Monday 30 October 2017

Black Dresses for the Office With a Twist and Colourful Accessories

A little black dress will always be a classic corporate style outfit option. It gives you the opportunity to experiment with bright and colourful accessories without worrying about clashing with colours in your outfit.

While they are a classic, you can always pick a little black dress with a twist for something different from the standard black. Both of the dresses I'm wearing below have just a little bit extra. They are still as easy to wear as a plain black dress, but they each have a little extra.



First, what I bought in October. It's 'buy nothing new month' here but as per usual I didn't quite stick to it. I bought a heap of Christmas presents in the Shopbop sale, and was on track to buy nothing other than a $2 bag at the local opshop "fill a bag for $2" sale. Then I saw this dress on a blog and just had to buy it. It arrived at the end of last week so I've only worn it once, not quite meeting my 'wear it twice in the month you buy it' rule. I then bought a blazer second hand off facebook which only arrived today, so that's not even been worn once this month.

I did well in the fill a bag for $2 sale, buying a couple bags with clothes for me and for the boys. Most of what I bought needs tailored though, with the exception of the black tee I bought to replace the one I had to retire recently. Hoping everything I bought turns out to be a keeper, especially the pieces I haven't been able to wear yet.


What I bought In October:



What I wore:

lace little black dress and trench coat: spring corporate style with colourful accessories | AwayFromBlue


Balenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag | AwayFromTheBlue

awayfromblue instagram #motherhoodAndPregnancyStyle during and after pregnancy non-maternity black lace dress
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat 
NecklaceStarfish Project Hannah turquoise bead necklace
DressJeanswest 'Gisele' contrast lace dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

This little black lace dress is one of the oldies in my wardrobe! I've worn it for nights out but it works perfectly for the office too with the modest neckline and just above the knee length. I even wore it while pregnant with both my boys, the elastic empire waist was very flattering over a baby bump. Made it the perfect outfit for another #motherhoodAndPregnancyStyle side by side photo.

I knew that the purple bag would work brilliantly with the black dress, but I also wanted to wear the colourful turquoise necklace. I'd usually try to coordinate or match my accessories, but I've been having a bit of fun trying different colours together and the turquoise necklace and purple Balenciaga bag worked nicely last time I wore them together too. I really liked this outfit. Perfect for a busy day at work.

The trench coat was probably a bit much though - it was a really warm morning and I regretted not picking a lighter jacket!


Last worn: camel trench, black lace dress, Marc Jacobs ballet flats, purple Balenciaga work bag.

Other ways to wearcamel trench and burgundy pants, black lace dress for a night out, Marc Jacobs ballet flats and skinny jeans, purple Balenciaga work bag and pink pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: camel trench and first trimester, lace dress in third trimester.


Statement Beaded Necklaces from Starfish Project Under $50:







What I wore:

navy mac jacket knit print black dress for the office | Away From The Blue

balenciaga purple giant silver g21 hardware slouchy work bag | away from the blue

awayfromblue instagram black knit dress for the office with colourful accessories purple Balenciaga bag statement necklace
JacketJeanswest Monica Mac coat in Indigo
NecklaceStarfish Project Veronica short yellow multi strand necklace
Dress: black and white knit dress from my Grandma's wardrobe
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagBalenciaga raisin purple 2009 giant silver G21 hardware work bag

Why I wore it:

First time I wore this dress I tried a bit of print mixing with a leopard print scarf and wasn't quite sure on the outfit so this time around I went with a simple statement necklace again. The same outfit formula as the outfit above, but it looks different as instead of a lace dress, it's a black knit one with a print on the skirt.

This is one of those outfits where how I felt turned out to be different from how the outfit looked. I loved the dress and ankle boots together. I'm petite so midi lengths like this are usually more flattering with a heel, but I decided to try with these flat boots anyway. I thought it was definitely a winner, then I added my navy MAC jacket for the cooler morning commute to work and I wasn't sure if it was the right length with the dress. I figured it didn't look that bad. Looking at the photos afterwards I realised it really doesn't look the best. While I was comfortable and happy in this with the jacket hanging on my chair at work, I think this all together would have looked better if I'd picked a different jacket that morning.


Last worn: navy macintosh, black knit dress, black ankle boots, Balenciaga work bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy macintosh and pencil skirt, black knit dress and leopard print scarf, black ankle boots and maxi dress, purple Balenciaga work bag and blue dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: ankle boots and pregnancy announcement.




Little Black Dresses for the Office Under $50:









How You Can Wear It:


A little black dress for the office is a corporate wardrobe staple. You can get so many cute ones with different textures like lace, or even a bit of a print. A black dress is a great outfit base to allow you to add on some brightly coloured accessories.

Accessories are also a good way to change up the look or your favourite little black dress and make it feel new each time with different colours or accessory styles.


Linking up with On Monday We Link Up, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.



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58 comments:

  1. I really like your second outfit, Mica! Love the dress-can't believe it's from your Grandma's wardrobe! What a groovy Gran! Love the beads in both looks and of course, your bag, which is my fave colour! Hope you're staying dry. It just hailed here in my suburb of Brissie! XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We did have a crazy few storms in Brisbane!

      And yes, I'm lucky to get this from my stylish Grandmother :)

      Delete
  2. Oh love the second outfit, so pretty with the pop of yellow and purple the accessories adds. A LBD goes a long way! Have a lovely week, Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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  3. Hi Mica! I adore both looks and your bag compliments perfectly! I agree a black dress is classic and very versatile. You look beautiful!

    I pray your sweet baby is feeling well and you have a blessed new week!

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

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  4. What a pretty lace dress! I love how you always add a pop of color with your jewelry and bags!
    --Roxanne
    http//glassofglam.com

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  5. Cute dress and love that handbag!
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

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  6. These are great accessories. I love that purple bag.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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  7. Love that first dress! It can work for almost any occasion depending on how you style it!
    And sometimes you have to break rules to get pretty pieces ;)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  8. I like how you transitioned your lace dress from night to day! That's hard to do and it really looks great Mica. You're always thinking outside the fashion box.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  9. I think everyone should have a little black dress in their wardrobe, and I'm loving yours! The lace detailing is so pretty, and I love how you added pops of color. I'm also loving the second dress, and so cool, and special, that it's from your grandma's wardrobe!
    Rachael
    www.threadsforthomasblog.com

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  10. I love both outfits. They look very pretty and comfortable.

    Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty

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  11. I love that black lace dress - wonderful colour pops with the turquoise and purple, Mica!

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  12. Although both outfits are lovely, I really like the second one and that bag is so cool - it elevates the look!
    xo Yvonne
    www.aproposh.com

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  13. Omg you are adorable!!

    xo,

    H

    http://firsttimethings.com/

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  14. I love the way you've styled your LBD's with fun pops of color! I love both of them, but I especially love the first one. I love the fact that you wore it while pregnant and after! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have the best week ahead, girlie!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's great to have pieces that work through pregnancy and after! :)

      Delete
  15. I much prefer the first outfit, somehow the blue, yellow and purple are too much for my liking. And the lace dress is really beautiful, I understand you had to break your no-buy rule for it.

    Anne from Linda, Libra, Loca

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  16. I love the idea of adding pops of color to black dresses, and yu did it so well. I am impressed you have already bought Christmas presents!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  17. I love that the 2nd dress is from your grandma's closet--how cool is that?! Such a fun look too. And the black lace one is so pretty, and I'm impressed that you made it work during pregnancy too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so cool to have a piece from her wardrobe! :)

      Delete
  18. The second dress is from your grandma's wardrobe? She must have excellent taste in fashion too!

    Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

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  19. I love that there's always an elevated element to your classic pieces! Both dresses are gorgeous and, as always, your styling is spot on!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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  20. You can't go wrong with an LBD for work or for going out and punctuating it with pops of color is such a great way to add some flair. Happy new week Mica!

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  21. There are times I like to coordinate my accessories too, but I love that you didn't with these outfits! The black dresses make a great background for your colorful accessories and I love the different colors you paired together!

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  22. A black dress is so versatile! I love how you styled it. Also I think you did great buying that dress :) I love it so much and I think you look amazing in it!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the inspiration to buy it!

      Delete
  23. absolutely love that pop of green! Cute outfit!
    xx, Eda
    http://luxeandlinen.com

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  24. I like how you pair the black pieces with the colourful accessories - I just tend to go with my usual gold or silver hardware! Must be the minimalist in me (although maybe not so minimalist when I have a five bangle stack, ha!). I love that the Jeanswest dress could be worn both during and after pregnancy - that's what I'm aiming for this pregnancy - more versatile and timeless pieces!

    Eileen | 5feetofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I hope you find equally great pieces for your pregnancy! You're doing a great job so far!

      Delete
  25. I absolutely adore the first look!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: LONDON ROOM & MY FAVORITE DRESS

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  26. Such a lovely lacy dress. You can easily dress this one up for night time or for a classic look for the day :) Love how you have styled it with the pop of green.

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  27. These dresses are fabulous Mica! And that $2 sale sounds great. Even if something doesn't work out, at least it wasn't a big waste!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I had great luck too, only one of the pieces had to be returned! :)

      Delete
  28. What a beautiful black lace dress! I always love how you style everything so colorfully!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

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  29. you can never go wrong with a black dress <3 Love that you are able to add pops of color to it. I seriously need to stop shopping for makeup and beauty stuff, this october was the worst for me :(((

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

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  30. I'm drooling over the purple Balenciaga!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  31. Such lovely outfits. The dresses are so pretty! Have a lovely week and hope your little ones are feeling better. Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  32. You look amazing!!!

    Caterina | caterinasosso.com

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  33. I've got a couple of black dresses and I love them because they're so versatile. I especially love that lacy number and how you've added the pops of colour with your accessories. I need to get better at that!

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  34. Your black and white knit dress is lovely. I love the colorful accessories you styled with your dresses.

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  35. Love the statement necklaces on both of these looks! The bright yellow and turquoise really compliment the more subtle colors of the outfits!

    Adorably presented! Love the flavor combination of pumpkin spices and persimmon, sounds like a unique and delicious treat!

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha thanks, even if I don't understand all of your comment!

      Delete
  36. I will say though, that the yellow necklace goes really well with that navy coat. even though you say it wasn't your best outfit, I actually really love it-- especially that structured navy coat, so chic.

    http://cynicalduchess.com

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  37. the black dress is really falttering on you. I also like that trench coat a lot. They look beautiful together
    x,abril
    <a href="http://www.the-colorpalette.com/2017/10/my-target-optical-experience.html>The Color Palette</a>

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  38. Buy nothing month is always so hard, but those deals sound so hard to pass up. I've been buying Xmas presents early too. That dress is darling on you and the purple bag is such a great pop!

    x,
    S | Je M'appelle Chanel

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  39. I think both of these outfits turned out great as you can never go wrong with a LBD, especially a lace one. Love the first one for pregnancy or not. You have some nice trench-coats, too.

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  40. Love both Lbd, i am a fan of lace, and love how the second dress looks like a two piece outfit. The bright colors are a great accompaniment. of course i love your purple bag.
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  41. I love your black lace LBD! Definitely dress up or dress down-able.

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  42. I LOVE the black dress so much! I had to double take as I thought oh my gosh your pregnant again and I didn't even notice? Lol! I realised it was an older photo!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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    Replies
    1. haha sorry for giving you a fright! Definitely not pregnant again, 2 is a handful enough right now!

      Delete
  43. Nice outfit idea with perfect look. i like that lace outfit.

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  44. Thanks all for your lovely comments and kind words! :)

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