“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude”. Iris Apfel
As we start mourning the last days of summer, now is the time to get ahead and start investing in some key pieces that will work hard in your A/W wardrobe.
Once upon a time our “office wardrobe” and “normal clothes” most likely occupied two separate poles in our closets, but thankfully the work/life (style) balance has got undeniably better. Our so-comfy weekend culottes are now work-appropriate and we actually love wearing smart jackets outside of the office.
I’m sure that occasionally we all have those days where nothing fits quite right. Trying to find something that will carry us through from 9-to-5 in a comfortable and stylish way seems to be at times a Sisyphean work.
On days like these, I can’t begin to tell you just how lucky I am to have a number of Closet London classic, reliable and fail-safe dresses in my wardrobe. They’re not only comfortable but all they need to complete that irresistibly classy look are a great pair of shoes, an on-trend bag and a sleek coat/jacket (for colder days).
I’m especially smitten with their latest enchanting collection Dark Romance! I’ve truly fallen down the rabbit hole with the collection’s moody hues, and I have absolutely no intention of clambering my way out anytime soon!
We’re officially in a new era of workwear, and it’s looking damn chic with Closet London. You can finally stop wondering what to wear to work to look as stylish as you do outside the office.
Scroll down to read through some of the tricks and tips for your next pencil dress.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
This silhouette is not only a great choice for an office but it’s also incredibly flattering if you’re heading out somewhere and you’re trying to impress someone! Named after the pencil shape (obviously!), a pencil dress is typically nipped in at the waist, with a hem that hits elegantly below the knee and has no frills or flounce. You can spice things up a bit by opting for a plunging neckline or keep it a bit more formal with a turtleneck.
LAYERING TRICKS
There are some pretty adventurous layering ideas going on in the upper echelons of the fashion industry right now.
Pencil dresses look insanely elegant with added layers, from a new way to fasten your old scarf and a trench coat together, to a woollen coat thrown casually over your shoulders.
DAY TO NIGHT VERSITALITY
Whether you’re meeting up with your other half or grabbing a glass of wine with your girlfriends, it can be tough to find pieces you feel comfortable in at your desk and at a bar. But taking your look from day to night with a pencil dress like these two beauties from Closet London can take as very little planning as simply swapping a pair of court shoes for some swanky stilettos!
Pencil dresses have had a great makeover this season and they are no longer just corporate items saved for the city set.
The new wave of pencil dresses come in more adventurous prints and striking colours, loosened up by adding in slits, bows, buttons and using flowing, softer fabrics.
SEASON TRANSITIONAL
The midi is also a great transitional piece to add to your wardrobe, that will see you through the last of the summer and into the autumn and winter months. The new halfway between the knee and ankle length makes it a great pick for the transitional season.
You can wear it now with sandals and when the cold weather hits, just add a coat, tights and your favourite boots and voila!
TRENDY DETAILS
Never underestimate the power of a trendy new detail like a belt or flare sleeves to give a fresh new look to your outfit.
The dress I’m wearing from Closet London looks so classy and simple, but look closer at the super chic two-colour block, flare sleeves and added belt! Easy to wear and looks right in style!
THE POWER PUFF
Puff sleeves have been growing in strength and size from one season to another, and for A/W19, the balloon sleeve is far from burst. In fact it’s been blown a little bigger, and very much extended up to the shoulders.
ACCESSORIZE
I’ve must have mentioned once or twice … why accessories are important to your style and how much more vibrant, interesting and youthful an outfit can look with the addition of accessories.
Accessories make an outfit. Nothing really adds that perfect finishing touch quite like the right pair of shoes or a statement bag. What makes it so special is the fact that subtle accents are a timeless classic which never truly go out of style, and look equally relevant from year to year.
- Think:
- Layering your necklaces to add extra interest to your outfit.
- Make a statement with your bracelets and add that extra dimension to your look.
- Buy a great handbag, it really can be an investment.
- Put your foot down with a pair of minimalist court shoes for the office appearance, and swap these for a pair of maximalist shoes for the evening with your girls – I’m talking feathers, crystals and dramatic silhouettes.
What is your favourite transitional piece and why? Have you tried dresses from Closet London? Let me know in the comments below.
Tweet
These dresses are all so beautiful Your style is impeccable xoxo Cris
https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2019/09/stepping-back-in-time-with-kate-kasin.html
You are so right, on that days this brand is reliable! Love the dresses you show here. Very beautiful and they look as if they made especially for you <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
These are some gorgeous dresses. Suits you beautifully!
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Such gorgeous dresses! They really suit you. Have a great week.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
You are rocking these dresses babe 🙂 xx
Looking lovely in both dresses dear. Love them both, so elegant.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
You look so chic in all of those dresses!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
These are beautiful dresses! So timeless!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Pretty nice collection of elegant dresses and awesome photography too.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Those are such gorgeous dresses & those brooch accessories compliment them so well. Stunning!
Nadia xo
http://www.mielandmint.com
You always look so classy and stylish! Love all of these outfits, perfect for autumn!
jointyicroissanty
I love how elegant these styles are and they are timeless too. The green dress is my favourite as I’m so into these type of sleeves right now. It looks great with the coat too.
xo Yvonne
https://www.aproposh.com
These dresses look perfect for fall! The colors are beautiful and love the fit of both as well.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
All these outfits look amazing. You are so sophisticated and stylish. You are right, I’ve been noticing a lot of puff sleeves lately, I’m going to have to incorporate this into my fall and winter wardrobe 🙂
https://www.chicnpink.com
I love how you paired the dark skirt with the emerald top! So gorgeous and perfect for fall!
Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/
You look amazing in all of these dresses!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated