Monday 18 May 2015

Corporate Style: Monochrome Office Wear - Neutral Layering

Two monochrome work wear outfits! One on purpose, one accidental. Neither of which I'd wear again without changing the outfits in some way, but that's the point of style challenges - they push you to try something different. I'm enjoying the Fox in Flats May instagram style challenge. I'm playing along every day on instagram, and just behind a bit with blogging everything I'm wearing.

What I wore:

Mixed print shirt layered under LBD sleeveless black dress autumn office wear outfit

Rebecca Minkoff Soft Grey MAB mini MAM satchel bag with black dress
Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
ShirtJeanswest 'Ruby' mixed print shirt
Belt: old silver studded belt
Shoes: Wittner 'Bloomy' black heels
BagRebecca Minkoff MAB mini in soft grey

Why I wore it:

The style dare for the day was 'monochromatic' and I thought this little black dress would be perfect with this shirt layered underneath. I didn't actually try the outfit on the night before, I just thought the pieces would work well together and set it aside to wear. It wasn't until the morning that I realised this shirt is not the best to wear under the dress. It doesn't have a collared neck and it's just polyester, so it was slipping and sliding under the dress and just not sitting nicely at all - you can see a bit of it at the shoulders in the picture. It was a lovely idea, and I've enjoyed layering things under this dress before, but this was just not the best shirt to try layering under this dress.

The belt was something I added at the last minute for a bit of interest and to try (unsuccessfully) to keep the shirt in place through the day. It's so old I am sure I wore it in high school! I just turned the buckle round to the back so that the studs were at the front. No-one commented on my back to front belt thankfully, but I did feel a little worried someone would notice and ask why the buckle was at the back of my dress!


Last worn: black dress, printed shirt, black heels, Rebecca Minkoff MAM bag.

Other ways to wearlittle black dress with red jacket and accessories, printed shirt with burgundy jeans and ankle boots, ankle strap heels with pencil skirts, Rebecca Minkoff MAM with wrap dresses for work.









What I wore:

Neutral outfit with rouille rust orange Balenciaga bold bright work bag

Balenciaga classic RH work in 2006 Rouille rust orange
Jacket: Zara cream jersey blazer (new-to-me purchase)
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace
Top: vintage print top from The Thrifty Kitten
BeltAsos skinny pale yellow belt
Skirt: vintage pencil skirt from The Thrifty Kitten
Shoes: Wittner 'Mimi' heels in mushroom
BagBalenciaga classic work in 2006 Rouille

Why I wore it:

This was an accidental monochrome outfit! Another neutral one. I had been wanting to wear this vintage set again after having fond memories of the last time I wore the pieces together. I also wanted to wear my new-to-me blazer that I found on ebay. It's the same as my black blazer, only cream. The beigey-brown outfit seemed like a good backdrop for my bright bag.

The style dare for the dare was 'bold bag' and this is my brightest and biggest bag, perfect to meet the challenge. I actually listed this bag in my ebay wardrobe clear out, thinking it would sell quickly as it's in great shape for a chevere Balenciaga. I hadn't worn it since I was pregnant so figured I should let it go. But since it didn't sell, I'm just going to keep it :) I was most likely going to replace it with another Balenciaga anyway, ha!

I think I would have liked this outfit more with a different jacket. I really liked the look of vintage printed skirt suit set together last time I wore it, but this time around I was wishing I'd gone for something different, I think it was all just a bit too dull together, even with the bold bag.


Last worn: vintage print top, yellow beltvintage print skirt, brown heels, Balenciaga rouille work. First time I've worn the blazer as it is a new purchase.

Other ways to wear: belted printed top, printed pencil skirt with a bright top, brown heels with tights and a printed dress, orange bag with a black dress.





Linking up with Styled Up, Style To Inspire, Bless Your Heart, Mix It Monday, More Pieces of Me, On the Daily Express, Real Mom StyleElegantly Dressed and Stylish, Reasons To Dress, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore to Work today.



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67 comments:

  1. you styled these look so well. The first one is very elegant...love the neutral tones, black and grey can be a lovely match. The second one is my favourite because the dress is just to die for and the red bag is a nice touch of colour. I so really like both outfits, but the second one relates more to my personal style...as you know I love colours and patterns.

    Have a lovely day sweetie!

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. I do like a good print too! :) I'm warming up to colours though, need to be more adventurous with colour! :)

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  2. so chic both of the outfits!
    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

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  3. Hello Mica :) You are right, it would have been better with a collar. But the dress is cool, I like the texture it has. The second outfit ... I would have said it's a dress solely from the pictures, but since I actually read... anyway, it's lovely and the yellow belt works great with it, gives it a nice touch of color without being overpowering.

    I am looking for something along the line of that second bag, but it must have a shoulder strap. That's non negotiable together with a top zipper.

    Have a nice week!

