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Conservative Office Style   |  September 27, 2018

Effortless Desk-To-Drinks Style

Workwear pieces that understand you have a job to do—and dinner plans afterward.

Somewhere along the line, professional clothing got a bad rep. I think it has something to do with cheap grey pant suits and ill-pleated trousers, I don’t know.  That remove-hair-clip-shake-head move at the end of the day suggests that we’ve spent the entire workday in discomfort, and I’m not into it.

The idea that workwear can’t have fun is a tired one.  It’s also doing the classic #officestyle aesthetic a disservice, and you know my love for this particular genre.  I’m here to tell you that it is possible to love living in your workwear so much that you’ll even take it out for drinks.  I’m willing to prove it, with this head-to-toe Ann Taylor look that illustrates the point.  And is also way comfy, FYI.

 

ANN TAYLOR

Square Neck Ponte Sheath Dress

ANN TAYLOR

Checked Belted Jacket

 

 

Stylish and versatile, Ann Taylor’s approach to workwear understands that you have a job to do—and dinner plans afterward.  It’s almost too easy to adjust the brand’s classic pieces into something polished and pinot noir-ready in an instant.  Think simple, polished layers and accessories that go with essentially everything.  Honestly, can you remove a blazer?  If you can, you can master day-to-night.

 

ANN TAYLOR

Frannie Suede Bow Pumps

ANN TAYLOR

Textured Chain Link Necklace

ann-taylor-classic-work-wear-professional-attire-black-short-sleeve-ponte-sheath-dress8
ann-taylor-classic-work-wear-professional-attire-black-short-sleeve-ponte-sheath-dress9

In this look, I’ve opted for a square-neck ponte sheath dress (seriously feeling the square neck this season) topped with a checked belted jacket that’s a whole thinkpiece in versatility on its own.  I’m seeing it over jeans for brunch, but do you.  Add to that a bow-toe suede pump (I’ll take one in each color, thanks) and a couple classic pieces of pearl accent jewelry, and you’re polished enough for work but not so professional that your friends feel like you’re selling them life insurance at cocktails.  Fun fact, Ann Taylor offers petite, regular, and tall sizing (I’m wearing tall) so add that to the list of reasons to love.

 

ANN TAYLOR

Pearlized Double Layer Necklace

ANN TAYLOR

Pearlized Drop Earrings

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  • 12 Comments

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12 thoughts on “Effortless Desk-To-Drinks Style”

  1. Joanna
    September 27, 2018 at 11:12 AM

    It’s a great workwear outfit. Very professional but not staid. I’m 5’8” and wondering how tall you are so I know where the dress will hit?

    Reply
    1. Mary Orton
      September 27, 2018 at 11:14 AM

      I’m 5’10” and feel like the tall size would probably work great on you!

      Reply
  2. supal // @chevronseclairs
    September 27, 2018 at 11:39 AM

    I am LOVING your accessories game here…

    chevrons & éclairs

    Reply
  3. Ewa Macherowska
    September 27, 2018 at 12:48 PM

    You look so chic! x

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    Reply
  4. Josephina
    September 27, 2018 at 2:10 PM

    Very nice jacket…

    https://www.shortcurlyhaircuts.net/simple-and-fast-hairs/

    Reply
  5. Julie
    September 27, 2018 at 2:47 PM

    Great look from head to toe. Who makes the black satchel you are carrying?

    Reply
  6. Merritt Beck
    September 27, 2018 at 5:40 PM

    Your pictures are gorgeous Mary! Loving how simple and effortless you make it look!
    xx, Merritt
    The Style Scribe

    Reply
  7. Kathy
    September 27, 2018 at 7:37 PM

    Great look. Presentations like this is why I started following you years ago. You can’t go wrong with Anne Klein.

    Reply
  8. Simplement Lui
    September 28, 2018 at 3:01 AM

    Beautiful, chic, classy, elegant … I have to use the same words for all your outfits but they are so great!

    Happy Friday xx

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/09/19/ai-ai-ai-caramba/

    Reply
  9. ELLE
    September 28, 2018 at 5:50 AM

    amazing advice and so helpful, this is such an great look and certainly hits that balance of sophisticated for work but still empowering for a night out after

    ETERNALLY ELLE | INSTAGRAM

    Reply
  10. BeingIsabella
    September 28, 2018 at 11:53 AM

    Now this outfit is spot on, and it kind of reminds me of a look from the 80’s .. and I mean that in all the best way! I was looking at a Vogue magazine from the 80’s back in July and your outfit very much reminds me of what I saw. I too used to be so against work clothing because I thought it consisted solely of over-sized blazers and as you said, pleated and creased trousers. However, with some more fitted pieces with a few fun colours put into the mix, you’ve got yourself a fabulous outfit!

    http://www.beingisabella.com

    Reply
  11. Linda
    October 12, 2018 at 6:42 AM

    Love this look! Wow! ????????

    xxx, Linda
    http://bestwalletreview.com

    Reply

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