Monday 29 January 2018

Making Casual Dresses Work For The Office With a Pencil Skirt

One way I like to get more wear from my dresses is to layer a skirt over them and wear them as tops. I've done that with both of the dresses below before. Putting a pencil skirt over a dress is the perfect way to make a dress on the shorter side work-appropriate!

What I wore:

botanical print tee dress for the office layered under black pencil skirt | awayfromblue

silver bracelet stack and Rebecca Minkoff moon navy Regan medium satchel tote bag | awayfromtheblue

awayfromblue instagram botanical print tee dress made office appropriate with pencil skirt layered over
Necklace: gifted silver heart long pendant necklace
DressAtmos & Here Willow printed tee dress
SkirtJeanswest zip detail ponte pencil skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

My first day back after an extended leave over Christmas time meant picking bright colours to cheer me up. Especially after spending the week before I went back to work feeling sick. I knew it would be a day of catching upon emails and everything else I missed, so wanted to pep myself up as much as possible with this bright and colourful dress worn as a top. It's not the first time I've layered a skirt over this dress, I've done it before here with a maxi skirt and with a pencil skirt again. Way back when I first bought this I fell in love with the print and couldn't decide between getting the dress or tee in the print. I'm glad I picked the dress, as it's so easy to wear it as a top too to mix things up a little.


Last worn: botanical print tee dress, black pencil skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel.

Other ways to wearbotanical print tee dress and Converse, black pencil skirt in winter, black ballet flats and fit and flare dress, Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel and shorts.

Perfect for pregnancybotanical print tee dress for pregnancy announcement, black pencil skirt in first trimester, black ballet flats in second trimester.


Pencil Skirts Under $50:



Both pencil skirts I'm wearing in this post are Jeanswest, and they've just released a new office wear collection!



What I wore:

zara printed tunic dress for the office work layered under a pencil skirt easy business casual outfit | away from blue

Rebecca Minkoff Regan moon navy satchel tote bag for the office | away from the blue

awayfromblue Instagram zara navy printed dress under black pencil skirt Rebecca Minkoff regan stachel
Necklace: Lovisa gold filigree heart pendant
Dress: Zara printed bib front tunic dress
SkirtJeanswest black ponte pencil skirt
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs black logo plaque ballet flats
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote in moon

Why I wore it:

Another day in the office, another dress as a top. This dress has been worn with a pencil skirt before too. I'd planned to wear this outfit after the one above, but after wearing that and dragging myself to the office, I made myself much worse and the doctor sent me back home to rest for a few more days. It did make getting ready for work when I was eventually well enough to go back really easy though, just pulled on this outfit I'd had sitting planned for a few days!

The only thing I didn't like about this outfit was the necklace. I love the way it looks, but I didn't consider that when I wore my work security pass around my neck on the long lanyard like I usually do, it would hit and jingle with the necklace all day. It was a little frustrating as I moved around between meetings, as I didn't always have a hand free to separate the two. Might need to save this necklace for weekend wear, which is a shame as it's so pretty!


Last worn: navy shift dress, black pencil skirt, MbMJ ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag (above).

Other ways to wearnavy shift dress and denim jacket, black pencil skirt and tan accessoriesMbMJ ballet flats and little black dress, Rebecca Minkoff Regan bag and tee dress.

Perfect for pregnancynavy shift dress in third trimester, black pencil skirt in second trimester.


Printed Dresses Under $50 great for layering with:






How You Can Wear It:


Not all dresses are work appropriate lengths, even though they might be ideal for weekend wear. If you're worried a dress is too short for the office, try turning it into a top by putting it under a pencil skirt. A pencil skirt works so well for different office dress codes, and it's a fun way to remix a dress and make it less casual.



Have you seen my latest YouTube video? Top 3 must-have bags for mums!





Linking up with Modest Monday, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, Creative Monday, On Mondays We Link Up, Style Sessions, On Trend, Turning HeadsConfident Twosday.


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61 comments:

  1. You look so pretty chic in this outfits.
    I love this office style look.

    Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
    New Vlog Entry!

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  2. I adore the pencil skirt, and think that it can be used for so many occasions, but especially those that are formal. I love how you've paired them with these shirts, they're so much better and more exciting than just plain haha.

    Amy;
    Little Moon Elephant

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :) They are actually dresses I've just layered the pencil skirts over! :)

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  3. Very nice bag and you looking very beautiful.

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  4. I liked the idea, to wear dresses as tops, under a skirt! And both looks are great - the first to one, to cheer you up after the Christmas break and the second one, what for a great Zara dress! The necklace is really beautiful, I hope you wear it again! Hope you have a lovely week!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I have been wearing the necklace frequently as it goes with so much! :)

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  5. I wear pencil skirts all the time to work too. They are a closet staple for me! You look so great and I adore that bag! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and a great start to your week!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  6. I absolutely LOVE this pencil skirt! It's so simple and flattering. Kicking myself now for not buying one I saw last week that fitted perfectly, doubt I'll be able to find it again now haha. You look lovely!

    aglassofice.com
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yeah I got lucky to find both of these - glad I snapped them up when I did! :)

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  7. Great styling ideas and beautiful pictures!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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  8. It's been years since I wore a dress as a top since I don't wear pencil skirts much, but I love the look! It's such a great way to extend your wardrobe!

    By Lauren M

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  9. Love the pencil skirt! You can never go wrong with it! Such a classic and always so chic!

    Happy Monday, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  10. How is it possible that you look amazing with every single outfit you wear Mica!!! Either it's a casual outfit, a business look or a maxi dress, you look great with everything!!!!
    Hope you are having a lovely start of the week!!
    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

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  11. Such a nice style to wear a pencil skirt. Very decent and graceful. you look so pretty Mica <3 Have a happy Monday!! Kisses <3
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

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  12. I never would have thought of doing that! Your choices go so well with the skirt too. Love the blue of the first one in particular x

    Jenny | LuxeStyle

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  13. I've never thought of doing this, but what a great idea! I love both of these looks. Also how did I not know you were on YouTube? I'll have to watch while I have dinner :)
    Amy x
    callmeamy.co.uk

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  14. Lovely outfits and I love your suggestions of bags for mums in the video. Have a great start to your week.

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  15. I totally do that too with my dresses! I also put a sweater over my dresses and make them into skirts as well! I love that pencil skirt - it definitely is perfect for layering over thinner and less bulky dresses!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have the hardest time finding tops the right length I can do that with, but I do want to try that outfit combo more :)

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  16. I think i have done this just once even though i think its a genius way to expand the wardrobe and get the most out of our garments. Both looks rock Mica, you wear your pencil skirts very nicely.

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  17. You are always so creative with your closet, Mica! I love how you've made those dresses work as tops. I need to consider that with a couple of too-short-for-work dresses that I have. Such a great idea!

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  18. Such a good idea to get more wear out of a dress especially if the dress is short! Love these looks!
    xo Yvonne
    www.aproposh.com

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  19. Oh wow, I never would've thought to layer a pencil skirt over a dress to create a new look, what a brilliant idea! From the photos I would've guessed that these were just regular tops! Thank you for sharing this, and you look great as always!

    Jenny | Geeky Posh

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  20. Styling your dresses as tops is such a fabulous way to have them pull some double duty. Both of these outfits look so chic and office ready!

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  21. I love wearing dresses in a new way like you did here. It just means more wears right?

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep! Nice to try different ways to wear things to get up to that magic 30 wears number!

      Delete
  22. this is so creative and I love the result on both looks, I will give it a try :)
    Sonia
    www.soniaaicha.com

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  23. These looks are great! The pencil skirt over a dress really works :)

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  24. I like the first outfit - that dress looks good as a tee. That satchel is great too, as I mentioned on another post where you were carrying it. It's simple, but has a bit of "edge."

