Pretty Pleated Sleeves

Ditching the solids for details. Sure, a classic blue striped dress shirt and navy trousers is very sharp and complimentary BUT adding a fun pleated cuff and a subtle windowpane pattern = style!

Let's start with the dress shirt shall we. It's all about the sleeves.  And let me just tell you, it has been and will be, all about the sleeves for style trends this year.  Off the shoulder, bow tie cuffs, cold shoulder, bell/flair cuffs .... Sleeves are the 'It' detail.  Pleats are as classic as the stripes on this dress shirt and replacing the standard barrel cuff adds a fun feminine detail.
I was a bit nervous that they would be too long and aggravating when trying to work on the computer but to my surprise they fold back and don't infringe.

Windowpane is a favorite of mine when talking prints for suiting.  It's clean, graphic and more subtle and simple than a plaid or check pattern.  In fact, you should treat it as a solid as I did for this look. Technically both pieces have a print, but because the windowpane on the pant is so subtle they compliment each other while adding interest.

Both of these pieces should come into your wardrobe after the 'non' detailed pieces.  Once you have your staples that when you start adding embellishments and prints.

And of course you should have fun and mix them together :)

Pleated Cuff Dress Shirt || Windowpane Trousers || Pumps || Handbag || 

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Sleeves

XOXO Sarah Louise

Long Vest

Long layers aren't just for your hair style.  Adding long layers to your wardrobe is not only modern and chic it's quite functional and flattering.  I find that longer skimming pieces elongate the body, creating a lean silhouette.  While the sleeveless aspect allows for movement and ease of layering over  an array of garments.

Think of this long vest as a blazer when it comes to styling.  It has the sharpness of suiting but easily paired with jeans and tees for a casual look.

I kept this outfit neutral with a nude camisole and black trousers.

Long Vest & Similar & Here & Here || Black Trousers & Similar & Here ||  

Camisole || Bangle || Heels & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Long Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Double Breasted

Stealing from the men isn't a crime it's stylishly sharp!  Menswear is known for it's crisp tailored and sophisticated designs. So why not add some power to your wardrobe with modern suiting.  The trick is to create femininity by highlight curves in the construction.

I have plenty of wool blazers, trousers and sheath dresses in my suiting wardrobe.  This vest adds interest to my inventory.  Something unexpected but equally as timeless.  The clean lines of the windowpane pattern in the wool fabric is simplistic yet makes a bold statement.  The double breasted buttons creates structure and a defined waist.

I paired this navy vest with grey trousers to draw out the window pane lines.  For a touch of fun I went with a bright blue pump.  Layer a dress shirt underneath come Fall or wear open with a fitted long sleeve tee, a pair of jeans and booties/flats for a casual look.

Double Breasted Vest & Similar & Here || Grey Trousers || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Suit Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Well Suited

You're always sure to look sharp in a suit but what I've noticed is that the suit has diminished in the work place. Business casual is the 'new' standard for work place dress code. While it's so nice to mix and match bringing more color, prints and designs to the office there's something empowering about tailored wool and crisp dress shirts.

But a suit doesn't have to be boring, and no gal wants to look masculine either.  For this look I went lighter with a soft grey and bright white dress shirt.  Rather than the typical matching jacket I opted for shell vest.  My favorite element is that this blouse comes with a detachable neck tie that's adds the right touch of femininity tied in a bow.  But you can always keep it classic and skip the sash,

These 3 pieces are timeless foundation garments.  You can wear theses grey trousers with blouses and sweaters of all colors and patterns.  The shell can be worn alone, over blouses or under jackets and cardigans.  And it's not just for trousers or pencil skirts, it's super chic with jeans.  This crisp dress shirt literally goes with everything! These are the garments that are the building blocks for a classic wardrobe.

Bow Blouse || Shell || Trousers || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Suiting

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles

There's nothing more classic than the contrast of a black and white ensemble.  It's crisp, clean and sharp.  When you're needing that extra umph to tackle the day ahead, a good power outfit can give you that little push to get you on your feet and energized to take on the day.

