Two Ways: A Modern Tie Neck Blouse

When this Instagram snap started making the rounds on the Internet, Frame’s silk blouse became a must-have for several bloggers I follow.  But $265 for a silk top is just not going to happen.

This Boden Sofia tie-neck blouse ($118) has a similar look to the Frame blouse.  It has the same silky fabric, the same soft ivory hue, and the same loop-fasten buttons.  Plus, the tie-neck is removable, so it’s like two tops in one.  Here are two ways to style this functional, stylish blouse for the office.  For a similar plus-size look, try this ruffle front bodysuit from Eloquii.

Professional.  This blouse can be dressed up for a formal setting or dressed down with jeans.  I wanted this outfit to reflect it’s more conservative side, so I channeled my inner Alicia Florick for a look that is feminine, but buttoned up.

David Yurman Chatalaine Earrings ($395) //  I love this earrings.  They are far out of my usual price range, but the black-purple stone just spoke to me.  I also like these Rachel Ryan octagonal, black, bezel-set earrings for an affordable option.

Sabana Metallic Tweed Jacket ($525) // The tailoring on this tweed jacket is what sets it apart.  Tweed toppers are often shapeless and boxy, but this one has a nipped in waistline and slim look.  For an affordable look, this fringe-tweed LOFT jacket and this more-fitted Karl Lagerfeld jacket are nice options. Plus-size? Try this discounted Lafayette 148 jacket.

Halogen Pencil Skirt ($35) // Every working woman needs a black pencil skirt.  You can wear it with everything from t-shirts to suit jackets.  I originally chose a designer skirt for this post.  But once I realized it was poly-blend for $198, I thought, “If I’m going to recommend a poly-blend skirt, it’s going to be one I actually like, that’s way cheaper.”  The Halogen skirt has a good feel and good weight to it.  It also comes in petites.

Sam Edelman Hazel Pump ($119) //  These suede pumps are a bit higher than usual at 3.75″, but with such a buttoned-up outfit, going a little higher with the shoes can make the look a bit more glamorous.  These pumps are suede, but this same style also comes in leather (and several othttps://theworkedit.com/her colors).

Kate Spade Kennedy Satchel ($195) // TheRealReal sells discounted designer-consignment items that they’ve verified are authentic.  This bag looks brand new in the photos and would be a great gift.  The site regularly offers discount codes, the stock turns over quickly, and they have any designer you could possibly want.

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Creative.  A friend who works in the restaurant business was chiding me for not posting anything that “non-corporate women” can wear to work.  So I put together this outfit for the woman who needs to look fashionable, pulled-together, and professional without dressing for a boardroom.

Panacea Segment Hoop Earrings ($18) // If you like big hoop earrings, this is a really fun pair.  Not too large, not too small, with a unique diamond shape and segmented look.  If hoops are not your thing, I like these hammered-gold lever backs.

River Island Bardot Knit Dress ($80) // I wish I has snapped a photo of the Nordstrom salesperson I saw wearings a sweater dress over a button-up shirt last week.  It was the perfect solution to wearing an off the shoulder without showing off your collarbones.  She was wearing a bodysuit button-up blouse, she said it was essential to keeping the look from getting “all bunchy and puffy.”  If you don’t own a bodysuit, just tuck the blouse into a pair of higher-waist Spanx.

Nine West Hold Tight Boot ($149) // Also in black, these Nine West boots are a good-looking, high-heeled boot, especially for the price.  They’re not too flashy, and the heel’s the right height.  And with a padded insole and rubber sole, they’re easier on the feet than most boots.

Bordeaux Paxley Satchel ($69) // This Sole Society satchel takes a classic shape and relaxes it with textured material and a slouchy style.  The hardware details, like the side buckles, are also a nice addition.  I have it on good authority that this makes an excellent airplane bag.