Wearing patterns to work may be a little intimidating. You are supposed to be conservative, presentable, and you want to be taken seriously at the office. But those plain, solid suits get a little boring day after day, right?
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If you have followed me for very long at all, then you know that I’m not afraid to take print or patterns to work. (If you are new here, a big welcome!) Wearing neutrals and solids over and over gets super boring to me. Yet, I know I have to keep some limits on how far to go with patterns.
It’s actually very easy to wear patterns to work. A bold polka dot (or a small polka dot) is perfectly acceptable for the office. The magic key is in the cut of the piece, not so much the pattern. This polka dot shirt works for the office because it has a collar. The pattern has been subdued a little by the solid sweater, but still shines in the collar and by cuffing the sleeves over the sweater.
Related: 9 to 5 Style: Polka dot office attire
Related: Polka Dot Top Winter to Spring
A little more pattern is added to this outfit with leopard print booties. Depending on the climate and cut of your pants, you can wear also wear leopard pumps or leopard loafers or flats.
Related: 9 to 5 Style: Pattern Mixing
Blazer- Thrifted option option
top- JCrew Factory option option
necklace- Banana Republic/old option
earrings- old option
ankle boots- Circus by Sam Edelman option option
While the polka dots and leopard could easily be worn with a navy suit or navy pants, wearing colored pants creates a striking contrast. A little color doesn’t hurt to bring some much needed cheer to winter work outfits.
Related: Balancing color in your work attire
Now go find those patterns hiding in your closet, throw your caution to the wind, and go forward into this work week in a stunning outfit of patterns and color. (and pin this outfit for reference.)
Just for fun-
I’m playing along with The Blended Blog- TBB Asks. The theme is keep me entertained.
Books I’ve read multiple times- If you caught Friday’s post, then you already know I’m trying to read more this year as I’ve gotten far, far away from reading. Right now I can’t think of any that I’ve read over and over. Sad. I’m looking forward to everyone’s answers so I can add to my list.
Favorite book/author of all time- John Grisham. Back when I did read, it was usually a John Grisham book.
Favorite TV show to binge- If you subscribe to my newsletter, then you learned this weekend that I don’t watch much TV. We do watch The Walking Dead and binged the first few seasons to catch up when we first started. We also watched Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad in somewhat of a binge.
Favorite new-ish TV show- If you are a newsletter subscriber, you know the answer to this one too. I just started watching Tidying up with Marie Kondo. (Maybe you should subscribe to my newsletter so you can learn these little inside tidbits? along with style tips and other exclusive content)
Movie you are looking forward to watching- We had intended to see the new Grinch during the holidays but didn’t. I still want to see it.
First concert you attended- Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. I must have been about 13 and my friend’s mom took us to see it. After that, when I was about 15, my older brother took me to see the Rolling Stones! From there, I saw a lot of concerts up until my 20s.
Ultimate concert- The Rolling Stones
Favorite music artist/band- I have a hard time picking favorites. I listen to lots of different music. 16 year old me was a Guns and Roses fan, a Bon Jovi fan, Motley Crue, ZZ Top. I’ve seen the last two in concert as well. I still like these bands. 45 year old me also likes Imagine Dragons and David Crowder.
How do you listen? I mostly stream music now, but still have CDs in my car.
