What I Wore: Shirt (Old Navy), Pants (Old Navy), Belt (Similar Here), Bracelet (Popbasic; Similar Here), Necklace (Popbasic; Similar Here), Shoes (Old Navy)
Printed pants were one of those things I'd seen on other bloggers and adored, but could never find a pair that looked good in real life - till my mother imparted some great advice. She was wary of them too, but when Stitchfix sent her some (she seriously has the BEST luck with Stitchfix and makes me want to try them again.), she decided there was nothing to lose by trying them on. Turns out the prints look quite different on than lying flat and folded. So it it was with me too.
I found these on sale at Old Navy (you'd think based on how much of wardrobe is from Old Navy that I'm there ALL the time. I really only go in a few times a year.) I've been rather desperate for more work appropriate pants, actually. With elementary kids, one minute teachers might be kneeling, then jumping, then getting-the-wiggles-out-dancing and we're doing all of this on the floor, in tiny chairs, up and all about the room. Basically, you have to be able to move, but still look professional. It's funny- my style journey really began once I shifted into the work world and realized owning mostly jeans and t-shirts was both boring and less-than-useful. So,the style I present here on NFD and what I'm wearing in my work place are often quite similar (I've definitely presented other outfits I've worn to work before, such as here, here and here). But that work style is definitely always evolving as I try to find that "me" in the balance of being professional.
That said, this is definitely one of my new favorite work outfits. It seems like there's a shift in how I'm dressing for a more sleek look, like I "live in Paris" as one co-worker said. I find myself gravitating towards more neutral colors and statement jewelry (like this necklace and bracelet set which were part of Popbasic's latest collection).
Some of my readers are still in school while others work from home or are a stay-at-home caregivers, but for those of you who have a work environment with a dress code, how do you find the balance between professionalism and your own sartorial voice?
I've been wanting to try patterned pants, but I haven't dared yet. Love these, and love how you styled them - professional and fun.
Reply DeleteHope you do try them; I'd love to see them on you.
DeleteI love those trousers. I feel I'm with you and I've been choosing more simple neutral looks recently but I like how you've still got your own flair in this one.
Reply DeleteIn my own work we have a uniform of sports wear so I don't really get a chance to put a work outfit together.
p.s. I think I've only just noticed your hair and it is super cute!
Kate xx
Thanks!
Delete"Like you live in Paris" <--- best compliment, ever. I'd be glowing if someone said that to me, haha! And isn't it interesting how a piece can look *completely* different on than just on the shelf? It kind of drives me batty because who knows how many pieces I've passed up because they didn't quite catch my eye from the hangers. These pants look WONDERFUL on you, and I love the busy pattern that still manages to look sleek and professional.
Reply DeleteAlso, that picture of you with your hands on your knees is all kinds of adorable.
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
I always aim to feel like I'm living in Paris... well, as Paris as one can get in Wyoming.
DeleteYou are so nice; thank you!
great look for work. My work uniform is usually colored denim, like black and grey....I can get away with those looking enough like pants. I usually pair with boots or sandals and tees, tanks, and cardigans. lots of grey, white, black, neutral and functional and comfortable, but still professional enough. the pop basic jewelry is very nice.
Reply DeleteColored jeans sound fun. We asked but the answer was a bit murky about wether colored jeans were okay or not...
DeleteI can totally see where the Parisian comment came from! I love the print on these! I haven't found I pair I love yet, but I always like the printed pants on others. The office I work at is oddly very loose on just the design department versus everyone else so pretty much everything you see on the blog are things I'm able to wear to work. I was always worried about having to be in a professional environment because that is not my specialty :)
Reply DeleteFirst, love the outfit. I too was a bit unsure about printed pants at first but then had a similar experience to yours. I'm still sticking to small prints though.
Reply DeleteI have personally found it easy to accommodate my outfit choices into my office work. But I think this is because new Zealand is quite relaxed even in contexts that are quite formal so we feel more free to express ourselves. Also, because I'm not from here and I know people know that, I somehow feel that liberates me to experiment.
Very cute look! Love the pants!
Reply DeleteLove the pants! Alex
Reply Deletetobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com
These pants are to die for! They look amazing on you. And what a perfect, stylish work outfit!
Reply Deletewww.room-334.blogspot.com
I love printed pants! They are so great for work. Glad you found a pair you liked. They look great on you. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
Reply Deletexo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
These really do look fab with your wonderful long legs.
Reply Deletebisous
Suzanne
I think I have two pairs of these same pants, love 'em! They actually fit me and have that "cropped" look, which is nearly impossible for my short legs to find! This outfit is great, so classy, but I would love to see it with some pops of color as well!
Reply Delete♥ perfectly Priya
Oh- the pops of color is such a good idea!
DeleteI want to wear patterned pants so badly! I tried with florals and failed miserably. Maybe I'll start with a similar pattern to what you've got here. I love it! <3
Reply Delete- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
I know really need to see your sartorial genius take on printed pants!
DeleteThis is the coolest work outfit in the history of work outfits. Go you for wearing patterned pants--you work them so well! *bahahaha work pun bahahaha*
Reply DeleteAnd I adore that key necklace, too.
You're pun makes me smile so much :D
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