A couple of weeks ago I did a Shopping Help post on Office to Casual tops. Today I’m featuring a top that would have fit into that category, but actually showing how to incorporate it into outfits that work for both office and casual looks. AND, since many of you are starting to experience the weather shift from warm to cold I’m also showing how to wear this top in office/casual looks for both warmer and cooler weather. Double whammy today!
This top from H&M is a fantastically versatile piece. I love its pattern, particularly that it’s prominent but also kind of subtle at the same time. The navy/white combo also helps give it a neutral background without being plain. Navy is one of my favorite neutrals because it pairs well with a lot of colors without looking too severe. This will pair well with a number of different cardigans, but of course my go-to would be yellow!
Outfit 1 – Work in Warmer Weather
If your weather is still warm, pair your blouse with a light colored, flowy pleated skirt. I paired this top with a beautiful white pleated skirt that’s ON MAJOR SALE. I have been eyeing and eyeing and eyeing this skirt and watching the price drop, hoping it’s still in stock when I can actually try it on without a baby bump. I almost didn’t want to put it in this post because I’m a stingy meanie and I didn’t want you all to scoop it up before I could get my grubby hands on it. But hot dang, it’s such a frigging good deal right now!
Anyway, the skirt keeps things airy and fresh, and to continue in that vein I added a neutral beige pump and some lilac nail polish. Then I grounded the outfit with a faux suede navy bag from Target, which is also on major sale. We bought this bag for my sister-in-law for Christmas and she loves it!
Shop Outfit #1:
Top: H&M
Skirt: NY & Co. (sale for $15!!!)
Bag: Target (sale for $12!)
Shoes: Target
Nail Polish: Target
Outfit 2 – Work in Cooler Weather
For a cooler weather work outfit try your blouse with a colored trouser or colored khakis. I went with maroon khakis and a navy blazer. I LOVE maroon in the fall, and I really love it with navy! Then I mixed neutrals with a black suede pump and my all time favorite cognac satchel. Doesn’t it look so good with fall outfits? Or…just anytime, really. <3
Shop Outfit #2:
Top: H&M
Blazer: Target
Pants: Old Navy
Bag: Target
Shoes: Old Navy
Outfit 3 – Casual in Warmer Weather
Try your blouse with longer shorts! They’re sleeker and a classy kind of casual to help you look polished while wearing shorts. I chose black ones for this top, but they could have been paired with a lot of other colors. I kept it simple with a matching flat sandal with gold accents, but added a touch of color with a coral pendant.
Shop Outfit #3:
Top: H&M
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Forever 21
Outfit 4 – Casual in Cooler Weather
Lastly, try your blouse with colored denim and a closed toed shoe. I went with olive for this top, because olive is my other favorite color for fall (in addition to maroon). Instead of a normal ballet flat like I might normally do, I tried some smoking loafers. They say “fall” a little better, you know?
For jewelry, I typically go with a simple gold chain when I want to add something but don’t want it to compete with a busy top.
Shop Outfit #4:
Top: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy
Bag: Target
Shoes: Old Navy
Necklace: Forever 21
Is your weather already transitioning to fall? Ours is gonna be hot hot hot for the next couple of months, I think.
Which of these tips could you try with one of your own “office to casual” tops?
