Deconstructing runway looks for work

There are a million runway looks every season which leave a large segment of the population scratching their head because, 'Ok it is beautiful and I love it but how am I every going to really wear that?' The challenge can be less daunting if you look for a theme or a singular piece and work just that into your wardrobe.

Here is my take from some Fall/Winter 2014 looks and how to deconstruct them for work.

The embellished top

 Wear this Mulberry embellished top with a simple solid colored higher wasted skirt, whether it be an A-Line skirt or a pencil. Black, navy blue (like the Zara option), white or even a red skirt would work. Tuck your top in and throw on some pumps, …

 

Wear this Mulberry embellished top with a simple solid colored higher wasted skirt, whether it be an A-Line skirt or a pencil. Black, navy blue (like the Zara option), white or even a red skirt would work. Tuck your top in and throw on some pumps, done. From top left in clockwise order: H&M $49.95, Zara $59.90, H&M $24.95, Whistles £135

The knit top

 This top from Narciso Rodrgiuez Pre Fall 2014 is the perfect example of the knit top trend that you can work into your wardrobe. While the look from the collection's lookbook is casually smart, it isn't quite dressed up enough for my work…

 

This top from Narciso Rodrgiuez Pre Fall 2014 is the perfect example of the knit top trend that you can work into your wardrobe. While the look from the collection's lookbook is casually smart, it isn't quite dressed up enough for my work place. I would pair it with something more tailored. The beauty here is this top goes with almost anything really. Pair it with a flared skirt, wide leg or skinny trousers, even a printed skirt in the same color family works! For an extra polished look pair a knit top with a button down, buttoned all the way to the collar, some pearl earrings and patent pumps. Clockwise from top left: H&M $29.95, Zara $59.90 Zara $59.90, Zara $59.90

The oversized/menswear inspired coat

 When you think of a military coat you don't immediately think work place staple but it can be. I am lusting over this coat from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi for their Fall/Winter 2014 collection.  Pair something unexpected for wor…

 

When you think of a military coat you don't immediately think work place staple but it can be. I am lusting over this coat from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi for their Fall/Winter 2014 collection.  Pair something unexpected for work with something more traditional, like a sheath dress, but with a twist to make it feel more modern and day ready. The army green pairs perfectly with slightly brighter shades. A satin or satin blend offsets the wool and keeps everything modern and sleek.  From top left The Outnet £688.50, MyTheresa $1,972, Zara $79.90. From bottom left Reiss £195, Zara $79.90, The Outnet £288

The Graphic Top

 Something graphic on top is about as easy as it gets. Not sure what to pair with something like this Narciso Rodriguez top from Pre Fall 2014? Throw something basic on for bottoms, some simple pumps and you are ready for anything. For a little extr…

 

Something graphic on top is about as easy as it gets. Not sure what to pair with something like this Narciso Rodriguez top from Pre Fall 2014? Throw something basic on for bottoms, some simple pumps and you are ready for anything. For a little extra twist think a wrap skirt or a peplum. From top left The Outnet £332.50, MyTheresa $466, The Outnet £175 From bottom left The Outnet £856.90, The Outnet £464, MyTheresa $395

Work Essentials. The sheath dress

Today I am launching a new monthly post, Work Essentials. I will cover those go to items that any woman in the corporate world MUST have in her closet and I am kicking it off with the sheath dress. 

I am finally starting my new job, the first since landing in London back in October, on Monday. Over the course of my interviewing I realized that only once did I reach for a suit. Every other interview, first, second or third, I defaulted to a sheath dress with a blazer. 

The sheath dress is a closet essential. Having a few basic ones, a black and a grey for example, are perfect for power dressing.  After that having a few others that are a bit more playful is a great way to round out your work wardrobe. One of my favorite of all time is a Mondrian-eque Kenneth Cole Reaction dress (on instagram here) that I got years ago from Nordstrom. The best part about a sheath dress is you only have to put one thing on and you are pretty much out the door.

All the dresses featured are from Nordstrom. Their online site is chock full of great finds at all price points, I highly recommend checking them out if you haven't.

ABS by Allen Schwartz $268, Alexia Admor $239, B44 Dressed by Bailey 44 $148, Adrianna Papell $138, BB Dakota $46.80, Cynthia Steffe $278, Narciso Rodriguez $995, Elie Tahari $398, Felicity and Coco $98, French Connection $88.80, Erdem $1,390, Halogen $118, Ivanka Trump $118, Halston Heritage $245, Ivanka Trump $148, Jill Jill Stuart $298, Jason Wu $2,990, Lela Rose $1,995, Marni $1,900, Narciso Rodriguez $995, St. John Collection $795, Cynthia Steffe $315, Mcginn $146.98, St. John Collection $895, T Tahari $94.80, Tadashi Shoji $226.80, Jones New York $119, Yigal Azrouel $1,095