Plaid POW: Working It Flannel Wednesday
/Outfit Mission Statement: Even flannel can work in a formal office when combined with very professional pieces
Working it Wednesday outfits are professional career clothes, often a step or two above Manic Monday outfits. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This was a fun outfit to put together. I wasn’t sure if I could make flannel appropriate for a more formal office, and, look, I can and pretty easily. This outfits takes the tips from the Manic Flannel Monday post, where I discus show to do a more casual flannel work outfit, and applies them with even greater professionalism. So to incorporate professional clothing, make sure it is very professional. And nothing is more professional than a black or dark suit. Add a black suit jacket and black pencil skirt and you have an outfit that should work in the tenue de ville (or international business attire/informal [which is actually two steps up form business casusal]) office setting. Keep it going with a more formal hair style, such as a bun, and simple jewelry. Go with simple heels to look professional from head to toe. You can heighten the professionalism even further by wearing a long sleeves black jacket, which I discovered I no longer have. Now, don’t you want to rock some flannel in the workplace?
Tips:
- Even the most casual of shirt (such as flannel) can work for more formal work environments if combined with a dark suit
- Keep accessories simple and fairly small
- If you have longer hair, wear it up in a bun, French twist, or other more formal hair style
- It is okay to go with trendier items as long as the pieces are not loud—like this three-quarter sleeve longer collarless jacket
- Keep the shoes simple to and match them to the color for the suit for added professionalism
Outfit Breakdown:
- Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan
- Skirt: This is a black ponte knit pencil skirt from a previous season of cabi (fall 2013 or earlier, I think). There are several available, such as this one from Ann Taylor and a less expensive one by Merona at Target. If you want something in Navy, consider the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection.
- Jacket: This is the Turner Jacket from cabi Fall 2015 and currently not available. Consider this Ponte One Button Jacket at Ann Taylor or the Textured Club Jack also at Ann Taylor. Or, go with something navy, such as the Lido Jacket from cabi Spring 2016.
- Necklace: Aurora Necklace in gold by Stella & Dot.
- Earrings: Aurora Stud Pack (the Aurora ones) in gold by Stella & Dot.
- Bracelet: Ivie Bangle by Stella & Dot purchased in 2014. Consider instead the Eden Bangle, Cage Cuff, or the Artisan Marquis Cuff all by by Stella & Dot.
- Shoes: Sorry, yes, another unavailable item. These are from Target last year, I think. But, Target has some good substitutes:
- Orianna pumps: For the ankle strap look, from Sam & Libby, in faux lizard.
- Ankle Strap Stiletto Pumps: For something on the sexy side, from the Journee Collection.
- I also love the Role of Fate Mary Jane: This a mix of geometric and feminine with a new take of this classic design, from Aerosoles.
Want to work a Spring version of this outfit? Consider this outfit that applies the same rules from the cabi Spring 2016 collection, but uses a denim shirt instead of flannel: Lido Jacket, Bardot Shirt, and the Lido Skirt. Accessorize with the Aurora Necklace, Aurora Stud Pack and the Artisan Marquis Cuff by Stella & Dot. Then, slip your feet into the Good Lux heels by Aerosoles for the finishing touch.
