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CLASSY SASSY

fall, summer

Summer to Professional: Lace, Red(Dress Boutique), White, and Blue

August 13, 2013

Hello, lovelies!
I apologize for my absence yesterday, I needed to take some extra time to organize, clean, and play around with my new computer!  Yes folks, I am back to typing and editing on something other than a touch screen, and I am super thankful :D.

Anywho, this week is the first week back to school, which got me to thinking about how I am going to work some of my summer pieces into my professional outfits (still substitute teaching this year).  Just because fall is around the corner and it’s back to work doesn’t mean I want to put away my bright, cheery clothes just yet!

I need to preface this look by saying it is definitely a more conservative outfit than what I have grown accustomed to wearing this summer. The blazer gives the dress a polished finish, perfect for teaching high school kids not much younger than me, or attending meetings with faculty members.

Another preface I need to make, please ignore the hair, the humidity has NOT been kind to it! 🙁

 

 

If you know me by now, you know that I can’t resist adding at least a small pop of color to an ensemble….and where would I be without a little bit of sparkle??  The bright red pumps and accessories add just the right amount of trendiness to the outfit without compromising the professionalism.  Nothing says classy like red, white a blue!

 

 

I received this beautiful Everly Sweet Pea dress from Red Dress Boutique and immediately fell in love!  They were so sweet to contact me to send something for an outfit post, and this was my top choice.  Such a classic, lightweight shift dress with a lace overlay in a leaf and circle pattern; the perfect spring and summer dress!  I wore it to church on Sunday, but then I got to thinking that it could easily be worn as a dress for work.  Classic silhouette, not too tight or too short (on this 5’2 frame, at least), it is the perfect summer dress to transition into fall!  It can easily be worn with or without a blazer (or cardigan), and when it begins to cool down, colorful tights would add a nice pop of color to contrast with the cream-colored lace (and boots!!).

 

 

 

How cute is the bow detail on the back???
The other thing I love about this dress is that it can easily transition from a day at school to a night out with friends or dinner with the hubs.  This outfit is simple, clean, and polished, but I really wanted the dress to be the center of attention for it’s initial debut.  I can’t wait to play around with it in the future, maybe next time I’ll toughen it up with a leather jacket and some spiky jewelry???
The Deets:
Dress: c/o Red Dress Boutique // Blazer:  Gap  // Shoes:  Tamaris (similar)
Necklace:  Etsy (similar) // Bracelets:  J.Crew (check Poshmark) and Pink Pineapple Shop //
Clutch:  eBay

If you’re looking at your closet packed with summer dresses and wondering how to maximize your work wardrobe without breaking the bank, it is quite easy!  Choose a dress that is has a simple silhouette like a sheath, A-line, or shift dress (nothing too short or too tight), and wear a blazer or cardigan over it.  If your work environment is more business casual than business professional, you could even wear a button down blouse over the dress, making it function as a skirt.  Keep the accessories simple, trying not to add in too many colors, which could be overpowering.  If your dress is a solid, neutral color, it would be fine to allow your accessories to draw more attention (like I did with my outfit).  Add a chic pair of heels that could easily transition from day to night time, and you are good to go!  I am all about multi-functionality with my wardrobe pieces, I want to easily transition from working in the classroom to dinner out with the hubs or grabbing a cocktail with some friends in the evening with minimal effort in changing.  Let’s face it, working with kiddos all day (whether big or small) is exhausting, and sometimes I am too mentally exhausted to want to go home and pick out a whole different outfit (and I prefer to maximize my time with my hubby or friends).

I hope this gave you a little bit of inspiration when planning your work attire.  I like finding new ways to rework my summer clothes into my professional wardrobe and maximizing the wearability of a piece.  It certainly makes my wardrobe (and my wallet!) stretch a lot further!
What is your favorite summer to work transition piece?
Enjoy the rest of your week, and I look forward getting back into a more “normal” routine of blogging for you all! 😀
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Linking up with Style Elixer and Real Girl Glam today!

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by Whitley S. 
11 Comments

About Whitley S.

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Comments

  1. Jennifer Romero says: August 13, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    Love the dress! The little bow detail on the back is adorable!!
    oXo
    Jenn
    http://www.thebrandiedpair.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Laura B says: August 13, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    I love that dress! The pops of red look great with this outfit!

    Reply
  3. dani krum (love me, dani marie) says: August 13, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    Love the texture of that dress! Also love the pops of red! You look so pretty!
    XO
    Love Me, Dani Marie

    Reply
  4. Susan Jeffries says: August 13, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    I love the bow detail on this dress! And I think it will look great with a leather jacket! Be sure to post! Susan

    Reply
  5. Abigail says: August 14, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Gorgeous dress! Love it with or without the blazer! And that's some feisty shoes, too.

    If you have a sec, hope you can drop by my blog too and read my latest: http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com

    Reply
  6. Lauren @ Style Elixir says: August 15, 2013 at 12:02 am

    Great outfit! You are gorgeous.

    Thanks for linking up with Style Sessions!

    Lauren xx
    http://www.stylelixir.com

    Reply
  7. Lauren @ Style Elixir says: August 15, 2013 at 12:02 am

    Great outfit! You are gorgeous.

    Thanks for linking up with Style Sessions!

    Lauren xx
    http://www.stylelixir.com

    Reply
  8. Elvis says: October 19, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Its cute and different style… best party style of this year… very nice fitted shirt and beautiful red and white color combination… thanks for the great stuff….http://www.apparelnbags.com/nike-golf/244620-dri-fit-textured-polo.htm

    Reply
  9. Elvis says: October 19, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Its cute and different style… best party style of this year… very nice fitted shirt and beautiful red and white color combination… thanks for the great stuff….http://www.apparelnbags.com/nike-golf/244620-dri-fit-textured-polo.htm

    Reply
  10. Elvis says: October 19, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Its cute and different style… best party style of this year… very nice fitted shirt and beautiful red and white color combination… thanks for the great stuff….http://www.apparelnbags.com/nike-golf/244620-dri-fit-textured-polo.htm

    Reply
  11. FoodDoz says: November 12, 2022 at 9:29 pm

    Thanks for the post. http://www.fooddoz.com

    Reply

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