Conner’s Closet: WORK WEAR GUIDE #11

It’s time for the 11th installment of Conner’s Closet!!!  I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for almost a year now!  Thank you Conner for all of the incredible WORK WEAR ideas over the last year!!!

Conner is my little sister, and she works in HR for a hospital system.  Here she is with her little guy, Brody (3 1/2 years old).  I MEAN.  HOW CUTE ARE THEY.  But lemme tell ya, don’t let this precious picture fool you.  That boy will give you a run for your money.  And so did his mama when she was little.  #sassy #karma  ????

Conner always looks so polished and put together, and since I often receive requests for work wear ideas from y’all (but I don’t have the need for work wear), I had an idea to start a monthly series where Conner highlights business casual attire for us!  She’s got several amazing pieces to show y’all today, so let’s get started!  Conner’s thoughts are in italics.

And if you don’t work in an office, don’t worry!  Lots of Conner’s outfits are also great for church, events, weddings, showers, etc….  You’re going to love the little black dress she’s got this time!

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Most of the items Conner talks about today are from Ann Taylor.  Since we started doing these posts, she’s become their #1 fan, and they have soooooooooooooo much cute stuff right now.  These are just some of the pieces that caught my eye.   Click on the picture you like!

 

They also have a SEMI-ANNUAL SALE going on right now.  And we are talking DEEP DISCOUNTS on lots of great items!

Okay!  Time for Conner’s outfits!

OUTFIT #1:  Pencil Skirt and Side Slit Top

This skirt is on SUPER SALE!  Regularly $79.99….but right now it’s ONLY $29.99!!!!

This outfit screams summer! I have to admit, I didn’t love this skirt  on the hanger, but once I got it on, I totally fell in love. I absolutely love the navy and peach combination and I’m obsessed with the tropical pattern – it’s so fun! The peachy top is quite possibly the softest and most comfortable shirt I own. The material is thick, but I still decided to wear a nude color cami underneath. Oh! Did you guys notice the side slit sleeves? ADORABLE. This top is so versatile – wear it with the pencil skirt during the week then throw it on with a chunky necklace and pair of white jeans for the weekend.

My favorite Vince Camuto Corlina sandals were perfect for this outfit!

The skirt, top, and shoes are true to size – I’m wearing an XXS, 00 petite, and 5.5. The top and skirt are machine washable. I lay them flat to dry and iron both items inside out on a low setting. 

CONNER!  I adore this look too!  The skirt looks black in your pics, so I’m so glad you said it was navy to let us knowx  If y’all go check it out on the site, you’ll see it really is such a pretty color combination!  And since you sang praises about the top, I was so glad to see it comes in white and olive as well!

easy slit sleeve tee / simple gold necklace/ earrings/ island floral pencil skirt / block heels

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

I’m also carrying my beloved Charlotte tote from Gigi New York.  Words cannot describe how much I love this bag. The color…beautiful. The pattern…beautiful. It’s the perfect size and fits my laptop, wallet, makeup bag, and cell phone.  And there’s plenty of other room for random stuff as well, like a cardigan or jean jacket (if your office is cold)!

GiGi New York has been so good to Conner over the past several years.  The above tote is a luxury bag (and buy) and Conner and I both think it looks even more expensive than it is.  But in case you can’t go for the luxury buy, look how great this tote would be with the outfit.  And it’s reversible!  The other side is just a plain taupe color.  It’s like a purse version of a mullet.  #businessinthefrontpartyintheback

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OUTFIT #2: Shirtdress and Darling Heels

Before I let Conner tell y’all about her outfit, I wanted to to let you know that Sole Society reached out about a month ago asking if there was anything I was interested in from their new collections.  I asked if my sister could choose something for her WORK WEAR posts, and they were happy to send her something.  Thank you, Sole Society!

I love a great shirtdress and this one from Ann Taylor really takes the cake.  I don’t have anything like it in my closet, and I bet you don’t either!  The slate blue color and the tropical floral pattern are just so pretty.  You could easily take it from day to night!  The dress is extremely flattering and doesn’t hide your shape like some shirtdresses tend to do.  I think it has magical powers.  It is 100% polyester and has zero stretch, but comes with a self tie belt.  There are belt loops, but I recommend cutting them off and placing the belt at the most flattering part of your waist.  Oh, I forgot to mention how INSANELY COMFORTABLE it is – the fabric is SO soft! 

And you guys, how gorgeous are the Esme suede heels from Sole Society? They only come in two colors – spicy mustard and vanilla. I’m obviously wearing the vanilla color which I’m convinced goes with everything. I was a little leery of wearing suede in the summer, but I gave in as soon as I took these beauties out of the box. The heels are 4 inches high – just enough height to make you feel fancy, but not enough to make you want to cut off your feet at the end of the day (#amiright?). 

The dress and shoes are true to size – I’m wearing an XXS in the dress and 5.5 in the shoes.  I’ll take this little number to the dry cleaners every other wear. 

Conner, I totally agree about suede shoes in the summer!  At first I was leary, but not I’m all about it!

tropical shirt dress/ suede heels c.o. Sole Society / earrings /almond tote c.o. GiGi New York / less expensive tote option

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

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OUTFIT #3:

The cardigan is $30 OFF right now!!!

You guys – this outfit is to die for. It is classy, professional, and I feel like a grown up when I wear it.  😉 I’ve been eyeing the dress at AT for months now, but I could never think of a reason to buy it. I happened to stop by the store one day after work and saw it paired with this cardigan. I had to try it on…and boy, am I glad I did. It’s absolutely gorgeous and fits like a glove. Wear it to work or to a wedding. It will seriously be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe. The all-season fabric is stretchy which makes it oh so comfortable. The dress is perfect with the paisley cardigan. This knit cardi is so soft and the colors are beautiful. 

The cardigan is true to size (XXS), but I sized down to a 00 petite in the dress. The sandals are true to size – I’m wearing a 5.5.  I’m definitely taking this dress to the dry cleaners, but the cardigan is machine washable. Whatever you do, don’t dry the cardigan – you don’t want it to fade or lose its shape! 

little black dress / paisley cardigan / ankle strap sandals / Grace satchel c.o. GiGi New York 

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

My sister is totally smitten with her Grace satchel from GiGi, but here are some other options for grey totes if you don’t want to spring for the luxury bag.  Although as luxury bags go, Conner goes on and on about how gorgeous this one is with grey embossed leather and the gold monogram.

Click on what you are interested in:

 

Now check out the dress without the cardigan.  VA VA VOOM!!!!!  Conner is totally understated in the jewelry department, but imagine this with some really fancy earrings and a great clutch!  You would be wedding ready!

little black dress  / ankle strap sandals 

I mean.  SASS. A. FRASS.

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Before you go…I want to talk about some outfits from last month that are STILL AVAILABLE!

THIS DARLING DRESS is NOW 40% OFF, making it ONLY $59.40!!!  And it comes in a vibrant red poppy that is gorgeous as well!

Ya’ll…this dress . I love it SO much. It’s professional, classy, and an absolutely must have! Plus, you can’t beat the price – under $100! I mean seriously! I have several black and white dresses in my closet, but this one is rising to the top as my favorite. I originally wanted to wear it with a cardigan, but unfortunately, the cut of the sleeves (although super cute) does not allow you to wear a cardigan. 

I accessorized with my Kendra Scott Elle black earrings, but I think it would be super cute to pair the dress with a pair of bright pink earrings. 

I’m not going to risk washing this dress at home – it will be going to the dry cleaners.  I’m wearing a O Petite.

