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OOTD: A (new) typical work outfit

Posted on September 14, 2010November 4, 2014 by Elaine

I’m calling this a new typical work outfit because it’s not something I had ever worn together before but it makes a great typical work outfit for me!  It was actually inspired by Kelly at Alterations Needed when she “deconstructed” her go-to outfit.  I loved this idea of breaking an outfit down into elements.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a lot of vision when it comes to putting together an outfit.  When I see something I immediate know if I’m drawn to it but often times the vision I see in my own head does not work out so well when I’m standing in front of a mirror!  I appreciated Kelly breaking it down a bit so I could see why it worked and instead of copying the look exactly, figuring out which elements I had in my own closet to pull off the overall look.

This is what I came up with:

Jeans:  Banana Republic Trouser Jean size 0P
Blouse:  Mexx XS
Cardigan:  Old Navy XS (in Canadian stores, not online – and disappeared from the US site!  But THIS is similar)
Belt – Danier XS
Necklace:  mark by Avon

Kelly had 4 basic guidelines I was trying to follow:

1) A fun top.  I don’t have too many of those so I just went with an “interesting” top with the pattern and added the bold necklace.

2) 1/2 buttoned cardigan to give an “x-shape”.  I did this but the cardigan itself is a little boxy and I don’t have a really defined waist so to add further emphasis I added the belt.

3) Dark Denim.  Check

4) 3/4 sleeves.  Check

 

I also like the flower embellishment on the cardigan to add more elements of “fun” to the look 😉

 

So…how did I do?

 

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20 thoughts on “OOTD: A (new) typical work outfit”

  1. curls-and-pearls says:
    September 16, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Thanks again everyone 🙂 Glad I got it right 😉

    HM63 – no it’s not a current Mexx top – it’s couple years old! I love Mexx too, but sometimes the sizing can be hit or miss for me.

    Reply
  2. HM63 says:
    September 16, 2010 at 7:47 pm

    Great outfit! I love a well fitting trouser jean. It looks a bit more dressed up than basic jeans. I always get compliments when I wear mine.

    Is that a current Mexx top? I love Mexx…it’s one of my go to stores where I find loads of things I like. I love the print and colour.

    Reply
  3. Elaine says:
    September 16, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    I love the patterned blouse! It gives it a nice focal point peeking out of the cardi like that.

    CLOTHED MUCH, a modest fashion blog

    Reply
  4. Sarah says:
    September 16, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    I love love this outfit. It’s simple and comfortable but really well put together. This is totally my go to outfit for work, cardi and belt!

    Reply
  5. Collette Osuna says:
    September 16, 2010 at 11:33 am

    I LOVE the red belt..this outfit is a winner for sure!! Its fashionable…and super classy too!!

    Great job!

    Have a Fashionable Day:)
    Statements in Fashion Blog

    Reply
  6. Jodi says:
    September 16, 2010 at 9:52 am

    I really like this outfit.. the top is cute and the red belt with it is awesome.. I am trying to get better at mixing things like leopard and ie. the sweater with a flower on it.. I usually wouldn’t think of these combinations.

    Reply
  7. Vicky says:
    September 15, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    Love it. Simple and chic. Great job!

    Reply
  8. 20 York Street says:
    September 15, 2010 at 11:36 am

    Funny, I just zoomed in on your cardi and I think I got the same one from ON, exactly the same colour too!

    I haven’t worn it yet but I love it and it looks great on you!

    xoxo,

    http://twentyyork.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. curls-and-pearls says:
    September 15, 2010 at 8:35 am

    LOL Kelly’s twin too funny!!!!! Don’t worry I’m not going all Single White Female on her 😛

    I guess I could be her taller/larger/older Asian twin 😛

    Thanks for the comments everyone!

    Reply
  10. PearlsAndGreenTea says:
    September 14, 2010 at 11:38 pm

    Cute outfit!!

    http://pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  11. The Little Dust Princess says:
    September 14, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    I agree with PetiteXXS! hahaha Curly hair and all..you do kinda resemble each other. 😛

    As for the outfit, I love how you added the belt to cinch in the waist. Great job.

    Reply
  12. Alterations Needed says:
    September 14, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    It’s easy right?! LOL @ PetiteXXS!

    You look great! I like your color choices, and the trouser jean is perfect. I’m glad my “deconstruction” gave you some inspiration. =)

    Reply
  13. PetiteAsianGirl says:
    September 14, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    Hahaha I agree with PetiteXXS!

    Great rendition of Kelly’s “go to outfit” and I esp like your own touch with the trouser jeans. I’ve never really cared for trouser jeans before but your body type pulls em off well. That and those super wide legged jeans you have too!

    Reply
  14. SewPetiteGal says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    CUTE! You did great – I love the combo 🙂

    Reply
  15. PetiteXXS says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    You’re a dead ringer for Kelly in that outfit and with the curly hair! You guys could be petite twins! 🙂 I love the flower embellishment on your cardigan.

    Reply
  16. Angeline says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    I totally love this outfit! It’s so put together, full of personality, and looks comfy. It makes your

    Reply
  17. Ping says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    very chic outfit indeed. i love the pretty blouse, cardi and belt combo. i think i have the same BR trouser jeans — love them 😉

    Reply
  18. Sydney says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    The top is so pretty! plus the belt added the pop of color the the whole outfit. Looking very chic :).

    Reply
  19. Melissa says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:13 pm

    Gorgeous, I love it! I don’t have very many interesting tops either, mostly tees and solid colors.

    This looks really fantastic on you! I’m a huge fan of anything belted so I especially like that addition!

    Reply
  20. Banhannas says:
    September 14, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Oh, I’m in love with those shoes! Cute, cute, cute outfit. Kelly is awesome and I’ll be learning from the both of yall if I need a go-to outfit. You don’t know how many times I’ve wailed, failing all of my clothes from my closet not knowing WHAT to wear.

    Reply

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