I received an email from a reader last week asking for layering tips with work-appropriate attire. She mentioned that all too often she reaches for a basic cardigan & requested some new ideas for combinations she can wear on the job. Since most offices have the air conditioning cranked during the warmer months, it can be tricky to dress for the balmy temps outside & still manage to be comfortable while sitting at your desk.
So, I decided to answer her question with an outfit post to show one of my favorite ways to layer so you can look polished without freezing. You can try many different variations with this same principle – if you work in a more conservative/less creative office, swap out the sequin shell for one with stripes or a geometric print (peplum works too). You could also easily wear flats with this look, if heels aren’t practical for your work environment.
Great layering, you look beautiful!
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
it's funny because now that i think of it…i totally used to layer like this when i was working in an office environment! i can't wait to try my hand at layering again with my peplum tops!
p.s. your makeup looks GORGE.
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
Great post! Love all three looks and the yellow is so fun!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Love the sparkly shell! That crazy kid's department has such great stuff! A perfect and cheerful work outfit.
-Alexandra
http://www.rhymeswithfashion.com
P.S. GIVEAWAY!
http://www.rhymeswithfashion.com/2013/04/hooray-giveaway.html
gorgeous! i'd never ever think of this and love the tutorial!
kw ladies in navy
Nice layering! Love the pop of colour from the bag too 🙂
This is a slightly odd question but what do you wear under your sheer blouse? I hate seeing straps or lines but everything I try shows 🙁 Whatver you have on is almost invisible!
Amelia @ Ducklingtoswan.com! 🙂 xxx
SO true… it's freezing in my office year round. I really like the collar and trim of this blouse.
And you're so nice to use the words "less creative" instead of "boring."
I find layering can be very difficult to do without looking sloppy or adding extra pounds to your frame. Your outfit in this post is polished and figure flattering, a great guide for layering. Thanks for the inspiration!
http://www.indigokat.com
Hong Kong
Great post! I need all the layering help/tips I can get!
– Kaitlyn
Boardwalks & Boulevards
I absolutely love it!! Great layers and the colors are beautifully fresh! xo, Christina
Styleclouds
This is really perfect! I used to love dressing for the office. I'd wear this tomorrow to work if we didn't have to wear all black.
-Ash
http://www.thestylizedwannabe.com
Great post and ideas. What a great yellow piece to your wardrobe. Can't wait to see what else you do with it. Beautiful.
If you get a sec, please check out my latest post. I would love to read what you think.
Sofia
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com
What a great way to layer and loving the sequins!
xo Jessica
http://www.mystylevita.com
love the idea of using a shell for layering like a vest – would have never thought of that!
This is really amazing! I love the yellow shell with the touches of yellow on the blouse. You seriously look great!
Gorgeous and very helpful tutorial!!
xo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Love all your look but my favorite is the last one. The whole outfit is so fresh and summery =)
I appreciate your idea, the layering looks very good.
Great post!! Love the touch of yellow..
Xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash
love this blouse and heel combo! would love for you to check out our blog as we read yours on a daily basis. xo
lauren
http://www.annacroswell.com
Loving the idea of layering in a shell, super cute!
Kristina does the Internets
Such a great layering outfit! This is perfect for work and love the colors together.
xo Dina
Sweetest Somethings
I love that shirt to death. And your layering ideas are excellent 🙂
~Sarah of Sarah's Real Life
I love the office layers! That shirt and those shoes are gorgeous.
-Vogue&Heels
vogueandheels.com
Love your layers! I freeze at work so I have to make sure I wear plenty of clothes! SO cute! : )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Great layering! I love that you picked a sequin top. Makes the look more fun.
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
very nice spring layering – I do always hate how the moment it starts to get warm outside it gets freezing in the office!
Chic on the Cheap
Very good post! I have always worked in offices that are freezing no matter what the temp outside is so layering is a must!
http://www.sequindoll.com/
Oh la la love the shoes….
Love A&A
http://aeroplaneandapparel.blogspot.com
loving your silver pointy toe heels!
loving your silver pointy toe heels!
Totally loving that button down. The colors look great on you, too!
mbrauns.weebly.com/fashion
Love the layers, and the handbag is a great finishing touch!
Holly
http://www.lovingallthis.com
Great layering tips! The whole look put together looks amazing and it all goes perfectly together!
http://simpleeasystyle.blogspot.com/
Yes, this is the perfect way to layer for the office aside from a cardigan (which I am doing today and is not as fun!) Great tips and love this outfit! Oh and I've been drooling over this bag on JustFab, adding it to my wish list right now 🙂
Great layering tips! I love it all and the yellow with the pink bag keeps it fun. I always see people around my office wearing black and grey all of the time And always the one with bright fushia or yellow lol but I think more people need to make their work attire more exciting!
Malinda
Fashionlove82.blogspot.ca
Awesome! Love the idea of layering a shell over a blouse! PPF does it again!!
xox Emma
http://strollingthecityinheels.com
I love all the looks! The Yellow with the navy blue is so refreshing, I am glad you did an outfit with it, gives me more ideas too!
XO Chelsea http://shesaidhesaid-fashion.blogspot.com/
Very grateful for this post! I've gotten into a layering rut lately for work and this really helps!
Blessings!
Star
http://www.beautyandbows.com/
love this look. layering for the office is totally essential.
xo Andrea
http://www.sophisticatedsass.com
Love that sparkly yellow top layered over your blouse!
xo
http://hautecouture3.blogspot.com
Thanks for the pointers! Even though I don't work in an office environment I really need to beef up my layering skills. I love the way you added the tank to your sheer top!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Gorgeous! I can totally pull off sequins in the office, and adore the idea of layering. Ok, and that JustFab bag is SICK. Amazing! Totally pops perfectly with this outfit.
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
This is gorgeous, love that you added sequins!
absolutely adorable (and genius!!) layering! <3
XO Sahra
EffortlessCool
absolutely fabulous layer
love this look
brett
GREAT tips! I'm the same way, I am trying to branch out with my office layers.
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
Love it!! Such a novel twist on office wear! Love the colors!
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style Delights Blog
You make style math look so easy – you fashionable genius! Pinning this for when I am freezing at work this summer!
xx
Here&Now
Amazing layering and I am in love with this entire look.
very nice outfit and great layering! love the yellow colours a lot – it's unexpected and full of fun!
A
xx
http://epiquemoi.blogspot.com
Lovely work-appropriate layers & overall looks Kim….thanks!!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
While I tend to avoid wearing yellow I really love how you paired it with the clean and crisp white blazer, it looks great!
xoxo,
Jaclyn
http://www.writteninfashion.com
It's no surprise that I am loving the sequin shell! So cute! Nice layering…
Great blouse and top! Love the yellow color! And also in love with your silver pumps!
How fun is your outfit, great!!! Hope you get a chance to see my DASH store experience in LA. =) take care!
Love A&A
http://aeroplaneandapparel.blogspot.com
Love this look! Sometimes it is so hard to make your work wardrobe feel fun, but you are definitely doing that here!
-Sarah
Reno Has Style
Perfect layering Kim! xo
LOVE this whole look! You always get layering right!! Btw, I just launched my new site and am giving away something new every day this week! I'm giving away a gorgeous Nine West bag today! Come check out the site & enter the giveaways!!
Dhruvi
Stilettos & Sequins
Such a cute ensemble!
Nora
http://www.penchantforpretty.com