Monday 13 July 2015

Corporate Style: Fit and Flare Dresses ~ Winter Layering

Two simple fit and flare dresses for the office, layered up with some colour for winter. I took these photos without my trench over the top so you can see the layering better, but winter mornings are especially cold so I still needed a jacket. I do like being able to show all of the layers for photos instead of hiding them under a jacket, but it's much colder this way...probably will go back to wearing all my layers and staying cosy for pictures!

What I wore:

winter black white striped fit and flare dress layered with bright blue tee office wear

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy with striped dress
Tee: Valleygirl blue 3/4 sleeve tee
DressJeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
ShoesWittner 'Bloomy' black heels
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

Had to brave photos in the cold without my jacket so you could see the blue tee underneath! This tee was one of my May purchases, and I just managed to wear it twice in June. I took these photos in the last week of June, I'm just a bit behind in blogging. I had planned to wear it sooner, but having to stay home and look after an unwell baby meant I was just waiting for another chance to wear this outfit! I was pleased I got to wear this eventually, I much preferred this outfit over the last time I wore this dress.

So since it's the second time I've worn this tee, my purchase review:
I'm pleased I bought this. I used to have a wide range of layering tees like this and I ended up donating them as I had much more than I would ever wear. I think the last I ever wore one was back in 2013! However I noticed the gap this winter, pieces like this are great under dresses to add some colour and keep warm. Plus with the fill a bag for $2 sale at the local 'op shop' and a bag full of clothes for baby T, adding in an extra top didn't cost me any more. I'm pleased I got it and although I don't wear this style of top very often I'm glad I have it for those occasions I do want something like this. Happy with this purchase, even if it's not the kind of thing I need to wear everyday.

The difficulty with wearing this top twice in the month after buying it made me re-evaluate and return some of my June purchases too. While plain, bright coloured tops are a gap in my wardrobe, I don't need more tops, I have plenty! So I'm definitely going to be buying less tops for a while. (I won't be buying any in July while I'm doing #noBuyJuly15 of course!) I'll focus on wearing more of the tops I own and getting rid of the ones that no longer work for me to free up some space!


Last worn: plain blue top, printed snood, stripe fit and flare dress, ankle strap heels, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote.

Other ways to wear: blue top with a pencil skirtsnood in spring with chambray, stripe dress in summer for baby's dedication, ankle strap heels with pencil skirts, Rebecca Minkoff navy MAB tote with printed pieces.








What I wore:

pink belted boyfriend blazer for the office LBD heels Alexander McQueen skull scarf

Navy RM medium MAB tote bag with LBD black fit and flare dress
JacketJeanswest Nadine 3/4 Sleeve dusky pink blazer
ScarfAlexander McQueen modal skull scarf in white/pink (on sale!)
Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Belt: Kmart thin black glitter belt
ShoesWittner 'Bloomy' black heels
Bracelets: the usual
BagRebecca Minkoff medium MAB tote in moon navy

Why I wore it:

Although I wasn't too happy with the full outfit last time I wore this blazer (it would have been better with a different scarf) I really liked it belted so I was eager to try it again. I really liked this outfit! It's taken me a while to figure out how to make this blazer work for me but I think belting is the way to go! It looks much better belted with a LBD for the office than worn loose.


Last worn: pink Alexander McQueen skull scarf, pink boyfriend blazer, black glitter belt, black dress, black heels (above), Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (above).

Other ways to wearAlexander McQueen skull scarf with a maxi skirt in spring, pink boyfriend blazer with denim shorts, printed dress with a glitter belt, belted LBD for the office in summer.






Linking up with Modest Monday, Style To Inspire, Mix It Monday, On the daily Express, More Pieces of Me, Turning Heads Tuesday, Style Sessions, Real Mom Style, Confident Twosday, Trend Spin Linkup, Wardrobe Wednesday today.




Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin : Facebook : Twitter : Google Plus : Instagram
 : LikeToKnow.It : Youtube 

65 comments:

  1. You look very professional in your outfits.

    My corporate colours are black and white which tend to be a bit restrictive - black skirts and white blouses/tops in summer and black trousers with white tops in winter

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm lucky we don't have a uniform, just a set of standard 'business casual' clothing guidelines :)

      Delete
  2. that is such a versatile bag. you can dress it down or dress it up. good score :)


    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. It’s so fun to layer up in winter to keep warm! I really like your outfits here, especially the striped one. There’s something so chic about tights worn with a dress. Very french! haha

    TFM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love to layer up my outfits and make them more intersting! ;) Gorgeous striped dress Mica! So chic with opaque tights and flats! Adorable pink and black combo, reminds me of Coco Chanel so much! Just beautiful!! Thank you so much for your amazing words on my blog, Mica! I truly appreciate your kindness!!! <3

      xoxo Ira
      JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

      Delete
  4. I love the stripes dress with that scarf.
    Looks amazing :)

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin

    ReplyDelete
  5. I seriously can't stop wearing stripes haha, this dress could definitely be a piece straight out of my work wardrobe as well. I love the pink blazer with the scarf too! the colours just complement each other so perfectly! :)

    Metallic Paws

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is just something about stripes, you're right! I'm a big stripe fan! :)

      Delete
  6. I don't ever think to wear a dress during winter it gets super cold here but I do love how you layered it for the colder weather :)

    RedLip&Love

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love that blue bag, great addition to your outfit.

    Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the color of your rebecca minkoff bag! You always have the best bags, I swear!!
    www.amemoryofus.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I LOVE the first outfit Mica. The blue of the tshirt is the perfect amount of color to go with the beautiful MAB bag! I love and have to layer in the winter and this is the most common route I go as well. I have stopped buying tops almostly completely. I bought a ton of portofino/silk blouses which I now layer with multiple different outfits and they work fantastic. As my maternity clothing has gained some pace, I realized I have some sweaters which will never work on me again, so they are in the going away pile. Winters here are brutal, if you are not already painfully aware of that thanks to my constant whining about it, so thick sweaters is now my way to go!! I like the second outfit belted and with the scarf..its the right amount of pink for me in an outfit.. :)
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's good you get to wear all your winter knits though! I was realising the other day I have so many of them that I never wear, it's quite sad. trying to make more of an effort of wearing them.
      I found tops tricky and unappealing to buy and wear in pregnancy too! And then you need breastfeeding friendly ones post baby anyway so that narrows your options too, especially in the early days where you're just trying to figure out positions and latches and things!

      Delete
  10. I'm the same with those layering tees - I just don't wear them like I used to, but they are very handy in cold weather under a dress!

    I like the fit and flare silhouette on you - very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, good to have now and then even if they aren't year round must-have pieces!

      Delete
  11. love the striped dress!
    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. The cardigan is gorgeous! I love the blue on blue!

    xoxo, Christina

    Stray Birds and Lavender

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your winter layers! That is one of the things I miss most about the cooler months. I know I said it last time, but I love that black bag! So classic.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
  14. love how you layered the tee under the dress in the first look!

    cute & little

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've never worn a long sleeved top under a dress. I'm so unadventurous. This year, I promise to make that a priority. (; My closet is the exact opposite. I have a ton of dresses, cardigans, that I forget about the shirt and pants days. I've been slowly but surely picking up tops here and there that I can build my fall and winter wardrobe around. It was less than great last year.

    I love that blush blazer belted! The blush and black look really nice together. (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad I could give you some inspiration for the cooler weather! :) It's always good to get a different way to wear something!

      I have soo many tops, and jeans, and then just a handful of everything else, haha! I'm trying to get my wardrobe more 'balanced' but it's hard when I have a habit of buying a top every time I shop.... :P

      Delete
  16. OK love your bag! And that skull scarf (one of my favorite motifs), great looks!

    XO K
    www.kellmenow.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful looks! I love your striped dress! :)

    Florals&Smiles

    ReplyDelete
  18. That bag was a very smart purchase, looks so professional !
    and I think that both outfits look good, although due to my love for stripes, the first one is my fave.

    ReplyDelete
  19. These are great looks! I especially love that striped dress--I really need to add one to my wardrobe but haven't found the right one yet. I love how they can be so seasonless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They certainly are! I've worn this one year round!

      Delete
  20. Such cute professional looks! I love a fit and flare dress for work
    Dresses & Denim

    ReplyDelete
  21. You have given me some great ideas about how to layer my fit and flare dresses. You have the best scarf collection! I definitely need to add to mine. Looking fabulous, Mica!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Still looking lovely, hun.. I love how you look fashionable with this corporate outfits.
    Aside from that and again, that bag!
    You know, I'm always excited to see your outfits, but most of the reason is to stalk about your bags hihi..

