Beyond POW: Black, White, and Comfy Manic Monday
/Outfit Mission Statement: Take knit pieces in white and black for a strong, chic, and comfortable Manic Monday look
Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating a fun, high-contrast, but still comfortable work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the Beyond Tee from cabi Fall 2016. In this look, I take advantage of the long panels to create modern, open jacket look. The outfit is also very comfortable, with a knit pencil skirt and tee shirt—it may be more comfortable than your pjs! Together with the mixed prints, this is a chic, yet comfortable look to rock some manic Mondays. The high contrast of white and black gives it a dressier and more sophisticated air, meaning you could be both more comfortable and dressier than your coworkers—always a great combo. I am wearing the Beyond Tee backwards here, for a higher neckline that looks more professional with the sleeveless style. If you add a layer, you could wear it either way.
If your autumn has been as warm as mine, you are looking for new ways to style cool work outfits, so you do not overheat. But, if you are having crisp fall days, consider adding a cardigan, cropped jacket, long sleeved top, or turtleneck with this outfit to keep your arms warm.
Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Long Vest
To rock the “Long Vest” technique:
- Put it on backwards with the tag in front for a higher and more professional neckline
- Tuck the bottom of the tunic part of the tee shirt (not the panels) into your skirt
- Wear the panels down each side as they naturally fall
- Add a thin print belt at your natural waist for curves
Tips:
- When going sleeveless in the office, go with a higher neckline to add coverage and a more professional air
- Don’t forget to follow the rules of mixing prints--in this case the prints works because the prints are different sizes and the same colors, plus animal prints can often be considered a neutral (when in their natural colors)
- To add curves, wear a bold skinny belt at your natural waist
- When wearing something that could be seen as casual, stick to black or black and white for a more professional feel
- A low soft ponytail is an easy, yet professional, manic Monday hairstyle
- Remember, when mixing white, they do not have to be the same shades of white
- Play up the pattern mixing by wearing shoes with some type of a pattern, even straps
Outfit Breakdown:
- Top: Beyond Tee from cabi Fall 2016
- Skirt: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C from Stitch Fix
- Belt: Zebra Belt from cabi Fall 2016
- Necklace: White Stone Sutton Necklace from Stella & Dot and is not available—the Nomad Statement Necklace, Zuni Layering Necklace, Arc Pendant Necklace, Brynn Lariat Necklace, and the Sutton Necklace are all Stella & Dot necklaces with white you could wear instead
- Shoes: Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage at DSW
- Earrings: Gold dangle earrings from Fab’rik. I don’t see them online. Consider Frill it up from JustFab, or the Bowie Metal Bar Earrings or Mitch Geometric Set from Cents of Style.
If you would like the Beyond Tee, contact your cabi stylist. If you do not have one, please contact me in the comments or via email, reach out to my (Joni Allen via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), or find a cabi stylist near you.
Related Posts:
- Bardot POW: Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday Posted June 06, 2016: For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt
- Plaid POW: Manic Flannel Monday Posted February 22, 2016: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces
- Michelle POW: Manic Peasant in Ponte Monday Posted March 07, 2016: For a casual, yet professional, office look, consider ponte and a peasant blouse with your cardigan