I'm all about bringing femininity to work wear.  I feel that women are under the impression they have to be plain, simple and dress like the menfolk to look professional.  You can't escape the fundamentals of a tailored jacket, and trousers but you can differentiate with sheath dresses, pencil skirts and blouses with detail.  Don't worry I'm not abandoning my dress shirts but I feel extra pretty in ladylike pieces.  This ruffle blouse does just that.  It's not too fussy and in a solid doesn't distract so it's quite perfect for a dress shirt substitute.  It's also great paired with jeans or even shorts for a casual chic look.

Swap out your dress shirt for a ruffle blouse and I guarantee you won't loose any sophistication but may actually gain some pretty awesome confidence!

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Grey Trousers: Banana Republic || Blazer: J Crew ||

Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: Similar & Here || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles

This look incorporates the essentials color, femininity, and sophistication.

There is no need for us women in the corporate world to dress like a man to look professional.  Sure I love a crisp dress shirt and blazer but I feel just as confident and more ladylike in a blouse and some color.

The ruffles on this blouse were irresistible.  They add interest and movement in a soft delicate way.  Ruffles can be tricky, you often see them on little girl's garments and when it comes to women's wear sometimes designers go overboard.  Ruffles should add a feminine touch and detail, not distract. Keep them small and understated around the neckline, cuffs or hems.
I paired this blouse with jeans and a blazer a couple weekends ago for a casual look.
Tip: Since this blouse is ivory not white layer an ivory or nude camisole underneath. It's more subtle.

I often pair ivory with taupe as it's super soft and low contrast, a perfect canvas for a pop of color.
Emerald is my go-to and a red head's best friend. It's rich and makes our locks shine. If I had to pick a color to wear that wasn't white/ivory it would always be emerald green.  It's not the most common color to find on the racks so when I do and it's a nice piece, I bring it home to my closet :)

Note: I just painted my formal dining room emerald green this past weekend ... sharing soon! 

Add a feminine touch with ruffles and color.

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Taupe Suit Skirt: Similar -Here & Here ||

Pumps: Nine West || Emerald Topper: Similar and Here || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red Hot

In red again.  It's just so fitting this time of year.  I love the look of a sharp red suit, but let's not go stepping on Santa's toes.  Split the pieces up.  I've shown you how to transition a red blazer into the weekend here and how to pair red with unexpected colors here.

Today, it's all about the flaming red pants.  Like I shared in Monday's post, let the bright red shine and be the focus. So I kept my pairings simple but by no means boring!

I couldn't wait to style this crop jacket this season. It's a favorite!  Glen plaid is a classic print and almost always done in the timeless black and ivory wool weave.  Houndstooth is my most favorite print - did ya'll know that?  It's been too long since I've styled houdstooth. Glen plaid is in the houndstooth family, it takes the print into a check/plaid pattern and varies the size of the checks.
This jacket reminds me of something Jackie O would wear and gals, you can't go wrong with the classics! Invest, they will last forever.
And just because they are polished pieces doesn't mean you're stuck wearing them in the office or church.  I top off a blouse, sweater or even denim shirt with this jacket along with my jeans and boots for the weekend.

Even though I added contrasting light and dark neutrals, by also having print in the jacket and pleats in the blouse the look has more interest and texture.  Color blocking is strong and showcases the color pairings, by adding subtle prints and textures your look is softer and the pieces are more complimentary to each other.

So in styling red pants, the sky is the limit. I chose glen plaid. Top them with a plaid button down, denim, or a sweater for a casual look.  Or, opt for a silk, lace or embellished top for a night out. Paired with neutrals or other bright colors, red is going to shine bright in your look.

Don't be intimidates by red pants, they're hot! And with your head held high, strut with confidence knowing you are and look fabulous!

My pieces are from several seasons ago - here are their current versions or similar 

Red Pants: Ann Taylor, Similar and Here || Glen Plaid Jacket: Brooks Brothers, Similar Here and Here || Ivory Shell: Trina Turk Similar and Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Prada Similar and Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade ||

Dress Beautifully in Red Hot Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise