workinggirlwardrobe | word of alicia

Last Tuesday I gave you my easy formula for figuring out what to wear to work (check it here). I then applied that formula for my last Wear and Share Wednesday post (check it here) and now FINALLY here’s another look.

Formula = sheer sleeveless blouse + pencil skirt = #workinggirlwardrobe

#workinggirlwardrobe that shimmers!

Day sequins are never a bad idea! You just have to know how to wear them, like on this blouse from The Limited (holiday 2012). The embellishment is anchored in neutral colors; grey and white, simple enough to let those sequin shine! I paired it with my grey pencil skirt from Express, a blingy hematite cuff bracelet (mark. Cuff Link Bracelet), a white bag with hematite chain detailing (mark. High Style Convertible Bag) and and white nails with Kate from Julep.

mark. Statuesque Style Heels ($40)

My pencil skirt is a fuller cut and hits right under the knee so to make the look work for me I need to make sure I have on the right shoes. Ones that are open (no ankle straps) and have a decently tall heel are needed to elongate the leg. These Statuesque Style Heels ($40) are more than ideal with their glam d’Orsay style in a woven metallic fabric. These are one of those styles that will work year round, match a ton of things in your closet and have just enough detailing to keep them interesting! You can get them at my eBoutique.

#workinggirlwardrobe formula success!

I think today’s formula proved successfull:

Sequined Sheer Sleeveless Blouse + Light Grey Pencil Skirt + Metallic d’Orsay Pumps + Hematite Jewelry + White Nails + White Bag = success!

If the world of alicia was the internet, then today the top trending search would be #workinggirlwardrobe It feels like everyday I’m late for work it’s because I can’t figure out what to wear. I have a ridiculous amount of clothes but yet I never feel like I have anything to wear, and I KNOW I’m not the only one who thinks this. With the recent organization of my closet and clothes I realized that working girl wardrobe needs to be reworked. I need to approach it with a more organized thought process. Start with a surefire formula, work it with pieces you have, and add accessories to complete the look.

#workinggirlwardrobe formula: sleeveless sheer blouse + pencil skirt = work wear winner!

Sheer Blouse + Pencil Skirt = #workinggirlwardrobe

Proof:

Step 1: Sleeveless Sheer Blouse

Sheer tops are really in right now and for good reason. They can be dressed up, down or somewhere in between. Come in solids, prints, colors, neutrals, detailed, simple, trendy or classic. For your working girl wardrobe I suggest a few of these. Start with a neutral color, a fun color and a print. Why sleeveless you say? Because you can stretch the use out of a sleeveless blouse! When its hot hot hot nothing will look more professional but still keep you cool. Then as it cools down you can add a sweater, jacket or vest. Maximize the most out of your investment.

I use the term sheer loosely because really this can mean any sort of delicate. lightweight fabric. To make sure its always office appropriate wear a cami and the right undergarments underneath. You then can stretch the use for weekend wear with a bold color bra underneath (if you dare!). Here are a few that I’m really loving:

Express

The Limited

mark. Hot Mix Blouse

Step 2: Pencil Skirt

The key to wearing a pencil skirt is finding a shape you like. I always felt I couldn’t wear them because they overwhelmed my frame and accentuated my cankles. Then I realized I just needed to find my right shape… fitted, hem hits right above the knee and always wear with heels. Experiment with the different shapes until you find one you like… try high waisted, fitted, longer length, ones with pockets/belt loops, looser cuts, etc… Try a bunch on and find which ones work for you. Once you find a style (or styles!) you like then try to pick up a few in your basic fabrics and colors. Start with a basic black in a year round fabric. In the summer I love white and light grey in the winter I tend to go for plaids, tweeds and wools in dark colors.

Pencil skirts aren’t just for the office. You can create fun desk to drink type of looks and if Ann Taylor has taught you anything, a good pencil skirt can even be your holiday party look! Here are a few that I’m loving for year round wear:

Charlotte Russe

Brooks Brothers

Banana Republic

Solution: Your what to wear to work questions solved! All week I’ll be bringing you examples of how to follow through with this formula or working girl wardrobe success! Here are a few celeb looks I’m loving who’s expensive stylist applied the same formula!

Kim Kardashian. (source)

Jordana Brewster (source)

Update: Check out my #workinggirlwardrobe looks applying this formula: Look 1, and Look 2!