    Alex - Funky Jungle

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Alex - I do like wearing the pieces together as they do look like a dress, you're right! :) they look good on their own too of course :)

      I think I'll need to try layering with this dress again with a collared shirt..I think I have one in my wardrobe, haha!

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  4. I know I say this all the time here, but you have the best bag collection! I really love your taste in bags. And your furry photobomber is pretty cute, too! :)
    Gina | On the Daily Express

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  5. I love these neutral outfits, very classic and put together! Love that black dress with the shirt peaking through! Have a great week Mica:)
    Marta
    www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

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    1. Your studded belt is such an eye catching piece, Mica! I love the fact that the buckle was at the back - so edgy! Lovely how you play with black and grey here!
      What I love about your second looks is how perfectly the colors blend with your skin tone and hair! Also admire your ability for mixing different neutrals here! Well done, dear!!!

      JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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    2. Thanks Ira! It was fun to try something a little different :)

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  6. The skirt and top are so cute! I love the small print on them!
    And hmm, yea. The first outfit looks good, but I know what you mean about shirts sliding around when you try to layer them, so annoying!
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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    Replies
    1. haha yes I think it just means I need to think a little harder about what pieces I layer with! :)

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  7. Love these dresses on you! I really love the print on the second one :)

    Florals&Smiles
    Twitter

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  8. I love the idea of wearing a shirt under a dress, though it's something I've never worked up the courage to try. This fall, I swear! (; My favorite LBD is a shift dress with a scalloped hem. I'm not sure how a top would look under it, or what sort of top I'd pair with it. I usually just belt it and toss on a cardigan, some tights and a pair of bold shoes. Ideas? Would a shift look out with a top under? Or do you think a fit and flare makes that work? Regardless fit and flare is by far my favorite style, and perhaps I'm in need of another LBD.

    I love love this second dress. But I think I'm crazy about the tiny pops of cobalt peeking through spots on it. The nude is so lovely, but if I owned this dress, I think I'd really try and play out that cobalt. Maybe with a pair of cobalt flats? I think that'd be lovely!

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    1. It was my first time with a shirt under a dress too! I've done it with long sleeved tees but never shirts :)
      I think a shirt would look great with your dress, or maybe even a long sleeve tee. A cardi sounds great though! I guess it depends on how a shirt would wear under it, if it would do like mine did and slip and slide and bunch up under it it would look odd with a shift dress. Fit and flare does hide a lot ;)
      I wish I had cobalt flats! I have a very boring shoe collection haha. That would be a really nice way to wear the set though!

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  9. You nailed both monochromatic looks! Great outfits and ideas!


    Amber
    All the Cute
    Recent Post: Floral Shorts

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  10. You look so pretty in these outfits. Love both looks. xx
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  11. Your purses are to-die-for! <3 And what a cute doggy! :)

    -Jan
    janmloves.blogspot.com

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  12. You look great, cute smile.

    http://www.racheldinh.com

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  13. Dresses are my fave things to wear and these two are the cutest :) I love the belts on both , the added blazer in the second look is very chic :) Also love the appearance of your doggie in the photos, how cute!

    RedLip&Love

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  14. Like the first dress, looks very chic!
    xoxo Lynda
    http://fashion-petite.blogspot.com/

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  15. Ohh I love this! both are so cute and so chic! Love it! Thanks for stopping by the blog
    xoxo,Victoria
    www.coffeeandablonde.blogpsot.com

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  16. Both looks work Mica, buy my fave is the second one.
    The neutral nudes and bright bag just smile at me.

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  17. I love how you paired bright bag with monochrome looks, perfect.
    Christy

    http://www.am2pmchic.com

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  18. Love the 2nd outfit on you as it harmonises perfectly with your soft skin. Great layering! Love both handbags especially the balenciaga one.

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  19. Mica, fabulous! Oh so different yet Alike. My favorite is the second one too, that bag is the perfect accessory to make everything pop! Hope you're having a beautiful Monday sweetie!

    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

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  20. Monochromatic looks totally work in this case! Either different shades or patterns make the outfit look cohesive instead of boring. Perfect work outfits!

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  21. I didn't even notice the sleeves in the first outfit. I like the flowy top underneath the dress a lot! And the belt was a great choice to add some edge. That dress in the second outfit is so feminine and romantic looking! I love it!

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    1. Thanks Laura! I guess I just felt it more as I was tugging at the shirt all day, haha! :)
      The second outfit is actually separates - a top and a skirt :)

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  22. Rock the monochrome!! I love both looks, especially the second! That dress is so fabulous!!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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  23. Very pretty details on the black dress. Love the softness of the sleeves and adornment around the waist. That second dress is so fabulous on you Mica. What a beautiful soft print and flow of the dress. The jacket looks superb with it. You look great in sands, beiges and such. Very nice look on you!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  24. I love the finishing touch of the studded belt in the top outfit! Everyone probably thought the buckle was meant to go at the back!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Maybe that's why no-one said anything! :)

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  25. The belt in the top pic looks great! It adds a nice touch of rock edge to a conservative outfit. I used to layer under dresses all the time but I find I don't have many suitable long-sleeved things these days, like you said - they move and shift and don't sit right.

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    1. Yes I think I need to consider fit a bit more sometimes rather than just thinking things will look good! :) I've layered long sleeve tees under this and they've stayed put before, maybe I should stick with that :)

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  26. nice outfits :)
    kisses in dubai ♥
    www.mahryska.com

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  27. The way you styled that LBD is spectacular and your second watercolor, light-colored dress is so pretty, Mica. =)

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  28. Your dog is so so cute (sorry I get distracted whenever I see an animal) and once again, super cute looks. I love you style so many different ideas into one.

    XO Naomi in Wonderland

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  29. Layering is always perfect for the office! Love how you styled both of these looks!
    xo Southern Style

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  30. Both are very cute outfits! You look great <3
    xx Ama

    PHUCKITFASHION

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  31. I love the neutral look. The dress seems really pretty. I hope we got a shot without the coat.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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    Replies
    1. thanks Jessica - it's actually two separates together, a top and a skirt! :) You can see a better pic of it in the last time I wore the two pieces together: http://awayfromtheblue.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/casual-summer-singlet-and-shorts-rm.html (link in the post also)

      Delete
  32. Hi Mica, I love the neutral look of the second outfit, but you know what I am going to say. I NEED that gorgeous copper orange B Bag. So pretty! You have a great collection
    Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish,com

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    1. haha thank you Jess! I do like my Balenciaga bags :)

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  33. It's a pity about the collar in the first look but it's still a lovely combo! I love layering like this.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  34. I am absolutely loving your heels in the first outfit. They look so chic, but yet so comfortable!

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’

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  35. I'm all about neutrals myself. Perfect layers for the office!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  36. Love this Balenciaga bag !
    You look great !
    xx

    http://www.mademoiselleandthecity.com/

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  37. Beautiful looks! I love layering and neutral pieces are so easy to use in this looks!

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  38. Lovely, Mica! I adore the monochrome stylings, and those two handbags are both fabulous (and perfect pairings for each outfit)! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  39. Cute looks! I REALLY like the first look even with the shoulder and collar issues. I didn't even notice them at first. The bag in the second look is FAB (if you're ever looking to sell again, I'm your girl), but I agree -- the outfit would look better with a colored jacket to give it some pop.

    Thanks for joining the Style to Inspire linkup with Rhea and me!

    Liz @ Downtown Demure

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    1. Thank you Liz! :) I guess I felt it a lot through the day, even if it wasn't so noticeable to others. Makes me feel a little better that it didn't look as bad as I worried as I tugged at the shirt all day haha.

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  40. I actually wear several of my belts backwards with a few outfits, since it looks better with the particular ones that I wear with them. I love the neutral bag in your outfit. <3
    Roasted Cabbage Recipe

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    1. I think it's a great trick to try! :) Glad it works for you :)

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  41. I hate it when the beautiful outfit you have in your mind does not translate well into reality, but I still think both the outfits work.
    Chic on the Cheap

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    1. Thank you Lyddie :) It's tricky when I don't get time to try outfits on before I wear them, but I'm pleased you liked them :)

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  42. Love both dresses! And your pup is adorable!

    Tina
    www.justatinabit.com

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  43. Loving this looks! Your dog looks super adorable on the back. My dog does the same thing, it's hilarious!
    -Tatiana
    We Shop in Heels

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  44. I have serious bag envy - your collection is stunning! Love the way you critique your outfits. Very refreshing! How good is a style dare to get you to try new ways to wear things - I'm loving it this month and I'm really enjoying seeing your pics on Instagram too xox

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    1. Thank you! It's fun to follow along and see how others interpret the dares as well :)

      Not all of my outfits are going to be perfect, I think seeing the photos helps me be a bit more critical and think about what worked and what didn't so that I can come up with better outfits next time :)

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  45. Thank you all for your lovely comments and suggestions for how to wear the dress and the separates differently next time! :) I really appreciate the helpful feedback! :)

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  46. Oh I hate when tucked in shirts/top slips and slides underneath! makes me ragey! The solution to it as I have found, is tucking it at two layers...inside your skirt/dress and eventually making into a bodysuit type of thing. That way the dual layer tucking doesnt leave much room for it to move around! I do love both the outfits, but I think the second accidental one might be my fav!!

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  47. You look beautiful in both of these looks! So pretty and professional. One thing I have found when I am layering a shirt underneath a dress that helps is wearing a fitted camisole over the shirt and under the dress. Cuts down the bulk and keeps everything in place.

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    Replies
    1. Oh that's a great idea! I'll have to try that next time, maybe when it's cool enough to need 3 layers! :)

      Thank you!

      Delete

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