A Bold, Black and White Work Look

Early-September is the worst time to dress for the office.  It’s time to buy fall clothing, but it’s usually too hot to wear it.  Or even think about wearing it.  So what is a girl to do?  Go Black and White.

Ted Baker Acetate Sunglasses ($59) // Dion Lee Crepe Blazer ($315) // Isabel Marant Belt ($120) // Tory Burch Vanner Pant ($258) // Franco Sarto Imogen Shoe ($50) // Freida Rothman Tiny Studs ($50) // Paige Washed Silk Tank ($90) // Urban Originals Satchel ($88)

Blazer. This outfit from @yasmin_dxb is pretty fantastic.  Her gorgeous jacket is Dior, so tragically, this outfit is not an exact replica.  But this Dion Lee blazer has the sleek look you need to copy it.

Another option would be this inverted notch blazer from Banana Republic.  This DKNY open front blazer with a slight waterfall lapel is also a nice look.  Plus-size? This Dorothy Perkins blazer will look lovely belted.

When choosing a blazer to be belted, stick with a one-button style.  Multiple buttons ruins the look.  You should also look for something with a lean fit that hits a bit lower than high hip.

Belt. To make up for the more staid blazer, I wanted to choose a belt with some drama.  This loop belt from Isabel Marant is a real stunner.  This Balmain belt is a splurge, but so fab.  For something under-$50, this wide Mango belt is clean and elegant, and this WHBM belt doesn’t have a buckle to keep things really simple.

If you want to belt your blazer, you need to size up your belt.  I have one black belt in my closet that is just for belting coats and jackets.  It’s two sizes bigger than I need, and I cinch it down to be 1.5x bigger.  This keeps the jacket from wrinkling, and makes everything smooth and sleek.

Pants. Being the end of the season, white pant choices were slim.  These TB pants are lovely, but a little skinnier than I like.  The inspiration image has a crop, skinny pant, but that’s not really for me.

These cotton Anne Klein pants have more of a flare shaped opening.  If you’ll get a lot of wear out of white pants, these Black Halo pants are the pair you need.

If you are one of the women who occasionally pops up in the comments to tell me how you will never in one-million years be able to wear white pants and keep them clean, skip them.  Instead, go for these cobalt Ann Taylor pants or these blush, high-waist Alice + Olivia pants.

Shoes. These wouldn’t be my first choice, but I see why she chose them.  The toe-cap pumps bring a little bit of lightness to the outfit.  These Franco Sarto’s are a nice alternative to the Chanel pumps that were so popular last year.

Personally, I would just wear a sleek, black, pointed-toe flat.  These Paul Andrew slingbacks are sublime.  For something more affordable, try these Sam Edelman d’Orsay flats.

Top. Obviously, you have to wear something under the jacket.  For work, I like a wider-strap tank or shell.  The reason is simple: if I take off my jacket, I don’t want my bra straps out.

This Outnet shell is about as tank-like as I would go.  For a shell, this J.Crew 365 shell an this cute LOFT shell with lace detail are both good options.

Accessories.  As for the other accessories, they’re simple enough.  I like the look of these sunglasses, but I’m really into the price.  If you want designer sunglasses for less, try a gently used pair from The Real Real, a designer consignment spot.

I wanted a simple, small earring and these itty-bitty Freida Rothman clovers were it.  They’re so tiny, I adore them.  Another option are these freshwater pearl earrings in a full-crown bezel-like setting.

The bag has been on the blog before.  It comes in some fabulous colors.  Check out my previous post about its glories.

{this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission for the author; image here}