideas to make them casual, since right now those worlds are merging together.
If you are new to our site (welcome!), today is an excellent example of how many of our posts are designed to help you build a functional, practical, and chic wardrobe. I use items from popular, mainstream retailers, focusing on realistic price points and inclusive size options.
My goal is to help you build a wardrobe much like I did when I worked with my private styling clients. I reuse popular items throughout each season, so what you purchase through this site becomes a piece you turn frequently.
In the looks below, I used a combination of items you may already own, along with some new options, all well priced, all available in a range of sizes.
Maybe the best thing to come out of 2020 is jogger pants. They are having a big moment. With work and home life being one and the same, it’s nice to have a few pieces you can grab that straddle both worlds.
The cut, tapered leg, and drape of a jogger make them a more polished alternative to leggings and sweatpants. At this point, we know how much better it feels to get dressed in some capacity for our day. Feeling pulled together makes all the difference in our mood and productivity.
Don’t let the casual nature of these pants throw you. Wear them like you would any pair of black pants. Here, I used this black and white marled sweater from Gap. It’s easy-peasy, comes in regular, tall and petite up to an XXL and on sale for $41. This is suppose to be oversized, not giant, but not fitted. I like how the sweater complements the joggers; both feel cozy and casual.
The trick to wearing a casual jogger with a jacket is to make sure the fabric of the jacket works with the jogger’s material. Here,I’m using the Ann Taylor motto jacket we featured earlier this month. It’s done in a knit, which means it will complement the blend of the joggers.
When video conferencing, think about wearing colors that bring light and warmth to your face. The sweater is a lovely base to add some simple accessories, like a chain link necklace and stud earrings. These small details will add layers to your look and help you look more professional.
What’s not professional are these Ugg slippers 🙂 Who knew when I bought them in late 2019 just how much I would wear them, lol.
Finally, consider your make-up if you are regularly on camera. You may need a darker or brighter lipstick, so you don’t look washed out. My favorite is this red lip by Kosas.
Below is our article from March (when all of this nonsense started). I used a similar pair of olive joggers to create three casual outfits. Almost all of the items are still available.
Joggers are what you want to wear when you don’t want to wear sweats. They are slightly better, and make all the different in that space between feeling sloppy and like you still have your life together.
I’m featuring them in a dark army green. It’s a fantastic, updated neutral.
You likely have these pieces already hanging in your closet. I want to call out the tee shirt because it’s what many of you are looking for. It’s a lovely ballet neckline with a sleeve that goes to your elbow, making it ideal for layering or to wear alone.
I added a long necklace by Kendra Scott (on sale for under $40 at Nordstrom Rack) – because why not? Jewelry makes me feel human.
Finally, I am crazy about these shoes by Louise et Cie. They are a leather slip on sneaker in a leopard print available in lots of sizes for under $50, also a Nordstrom Rack. I was not allowing myself to buy another leopard print shoe, but will be breaking that rule with these.
I took the joggers and added a simple grey sweatshirt by Everlane. I find they run slightly small, so size up, or pay close attention to the measurements.
Then I added these chic and comfortable Rothy’s in camo. I’m wearing my Rothly’s in my office almost daily. There’s something about wearing a real shoe that helps me feel grounded.
Now, keep in mind, my office is a few steps away from my house. I have to go outside to get in, so wearing shoes is required. I get it might be less important if you are currently working at your dining room table – just something to consider.
Finally, these earrings, by our new favorite Gorjana. I’m mentioning them because they come in gold AND silver tone, and so many readers have requested more silver options. They are incredibly affordable and a simple way to raise your spirit.
Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Post and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Here on the East Coast, right outside of Philadelphia, it feels like we skipped over a lingering summer and jumped headfirst into Fall. The leaves are already turning orange, and it’s cold enough in the mornings that my kids voluntarily wear a hoodie to the bus stop.
Our big girls are back to school (in person!), the baby is turning two and has two speeds: running and asleep, and our calendars are as overscheduled as they were in the pre-COVID good old days.
I’ve never been more grateful for all the things on our plates. Whenever I want to complain about the busyness, I remind myself that the alternative is a disaster.
Now that we are in full swing with the Fall season, I need to spend some time organizing my closet, and pulling my wardrobe together, so getting dressed for the day is easier. It’s no surprise that after this last six months, my closet needs some TLC.
And! Don’t forget! Our Fall 2020 Wardrobe Challenge starts THIS FRIDAY! This is the BEST time of year to participate, whether you are new to The Well Dressed Life, or have participated in the past, you will walk away with insights, clarity and a perfectly organized closet.
Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
The Spanx “Perfect” Black Skinny Pants are among the most popular items we featured during the Nordstrom Sale. With all the comfort of a legging, these better basics can take you anywhere.
Good thing because we’re not only transitioning from the summer to the fall, but also from staying home to getting back out into the world. So whether you are working from home or are in the office, you will get a ton of use out of these pants.
How to wear the Spanx “Perfect” Black Skinny Pants
The comfort is next level. As someone who goes from sitting on the floor with my toddler, to working at my desk, to dropping my big girls off at sports practices, these pants let you move while looking polished.
And now that we are inching closer to sweater weather – their flat front and pull on style are ideal.
To work from home on a chilly day, add a cozy sweater. Chelsea28, available at Nordstrom, makes lovely, affordable knits. This particular sweater is supposed to be oversized. The shoulder is relaxed (or “dropped”) and the sleeves are extra long, so you can scrunch them up or pull them over your hands.
I’ve been hearing from readers who are back in the office and looking to find balance in dressing for a more relaxed environment, but still wanting to look professional.
Grab these pants, and add a few simple workwear basics, starting with this plaid blazer by Liverpool (available at Bloomingdale’s). It’s a beautiful piece that adds some casual structure to an outfit. It’s available in sizes up to XXL, with a little bit of stretch that will match the pants’ comfort.
Next, you need a layer, which is often hard to find. This one, by Halogen, is under $40. Scoop it up in ivory (above) and black if you need to refresh your core work wardrobe. There are also six other prints to choose from, including a classic leopard print you can layer under a black blazer or cardigan. Available in petite and missy.
Finally, a splurge-worthy quilted bag by Michael Kors to show how adding textural elements can elevate an outfit. You can see, by matching your hardware and metal tones, you can create a cohesive look easily.
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Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
As we move into fall, I’m going to start talking more about specific body types and how pieces I’m featuring can work to hence your shape. So going forward, on posts like this one, I’ll highlight how and why it will work for certain body types.
But before I dive into it below, please remember these are just guidelines. Nothing in fashion is set in stone.
How gorgeous is this look, made with items you may already have and under $100 if you want to pick up something new.
What’s important here are the jeans. If you wear a peplum top you MUST wear a slim bottom, either straight or skinny, depending on what looks best on you.
I’m using these Wit & Wisdom jeans because I know many of you already have them. It’s nice that they hit right at the ankles, this creates an airiness to the outfit. For a other white jean options in all sizes check out our series Basics Building: The Best White Jeans.
Now, the accessories. There is a lot going on in the top, so while we want to keep the rest fairly simply, it’s nice to also draw attention to your face. These these affordable earrings are stunning. They add texture, movement and are just incredibly chic.
Then, this stunning bag, that was originally $177 is now only $48. WHAT? Yes. Total year end steal.
Finally, since this is for the warm weather, these slides are perfection. They are part of the Nordstrom sale and 40% off. Scoop them up now, wear for the next month or so and have them at the ready next spring.
Now let’s take this pretty piece into the fall. I have no idea where we’re going, but let’s pretend we’re finally go out and about with friends. Like brunch! Remember brunch?
As a much needed layer I added this long cardigan by Halogen , also part of the Nordstrom sale, fully stocked and under $40 and comes in regular and petite. I went with a tan instead of an ivory because it’s not as sever of a contrast. The tan makes it feel monochromatic and seasonally appropriate.
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
One of my goals as we move through our seasonal content is to offer recommendations you can build on. A pair of jeans you purchased in January, work with boots you grabbed in February. So it only makes sense that a blouse in March creates a whole new outfit.
That’s what we have today. A simple outfit created with wardrobe staples featured here on the blog, freshened up with this pretty floral top.
But first, a quick note about sponsored content.
One of the reasons I don’t take sponsored content is so I can share my honest opinions. For example, I find physically shopping in Nordstrom more and more difficult, and I say this as someone who basically lived in the store when I was a stylist.
Their sales floor is scattered, their departments make no sense, their inventory mix lacks direction and their prices continue to rise.
Who, exactly, are they trying to target these days?
If I took sponsorship dollars, I wouldn’t be able to say that. But I think it’s important for you to hear it from me in case you find yourself roaming the store wondering if you’re the crazy one.
You’re not.
But, if I were holden to sponsored dollars all I can do is praise my retail partners.
That’s not to say Nordstrom doesn’t have great pieces. They do, but these days they are hidden in their oddly expensive, youth focused merchandise.
I picked it up in what they are calling Navy Pink/Yellow Cayce Floral print. It feels like spring with warm tones that look great with jeans.
It’s also available in a few other colors and patterns including a navy gamine floral (featured below), a pretty pale pink floral print, and solid ivory, navy and a gorgeous yellow.
There is a little ruching at the top of the sleeve for an added bit of detail. It’s not as obvious on the patterned pieces, but you can see it clearly in the solid options. It also has a flattering split-top neckline.
Sizing runs true. I’m wearing a medium (for context I’m 5’10 and usually wear an 8 or medium).
Here’s a break down of the outfit, with the top featured in Navy Gamine Floral. I included some new pieces for Gorjana, my favorite line of reasonably priced jewelry.
I love these $50 earrings with tiny stud details. Their shape is fun for a casual jeans look. And this bracelet for $60 can be layered in with pieces you already own or stand by itself.
Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Over-the-knee boots have been popular for quite a while. But I like to take my time with trends, see how they evolve and then decide if and when to use them.
Because most of our lives in no way support needing more than one pair of these, I wanted to pick one that was versatile, affordable, and easy to incorporate into my uneventful suburban life.
First of all, I will never be comfortable posting pictures of myself, but thank you to everyone for all the nice comments. I know the pictures are helpful, even though all I hear in my head when I see them, “who do you think you are?”
For some context, I am 5’10, but I wouldn’t consider my legs extra long given my height. However, I found these on Pop of Pippi’s Instagram and she is teeny and looks fantastic in them.
Are they the best quality? No. They do the trick though, which is to let you wear a trend while it’s popular without feeling committed to it and spending a small fortune.
They are surprisingly comfortable. The block heel gives nice support and they are not too high making them super easy to walk in.
Our content is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers in any way.
Recommendations are based on personal experience and my time working with women as a stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