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    Replies
    1. I have been wearing it a lot lately! Such a nice bag! :)

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  25. What a great idea, Mica! I had never thought of doing that! The dresses look great with pencil skirts. What a great way to get the most out of your wardrobe! :) XXX

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  26. Hi Mica! Very creative and super cute look! Your pencil skirt is pretty and figure flattering. An awesome way to maximize your wardrobe pieces!

    I pray you are having a great week!

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

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  27. Love your looks Mica. Both are so professional and can transition from work to going out which is something I struggle with at my job, so I envy you.! Love the handbag choices!

    x,
    S | Je M'appelle Chanel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not something I have much experience with lately, as I'm always rushing home to be with the boys, haha! But glad it gave you some ideas! :)

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  28. I love it! you have an amazing creative office style!
    Please visit my Blog!

    http://www.alessabernal.com/
    Alessa Bernal

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  29. Yes you re rigbt in my tag the most incredible ones are the true ones ahahah

    You always give good ideas... a dress and a top and its the same what a verrsality in your outfit..
    Xoxo from Portugal

    marisascloset.blogspot.com

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  30. The second outfit is cute! I love dressing myself up after a bout of sickness too to give a bit of confidence and feel better haha.

    www.talesoftwoblog.blogspot.com

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  31. I have a few dresses that would work so well as tops! I just never think of it! I think we get so used to thinking inside the box and wearing an item one way we just don't think of its versatility at times. I love this idea though! I need to try it when I go back to work in a couple weeks. Hope you are having a great week! Can't wait to watch your youtube video!

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  32. I love the second look and the handbag pairing! It's such a cute combo!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  33. I use to wearing a pencil skirt, mine are a little tight at the minute :( Your looks lovely :)

    Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays, hope to see you on Wednesday for our next blog hop :)

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  34. You can never go wrong with a pencil skirt, loving both of these looks <3
    Green Fashionista

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  35. I have never thought of layering a skirt over a dress for a different look, how imaginative! Both of these looks are gorgeous!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

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  36. I love this idea so much!! I've done it a couple times, but then I forget about it!! Thanks for the inspiration again!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  37. Dear Mica, how good you finally recovered. It was also good you visited the doctor after you didn't feel well. The outfits you show here are both fantastic and the idea is great to wear the dresses as tops. But what a pity you had the challenge with the necklace of the second look as it tangled with the lanyard of your security pass ...
    With love from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rena! I'm glad to be feeling much better now, it's been a rocky start to the new year.

      Delete
  38. I love the idea of using a dress as a top. I also love a classic pencil skirt look. Great handbag choices too! Sierra~Beautifully Candid

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  39. Mica,
    This is a brilliant idea! I never thought of this before and I’m very glad you shared it here. I particularly love the first dress and pencil skirt combination. You look fabulous. I hope you are feeling better now. Enjoy your week!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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  40. What a great idea to layer a skirt over a dress. You look so pretty. Loved the video too, that LV bag is perefct size.

    Nina's Style Blog

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    Replies
    1. it really is such the perfect size, a wonderful bag! :)

      Delete
  41. Oh I have a pencil skirt similar to this, you gave some ideas on how to style it!

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    www.allienyc.com

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  42. Mica, you always amaze me. What a great idea! Both look so good. I would've never known.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  43. I love wearing dresses as tops! It's seriously the best way to get more uses out of an outfit!
    The Hidden Thimble

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  44. Love the both looks! So pretty!

    https:/chicglamstyle.com

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  45. Love the pencil skirt! Such pretty outfits!
    xx, Emily | www.East91Blog.com

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  46. Love the floral top, dear! Check out our latest Giveaway to Win USD 50 Open to All Worldwide! xoxo

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  47. I love it Mica! I would never now that was a dress you styled with a skirt. love the pencil skirt and beautiful blue blouse on you. Very pretty!
    thanks forlinking1
    jess xx
    www,elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  48. I absolutely love this idea dear. That colorful part of your dress looks really good with the basic black skirt. Such a lovely look!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  49. Thanks all for your lovely comments. Glad I could give you some ideas for a different way to wear a dress and pencil skirt! I'm pleased I inspired a few of you :)

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