WELL.  This dress is DARLING.  It just looks smart!  Right?  I love the fitted waist, AND IT HAS POCKETS.  Oh, and if you prefer a solid to a print, it also comes in “red poppy“.  This dress is Halogen from Nordstrom, and they actually have a great selection of dresses to choose from!

dress / ankle strap sandals / earrings /teddie tote c.o. GiGi New York

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This outfit took me a little outside of my comfort zone, but boy is it fun! The skirt looks turquoise online, but it’s definitely more of an emerald green.  And let me tell you – the color is gorgeous! The skirt has texture to it and is longer than my other pencil skirts. I love the midi look, but it can be hard for me to pull off. The front slit makes it easier for me to pull off this length…plus, it’s sassy, which I love. I recommend wearing this skirt with a basic white blouse (mine is old), but I found this tie sleeve blouse. You guys, how cute are the ties on the sleeves? I also recommend wearing a super colorful necklace to tie in the emerald green color. 

I’m wearing an old Stella and Dot necklace, but I found this cuff that would tie the outfit together as well. Throw on a gold necklace and call it a day! I’m wearing my Corso Como Del pumps which are by far the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.

Sizing and Laundering Tips:  I’m wearing a 00 petite in the skirt and a 5.5 in the pumps. Both are true to size. The skirt is machine washable and I will lay it flat to dry. If it needs to be ironed, I recommend turning the skirt inside out and using a low heat setting.

Conner!  You are SASSY in this outfit.  Look at you with the little hip pop! I love it!

pencil skirt /blouse / heels

I really love the tie sleeve blouse Conner recommended.  I feel like it would be a great addition to any woman’s closet, but especially a working woman’s closet.  It’s modest, but special because of the bows.  It would look good with all types of work pants and skirts, but it would also look super cute with jeans and wedges!  It comes in black too!

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I can already tell this blouse will be one of my go-to tops for summer.! The cut is super flattering and I don’t have anything else like it in my closet. The print is adorable and I absolutely LOVE the ruffles on the sleeves. So pretty and feminine! I’m wearing the top with my white Marisa pant from one of my earlier posts. The top is also super cute with white jeans. 

I’m wearing an XXS regular in the blouse and 00 petite in the Marisa pants. I’m going to take this blouse to the dry cleaners. I’m too scared the colors will start to fade. The pants are safe to wash and dry.

I agree, the sleeves are fab!  And I love the fun and vibrant print!

floral ruffle cuffed blouse / marisa pants / heels / wedges

Thanks for all of the looks Conner!!!  I know so many of the readers really appreciate getting  all of your OFFICE APPROPRIATE outfit recommendations!  And thanks again to both Sole Society and GiGi New York for gifting the shoes and bags to Conner.  She loves them!

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Before y’all leave, check out this sale collage I put together over the weekend.  I’m hoping it’s all still on sale!  (UPDATE:  the jeans are no longer on sale.  So sorry!)

top / white jeans / earrings/ kate spade bracelet / kendra scott bracelet / rebecca minkoff cross body / wedges

You can also click on the picture(s) you are interested in:

 

THESE DARLING SLIDES just went 30% OFF!  Gotta love Sam Edelman.  THESE are also on sale from Lucky (love how they tie around the ankle)  and super cute.

 

And last…but certainly not least…this top that many of y’all fell in love with (but didn’t want to pay the high price for) is NOW ON SALE!  Sadly, a lot of the sizes are gone….but if you can get away with petite, you are in luck!  I’m not wearing a petite, and you can see how long it is on me (I’m 5’4″).

And just in case I need to tell you one more time:  GET THE FLIPPIN’ JEANS! They are #pajamajeans, and I’ve also declared them THE JEANS OF SUMMER 2017.  They are light weight, stretchy, and perfect for summer.

one shoulder top / turquoise earrings / exact frayed hem denim jeans/ cork clutch c.o. Grateful Bags use the code STMT30 for 30% OFF the cork clutch and monograms/ similar cork wedges / turquoise bracelet /gold bracelet

Okay.  Now I’m done.  😉

Filed Under: Fashion, Work Wear 13 Comments