I’m feeling rebellious this week. Ripped jeans. Studded booties. Sheer blouses with lace bras. I’m not ready for it to be 60-degrees yet, and if I’m going to have to dress for fall, then I’m going to rebel a bit. So here’s a business casual outfit featuring leopard pants, because why the hell not?
Original Style Image Found Here
J.Crew Black Cashmere Crewneck ($98) and Leopard Pants ($70) // Off 5th Hexagon Sunglasses ($20) // Charter Club Tassel Necklace ($20) // A New Day Bag ($35) // Trotters Round Toe Pumps ($130)
How fun are these pants? They’re unique and a little risky, but the color palette keeps them manageable. If you want a bit of color, I also love the drama of these blue, silk, leopard pants from Outnet (a more affordable pair can be found at Anthro).
For the sweater, I chose a simple black crewneck. For something more modern, I dig this Victor Alfaro sweater. If you’re allergic to wool, LL Bean makes the most cotton sweater options of the big brands. For plus-size ladies, check out this dolman-sleeve sweater at H&M.
As for accessories, I chose these hexagonal sunglasses for the vintage-drama their unique shape brings to the outfit. For designer sunglasses on a budget, I always hit The Real Real. These Chloe oversize sunnies are just $59, and most of the pairs are so gently used they might as well be new.
I like this affordable Charter Club tassel necklace. Or you could buy my very favorite Stella & Dot Rebel necklace.
OKAY, THIS BAG. Let’s talk about this bag. I love the knots, the details, the modern shape. If the mustard isn’t for you, there is a glossy, navy that is not to be missed. Especially at $35.
These Trotters pumps are incredibly comfortable. They’re great for walking. And unlike so many comfortable pairs, they don’t look clunky and matronly. I also like their patent-leather pointed toe flats.
I think this is a unique, business-casual outfit for women who are a little tired of basics. And who couldn’t use the ability to cut loose a little with their work attire?
{this post contains affiliate links that may provide commission for the author}
I’ve never owned cashmere so educate me a bit here. Is it really worth the price and effort to clean?
I’m obvs not Abra, but my 2c with cashmere is that it’s VERY hit or miss. I rarely buy it, and I would never buy it online — I need to feel the material. Cashmere can be tissue-thin, and I like my knits to be a little beefier. I would never wear cashmere over an oxford shirt. Styled by itself like Abra has here (with nothing underneath except a bra and maybe a silk tank) is IMO the optimal way to wear such a thin knit.
I practically live in cashmere all winter long, so I’d say yes, cashmere is worth it as long as it’s quality. (I wouldn’t buy it from J.Crew, given their quality problems for the last several years.) I buy my cashmere sweaters at Boden and they’re thick enough to keep me warm on all but the coldest days. When the temperature really plunges, I layer a long-sleeved tissue tee from J.Crew Factory underneath and that combo keeps me toasty warm.
I think Boden’s cashmere sweaters are machine washable. I use Belle’s vodka-spray trick when they get stinky and hand-wash them when they need it. I’ve been wearing them a couple times a week for 2-3 years and they’re still in good shape.
Cashmere comes in different qualities – really soft cashmere is higher quality. There’s also a chemical process that some manufacturers use to make cheap cashmere (or blends) feel better, so as far as I know when you get ‘scratchy’ cashmere or stuff that feels worse over time, that’s what it is. In general, unfortunately, cheap cashmere is exactly what it sounds like. Cheap.
Ok, so … I totally bought JCrew’s skinny camo pants yesterday and am trying to convince myself that I can wear them with heels and a cute sweater on casual Friday …
As a pale red-head with sensitive skin, I really appreciate the wool-alternatives! It seems like some seasons have tons of cotton sweaters available but then I won’t see any for three years!
I love the way that Rebellious Abra dresses.
You nailed this one. I love everything about it.
YESSS!!! I love these kinds of blog posts from you, and these pants look fab! Definitely giving me some outfit inspiration.
LOVE this look! I’m not much of a pants girl though- any exciting pencil skirts?
Cashmere is a yarn spun from the woolly undercoat of the fur of certain breeds of shaggy goats. Like all yarns, it can be found in weights that vary from very thin and delicate to bulky, and it can be found in varying qualities as well. good cashmere knits, lovingly cared for, can last for ages. For years the gold standard was Braemar, a Scottish cashmere brand. It’s still in business. Another fine brand is Brora, also Scottish. Now cashmere mills are to be found in many parts of the world, and greater availability of goods has led to friendlier prices, but not always friendlier quality. At one point I called J.Crew to complain about a cashmere sweater that had pilled right out of the box, and the hapless person on the other end tried to convince me that pilling is a good sign. “IT IS NOT,” I screamed, “shame on you.”
I was lucky enough to receive some heavyweight Donna Karan cashmere sweaters that were made in the 90’s (black, naturally), and although the yarn is bulky, the sweaters themselves are warm and light and comfortable. My experiences with featherweight sweaters have varied. If you begin by buying (or inheriting, ahem) vintage or by sifting through end-of-season sales, you’ll be able to get an idea of a sweater’s durability.
I air out my cashmeres after wearing, and put them away the next morning. Hand washing is a chore, but in my opinion necessary. It can be avoided or minimized if you’re sensible about where and when you wear it.
Hope you find something lovely and enjoy wearing it!
Yes, I inherited a sweater from N Peal (that must’ve been at least 20 years old already) and it has no pilling, is in great shape, and washes just fine. I machine wash on delicate, or swish around in the sink a bit and then squeeze out, roll in a towel and a squeeze again, and then drape around somewhere to dry. The handwashing is one of those things that I dread and put off and then it actually only takes like 5 minutes once I decide to do it. A decent cashmere sweater actually holds up way better than most wool or man-made fibers, in my experience. And a sweater shaver helps. I don’t recommend Equipment cashmere.
I now have this pair of pants to add to the open tabs on my browser, which also include a pair of leopard mules, a leopard coat, and a leopard wrap dress. I wonder if my subconscious is trying to tell me something…
Late comment but amazing pick. I couldn’t stop thinking about them and these pants are now on their way to me! I can think of half a dozen tops I already own that would pair perfectly. I haven’t purchased anything J.Crew in 2-3 years so I’m hoping the quality is passable.