Tired of looking like your mother when wearing a power suit? Thankfully, the times are changing and women’s suiting has had a major facelift over the years. We no longer have to worry about boxy, oversized blazers with huge shoulder pads and trousers that don’t fit right. You all remember those, right?? The exact outfit your mom used to wear to work everyday?? I can guarantee you my mom still has some of those suits in her closet! It’s like I can still envision those photos in my head from back in the day!
When I worked in Fort Worth for Neiman Marcus years ago we always had a strict dress code and had to dress to a certain standard. I quickly realized wearing matching slacks and blazers was a definite no-no in that world so I quickly took note on how to mix and match different suiting pieces. One of my biggest fears when working a high profile job was to age myself 20 years or look matronly by the way I dressed. Who wants to look outdated in a world full of millennials…
For my latest Splurge or Steal in Austin Woman Magazine I wanted to show how easy it is to transition into different types of skirt suiting while still looking appropriate for your job. It seems as of late dress codes issues and sexual harassment are on the rise mainly due to a woman’s attire. How can we pull of a professional look without looking too sexy? What is the appropriate amount of skin showing, how high should my heels be, is my chest showing. etc. It’s nearly impossible to find work appropriate clothing where you still look super chic but not too covered up and frumpy.
I’ve found two nearly identical looks that cover all of the bases depending on what type of fit you are looking for. The Splurge look below is probably my favorite. Yes, it is significantly more expensive but the fit was amazing. I opted for a tighter pencil skirt that hit right above my knee with a sleeveless blouse. I always seem to be body conscious and felt that a top with a higher neck would be more appropriate for the work place especially if you choose to go sans blazer. There is just enough detailing on the top to wear as a standalone piece. I chose a pair of Stuart Weitzman heels to finish off this look. These work perfectly because they are an easy transition into Fall and they aren’t extremely tall.
Splurge Outfit Details:
Top – Boss // Skirt – Boss // Blazer – Boss
Tote – Kate Spade // Heels – Stuart Weitzman // Watch – Michele + Band
The Steal look below is definitely more on the conservative side with the skirt being a tad longer and looser fitting than the Splurge look. Keep in mind though, cuts on less expensive pieces are always going to be a little boxier and less tailored. Personally, I loved the length of this white top the best. It was a little shorter which worked well with the longer skirt but almost made me look a little boxier compared to the fitted look.
Obviously, fit is going to be different for almost everyone but if you are in the market for upgraded work wear definitely try out a skirt suit for a change of pace. Don’t be afraid to mix up prints and not have matching pieces. That’s so dated these days unless you are required to wear a strict uniform. 🙂 If you are wondering about what to do when cooler temps hit, just throw on a pair of tights and you are good to go!
Steal Outfit Details:
Top – Halogen // Skirt – Halogen (Similar HERE) // Blazer – Halogen
Tote – Chelsea28 // Heels – Steve Madden // Watch – Kate Spade
Photos by Annie Ray
I love the steal look just as much as the splurge!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
Aw aren’t you the cutest!! I am loving the steal look! Love the photos also 🙂
xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.thehouseofsequins.com
I always LOVE your splurge vs. steal posts!!! Brilliantly done, my dear!
OMG!! ALL of your photos are magazine worthy!! You look flawless in both of these looks! Your save vs. splurge posts are my favessss!
Love this modern suit. Perfect for work!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
LOVE this post!! I feel like the cut of the blazer and the shoes are what really modernize your looks!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
such a great look for the office!
xo Emily
http://www.thehipsuburban.com
how great is this post! i love splurge vs. steal posts!
Such great looks, love how versatile these pieces are!!
I love your Splurge or Steal posts; however, I better rid my closet of those old frumpy suits you mentioned. 😉 Love, Mom
Author
I know they’re in there!! 😉
I love both of these looks!! Super cute!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
I like the splurge, just because of the fit. However the steal is really quite identical and you wouldn’t be able to tell!
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
what great finds! you look incredible in both!! and wow- what savings on that steal that looks so similar!!
Wow babe! I love the pieces on the right best (other than the fitted sleeves of the blazer on the left side). Great dupes!!
Splurge on the handbag and shoes ALWAYS 🙂
Such a great post girl! I wish I could pull off this outfit. It looks so professional
SASKIA CILIBERTO
Both of these outfits are incredible – it’s just shocking to me the major price tag changes between them! They’re so similar yet cost such different amounts. But it’s encouraging to know that you can find high-quality and beautiful pieces on a more strict budget for sure!
This is such a great post for any woman at the office!
I love the fit of both jackets and how you rolled the cuffs!
Lindsey
http://www.seamlesssea.com
This is the best! Love the way you styled this!
-Kat
http://www.katwalksf.com/
Wow they both look great! Love the blazers especially!
Sabrina | Gypsy Tan
http://www.gypsytan.co
I love the steal version better! That blazer is just too cute for the office!
Such great looks! I love the two options, although I’m not wearing blazers or work-looks these days.
I always love a good steal!
What incredible finds! I always look a little deeper to make sure I’m finding the best price-tags! Cute look!
These outfits are both too cute! Love them