The Softer Side of Work Wear?

Gerry Weber skirt

Business wear, conservative work wear, whatever you call it…

It’s not what I wear to work. I work in a rather casual environment, in a country with an extremely relaxed dress code. I can wear jeans and a t-shirt to work; I could probably wear a jogging suit to work and nobody would bat an eyelid. But I don’t, of course. I like to dress up a bit. But just a bit. Depending on the weather, of course (read: ‘if there’s a snowstorm, I’ll wear whatever keeps me warm, who cares what it looks like’).

plaid skirt

Anyway, I could wear this outfit to work (and I actually did), except for the bag (I need a much bigger bag for work). However, these pictures were taken on a Saturday, and I was on my way to a restaurant for a late lunch with hubby.

The point is, this outfit looks like something a lot of people would wear to work, even in a rather formal setting. This is certainly one of the most conservative (or ‘business like’) outfits I’ve worn on the blog…

Can you call a cashmere cardigan and a pencil skirt ‘conservative’? Well, I do.

The thing is, I don’t have a blazer. Unless we count the linen jacket I wear maybe once or twice every summer… I have short jackets, of course: a pink tweed jacket, another tweed jacket in biker style, and a stripy (biker) jacket that I wear as outerwear in summer (but would never, ever wear under a coat: that’s just too much layering for me). But the typical navy blazer that most women have in their wardrobes, I’ve never even considered buying it.

Instead, I wear  cardigans. They’re softer and much more comfortable. So, my preference for cardigans over jackets has nothing to do with what they look like (I actually like that crisp, sharp look of a blazer…) and everything to do with how they feel on my skin: soft and comfortable, and they don’t restrict my movements the way jackets do.

Gerry Weber skirt

Oh, and the skirt is new. Every autumn I get this idea that I need something in plaid. Somehow plaid means autumn / winter for me, don’t really know why…

I liked this skirt because when I saw it, I immediately thought that I could wear it with at least 3 or 4 of my cropped cashmere cardigans (yes, I have the exact same cardi in 4 colours, how sick is that?) and with several of my winter coats. I guess this means you’ll be seeing more of the skirt in the months to come…

Annoushka earrings

And I just have to include this picture showcasing the pearl earrings…

The earrings I got myself as a birthday present last summer have become sort of a signature piece: I’ve worn them almost non-stop for months. Well, that was the idea, of course: I wanted to treat myself to a piece of jewellery I would never get tired of wearing (it was a big birthday), and pearl earrings seemed like a good choice.

And, these earrings are actually quite clever in the way they can be modified, For starters, there are two pieces; a hoop and a (pearl) drop. Just keep the hoop and wear a different drop every day if you like. Now, that’s my kind of an earring… You see, I have a pretty bad nickel allergy, so I can’t wear earrings made of  anything but gold or white gold. Which of course limits my choices quite a bit. But now I can just dangle any drop from the hoop without risking an allergic reaction. So far I’ve stuck with pearl drops (which I have in two sizes now that hubby treated me to these bigger pearl drops… isn’t he the greatest?) because, well, I love pearls…

I’m wearing:

skirt: Gerry Weber / cardigan: Brora (old) / sleeveless top: KappAhl (old) / 

shoes: Clarks (old) / bag: Chanel /sunglasses: Coach

So, what do you think, do I look like I mean business?

Tiina
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PS: Have you seen the latest DILETTANTE ARTIST post? A rose by any name…

Linking up with: 

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceLauryncakes, Bridgette Style, Not Dressed As Lamb,

32 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    8 November 2015 / 8:25 pm

    Conservative or not, this is a pretty outfit. It suits you well. And these earrings! They are something to show off.

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:19 pm

      Thanks, Ally. Yes, a pencil skirt is sort of a safe choice for me, it always works. And I like the look, too. And the earrings, I just love them.

  2. Patti
    8 November 2015 / 10:24 pm

    Those earrings – they're gorgeous. And this look is soft and businesslike, and very flattering. xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:20 pm

      Thanks, Patti. I've always liked pearl drop earrings, I seem to be wearing these every day…

  3. Mica T
    8 November 2015 / 11:09 pm

    Your pencil skirt is lovely! 🙂 I always think of pencil skirts as more workwear too, but I have a lot of leeway for what I can wear to the office. I just have a hard time styling them casually, as they are such a work staple for me 🙂 I think wear whatever makes you happy though!Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:22 pm

      Thanks! As I don't work in an office, I wear a pencil skirt everywhere, and usually as part of a much more casual outfit. This almost feels a bit overdressed for work…

  4. fashionandfoodandotherstuff
    9 November 2015 / 7:24 am

    This is the kind of skirt i was looking for. I also want every fall a plaid skirt. I would wear your outfit like that , but then with high heels. Love it!www.fashionandfoodandotherstuff.com

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:24 pm

      Thanks! I love the look of heels, but unfortunately my feet (and back) are dead-set against them. Anything higher than 3 cm is out of the question.

  5. Suzanne Carillo
    9 November 2015 / 1:03 pm

    I love those earrings. I think they are the perfect match for the outfit. I also wear this style lots. Pencil skirts, bow blouse and a cardigan. Very 1950's-60's.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:27 pm

      Yes, very 50's / 60's, always a good look, and it suits my body type, too. The earrings are just brilliant. I've never really worn earrings before, because of my nickel allergy, so I really make the most of these.

  6. Darcy
    9 November 2015 / 2:49 pm

    I can wear jeans to work, too. However, I really enjoy getting dressed up on occasion!www.amemoryofus.com

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:29 pm

      I could wear jeans to work, but I seldom do. I hardly ever wear jeans… I usually wear smart casual dresses or separates, so this look is a bit more conservative for me.

  7. Petite Silver Vixen
    9 November 2015 / 4:37 pm

    Ha, ha, I don't think it's sick at all. I totally get it. In fact, I too, have 4 of the same style of cardigan (boyfriend) in different colours. Hey, if it works, it works!Love that skirt – the zip detail is fabulous. Those earrings are beautiful.http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Tiina L
      9 November 2015 / 4:54 pm

      Thanks! I wish I could say I only collect cropped cardis… But no, I also seem to have quite a few Breton tops, and I have the bad habit of buying the same pair of trousers in several colours. Well, if it fits…

  8. Connie
    10 November 2015 / 1:47 am

    I'm a cardigan girl, too! I had to laugh because I've done the multiple sweater thing myself. I love this outfit. It's timeless and so cute. Plaid skirt and a sweater. Classic.

    • Tiina L
      10 November 2015 / 3:00 pm

      Yes, buying multiples…either I'm a hoarder or just a savvy shopper. I'm going to go with a savvy shopper here, but I may be just a bit biased…

  9. Lauren {Fizz and Frosting}
    11 November 2015 / 1:06 pm

    I really love your skirt! The zipper detail is so cute!Fizz and Frosting

    • Tiina L
      11 November 2015 / 2:18 pm

      Thank you, Lauren. I always look for little details like that, I find they make the outfit a bit more interesting.

  10. Garaytreasures
    13 November 2015 / 4:00 am

    What a lovely look Tiina, I love how the cardigan and that plaid skirt bring it all together. Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"Rachel xoGaray Treasures

    • Tiina L
      13 November 2015 / 9:34 am

      Thanks, Rachel! Blue and green is my favourite colour combo, and it really works in this outfit.

  11. No Fear of Fashion
    13 November 2015 / 11:41 am

    You are a cardigan kind of woman and I am a jacket kind of woman. Fortunately it takes all kinds. I think cardigans are good with your hourshaped body. They flow better than jackets. I need jackets to pretend I have hips haha.The outfit is very classic and beautiful. I like the zip in the skirt.And your "problem" with earrings is mine too. So I also only wear gold (1 silver one) and I have hoops but I never considered to hang something from them than pearls or something gold. Also because the total weight of the earrings have to be light as my earlobs are very thin. I am reconsidering the hanging bit now. I am going to search for some fun ones.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      13 November 2015 / 2:58 pm

      Yes, I'm a cardigan girl… Mainly because a cardi is a nicer version of casual, sloppy clothes… I do wear jackets (usually short ones, or biker jackets) in summer. And the thing is, I really like the way jackets look like: so polished and streamlined. And yet it doesn't seem to go with my personality….

    • No Fear of Fashion
      19 November 2015 / 6:31 am

      Don't say that about your personality hahaha… The way you have put it now, you might conclude you are a nicer version of a casual, sloppy one LOL

    • Tiina L
      19 November 2015 / 3:13 pm

      Precisely!

  12. Dawn Lucy
    13 November 2015 / 7:28 pm

    Great fall work look! Thanks so much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday!OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      14 November 2015 / 8:41 am

      Thank you!

  13. Alice Warren
    14 November 2015 / 3:23 pm

    I love the look of blazers (and have ton of them) but do find them a bit too restrictive at work for me to be typing all day. So I do end up taking off my blazer once I get to the office. I do have a lot of cardigans, they give me a more feminine feel. I adore this outfit, your new skirt is amazing and those pearl earrings are stunning.Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      18 November 2015 / 5:57 pm

      Thanks, Alice. I've never worn a jacket to work, it would be a bit too formal. I have to look approachable, make my students feel relaxed yet at the same time keep a professional distance… A cardigan is a good compromise between formal and casual.

  14. Nicole Mölders
    14 November 2015 / 11:45 pm

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.

    • Tiina L
      18 November 2015 / 5:57 pm

      Thanks, Nicole.

  15. Carrie
    16 November 2015 / 5:25 pm

    Your plaid skirt is so pretty on you and I just adore that gold zipper detail on it on the front!Carriecurlycraftymom.com

    • Tiina L
      18 November 2015 / 5:58 pm

      Thanks, Carrie. I like zippers, but they have to be functional, too.

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