    I think rebecca minkoff's bags is your favorite brand? I always see you with this brand and I always admire you for them. love love love

    xoxo
    Jhem | JhemSays.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't really think I have a favourite bag brand at the moment! I do enjoy wearing my Rebecca Minkoff bags though - they are too easy to score at sale time, and I like the range of colours!

      Delete
  23. Both of these looks are so pretty! Thanks for bearing the cold so we could see them! Fit and flare dresses are the best. I wish I could find a striped one I liked!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love how you layer for the winter! I agree that t- shirts are one great way to layer under or even over your dresses! Layering is how I get through the cold months in North Carolina because I hate wearing bulky coats! Both looks you created are very professional and chic too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I added a bulky coat over both of these haha! :) Necessary in winter I think! :)

      Delete
  25. Rebecca Minkoff can do no wrong in the bag department. I love her stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I really enjoy seeing your scarves! I am still not a scarf person but every time I see you wear one, I am tempted. We'll see!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wish our winters looked so warm! :) Loving the bag!!!

    Big Love
    Tatyana x
    Secret little Stars
    www.secretlittlestars.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, as I said, I did add a coat over these, I wouldn't be out in the morning without it in winter! :)

      Delete
  28. Mica, that striped dress, cardigan and bag are everything! Looks so good together! I really love it. Perfect layering. Dusty pink and black always look great together. It's so feminine! Love it.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love your bag and how you've styled it in this post! Belting the outside of the blazer makes it look really nice and neat!
    -Olivia
    www.foxandmint.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'm rarely envious of things people have but that bag is the dream. So beautiful! As always, you look lovely. I need your closet haha

    Xxx
    Naomi in Wonderland

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love how you styled these fit+flare dresses, Mica. That second outfit with the soft baby pink looks so feminine and chic. =)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Both of these looks are layered to perfection :) I adore the fit and flare dresses- they are so pretty

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love your first outfit!
    xoxo Lynda
    http://fashion-petite.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so in love with the rich color of this Rebecca Minkoff bag! It looks so chic styled with the fit and flare dress. Lookin' fab! x Nicole | www.changeanddress.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love all layers in these looks. My office is so cold so I know those are probably majorly needed.

    Alicia
    Between the Pearls

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love that pink blazer. Also, I definitely need to hop on board the no-buy July bandwagon... is it too late? Maybe I should start in August... LOL!

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, no you can join us any time for some #noBuyJuly15 support!

      Delete
  37. This new RM has proven to be very versatile for work! I'm glad you were able to pick it up during the sale :) I find these days I have to be picky with RMs as not all of her styles and leather styles are my cup of tea. I do miss her good old mam and Mac designs but I'm also glad I already own some! Love that stripped dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like how she makes something for everyone really! :) This is a great bag for work, even if I prefer less structured bags other days.

      Delete
  38. love that bag!!
    kisses from dubai ♥
    www.mahryska.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love the pink blazer, it look so chic on you.
    xoxo
    Christy

    http://www.am2pmchic.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love both outfits, the soft color in the top of the second outfit and I love the striped dress on you! I have been looking for one

    Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I adore both outfits, Mica! That striped dress, though, is amazing. As always, you look fabulous. T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love that bag! I'm a big RM fan too :)

    Snowtember.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. that bag is just so chic and stunning! :D

    Back to blogging at Animated Confessions

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love fit and flare dresses and that striped one especially! The belted blazer also looks really chic and I see why you prefer it over wearing it loose. I used to do long or 3/4 sleeve tees under dresses all the time, I should see if I have any suitable combos and do it again! #rediscoveryourwardrobe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes rediscover your wardrobe! I used to have so many of these layering tees and I threw them out - majorly regretting that!

      Delete

  45. I love that striped dress Mica!! A fit and flare is such a flattering style for almost any body shape. Bron x

    ReplyDelete
  46. i love this layering on you! great style!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    ReplyDelete
  47. You look stunning! I love the bag so much.

    xo Zainab
    auraete.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you all for your kind comments :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. You know, until I got to the shop icons at the bottom of the first outfit, I seriously thought you were using the word tee as a way to describe a cardigan and that it was a language difference between our countries. That shirt layers really nicely :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh so pretty in pink! Love the belted boyf jacket. Looks fab!

    ReplyDelete

Your feedback on my outfits and any constructive criticism is welcomed. I appreciate the time you take to leave a kind comment. Make sure to tick 'Notify me' if you've asked a question so you get an email response :)

Feel free to leave a link to your blog so I can check it out. "Follow me" or "follow for follow" comment spam will not be published.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...