Pencil Skirt POW: Classic with a Twist Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Add a cardigan with a twist and fun shoes to your classic pencil skirt for an on-trend and chic manic Monday look!

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we look at ways to take classic pieces with on-trend aspects for an easy, stylish office look. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. Since pencil skirts start as chic, professional pieces, they are work-ready. Cardigans are a perfect match, also being classic and work–ready also. They make a really easy outfit to thrown on Mondays when you are not ready to start the week, but want to look like you are. This is such a classic combination that you can play with it and still have a professional work look. Here are a few variations on this with different cardigans and fun prints.

Tips:

  • When going with a classic outfit of a pencil skirt and cardigan, took for ways to shake it up with fun prints and modern twists
  • Mix a bold print pencil skirt with the new neutral navy cardigan for a fun, yet professional look
  • Look for cardigans with modern touches, like longer lengths and chiffon layers
  • Add distinctive shoes for a fun finishing touch
  • Add some feminine flair with ruffles, which complement the straight lines of the pencil skirt
  • A pencil skirt is a great layer under a longer cardigan, as it has the slim lines you get with skinny jeans or leggings

 

Outfit Breakdowns:

Sigourney Skirt Outfit:

  • Skirt: Sigourney Skirt from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available. See my introductory POW post for ways to get this skirt, turquoise alternatives, or other pencil skirts
  • Blouse: Medallion Reign Blouse from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available (check out the introductory POW post for ways to get this)
  • Sweater: Sweetheart Sweater, also from cabi Fall 2016, and is no longer readily available (check out the introductory POW post for ways to get this)
  • Shoes: Blue Floral Issy Pump by Ruby Shoo via Zulily (contact me to get an invitation to join!)
  • Earrings: Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016, which is no longer readily available (check out the introductory POW post for ways to get this (they are available via the same ways as the skirt, except they should already be in outlets—go to my introductory POW post for more)

Navy and Yellow Outfit:

 

Related Posts:

  1. Beyond POW: Black, White, and Comfy Manic Monday:  Take knit pieces in white and black for a strong, chic, and comfortable Manic Monday look.
  2. Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday: For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt.
  3. Manic Flannel Monday: Outfit Mission Statement: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces.

Beyond POW: Black, White, and Comfy Manic Monday

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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:

  1. Put it on backwards with the tag in front for a higher and more professional neckline 
  2. Tuck the bottom of the tunic part of the tee shirt (not the panels) into your skirt
  3. Wear the panels down each side as they naturally fall
  4. 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:

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

Bardot POW: Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating an professional, comfortable work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 of Bardot Shirt. The denim shirt in general, and the Bardot in particular, dress up very nicely for a casual work look. The embroidery on the Bardot gives it a special touch that works well for a casual Friday or Monday. Any casual button down shirt can be quickly and easily dressed a with a nice pencil skirt. The pencil skirt adds instant professionalism. And no one has to know if is the amazing, comfortable ponte knit (remember, I’ve suggested a ponte knit pencil skirt is a must).

 

Tips:

  • To make a casual skirt work appropriate wear it with a pencil skirt—make that pencil skirt ponte for added comfort and ease (for more see dressy ponte pencil and work ponte pencil)
  • For a casual work look, you don’t have to tuck your shirt in—consider tying it in a knot at your waist for something a bit different (and that emphasizes your waist)
    • Just make sure you are appropriately covered and are not showing belly or too much chest for work (think professional, not teen girl in the summer)
  • To up the professionalism, go for a single strong neutrals, like navy, for your skirt and cami
    • The navy works especially well with the Bardot because it matches the navy embroidery, creating consistency and looking more put together
    • Navy is also very in right now, so it makes you look on-trend
    • See more about wearing navy in general and to work
  • Consider a nice pop of color in your accessories, jewelry, or shoes, such as red wedges
  • Otherwise, go with simple neutral jewelry to keep it professional, or if your work environment favors casual or creative, add more color and pop with your accessories
  • Consider rolling your sleeves for a modern, getting-down-to-business look

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

I love this picture of us!

I love this picture of us!

 

Related Posts:

  1. 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.
  2. Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best posted February 28, 2016. Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories.
  3. Go-To POW: Denim on Top Saturday posted April 02, 2016. Wear your denim on top with classic black pants for a casual, fun, and modern outfit with a touch of class.

Margherita POW: Easy Professionalism Manic Monday

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Margherita POW: Easy Professionalism Manic Monday

Outfit Mission Statement: For an easy-to-throw on Monday outfit, grab your favorite sundress and then add a jacket, simple matching jewelry, and comfy shoes

 

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating an easy, flowy work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 of Margherita Dress. Sundresses are so easy to dress up or down. To make it work for a casual day at the office, simply throw a light cardigan or blazer on and you are good to go—perfect for a manic Monday. For these manic Monday outfits I try to go really simple and easy—things that require little thought for the hazy Monday morning mind and are things you can pretty much throw on and run out the door and be comfortable throughout the day. This outfit is a great example of that, while maintaining a professional feel. Dresses are about as easy as it gets. Blazers are a quick and easy way to make an outfit look more professional. Put them together—easy professionalism! If you work in a more casual setting, you can go with a cardigan instead, perhaps modifying the White Out Over Navy Saturday outfit!

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Run Around POW: Elegant Layers and Brights Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Combine a unique skirt with office classics in bright colors for a different, upbeat career look

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating an easy elegant work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. With multiple layers and lengths, this is not your typical work skirt. But that doesn’t mean it can’t work for work! Since the various layers cover as well as a slightly above the knee skirt would (at least on my height of about 5’7), you could wear this in place of a more typical pencil or A-line skirt. Since it is incredibly comfortable, it is a perfect Manic Monday skirt. Its layers and lengths, along with the drape in front, give is a distinctive elegance that you may not normally do as you rush out the door on a Monday morning, but are as easy as pie with this skirt. The drape also helps hide any indulging sins of the weekend. If you want something comfortable, elegant, and unique to throw on come some Manic Monday, this skirt is a perfect choice. Plus, with the amazing Lenzing fabric you don’t have to worry about discovering the garment you planned to wear needs to be ironed. For a really easy, comfortable, and yet professional look, combine this with other wrinkle-free fabrics that are comfortable. I also suggest bright colors, to contrast the black and had some joy to your Monday. The cardigan and top I show here are great examples of both color and comfort. You can quickly throw the three on and run out the door, knowing you look great!

Tips:

  • Combine pieces that are wrinkle-free and comfortable, but still professional, for a quick rush-out-the-door career look
  • Consider adding a distinctive, unique skirt to your work wardrobe, as long as it covers as well as your typical work skirts—favor these in skirts blacks or dark neutrals for a more professional look
  • Trying to hide the overindulgence of the weekend or some bloating? Look for pieces that drape around the problem areas, such as this skirt, hiding the problems in some Grecian style
  • If the alarm came too early and you look tired, consider brighter colors near your face to brighten you up and add some joy to your day
  • When dressing in brights and bolds, consider accessories that are neutrals (including mental neutrals like gold and silver), especially in more professional setting
  • When going with longer layers on the bottom, try short layers on top, such as a tucked in shirt and a cropped cardigan
  • If you are wearing one garment you feel is outside of what you typically wear to work (maybe on the boarder of your professional wear comfort zone), combine it with pieces that clearly professional, such as a floral top and cardigan

 

Outfit Breakdown: