Happy Monday, ladies! Last week on the blog was everything Yellowstone-inspired. We went jacket and boot heavy and really leaned into the Western-themed look. This week we’re shifting gears and today we’re focusing on inspired business chic.
Today, I’ve gone with an all-neutral look by layering a black crewneck from Banana Republic with a long black cardigan (out of stock similar here). The monochromatic layers really make these plaid pants from Ralph Lauren pop. Combined with these spectator pumps from Ann Taylor (similar here), we’ve nailed business chic.
Style tip: When in doubt, stick with neutrals for a business chic look.
Plaid pants (Ralph Lauren) | Black crewneck (Banana Republic) | Long black cardigan (out of stock similar Banana Republic similar here) | Spectator pumps, (old Ann Taylor similar here) | Handbag (old Ralph Lauren similar here and here) | Watch band | Bangle | Earrings
A leather satchel is a perfect handbag to complement business chic. This is an old one from Ralph Lauren, but I’ve found a similar here and here.
Style tip: Match your bag with your top to emphasize your bottom.
Plaid pants (Ralph Lauren) | Black crewneck (Banana Republic) | Long black cardigan (out of stock similar Banana Republic similar here) | Spectator pumps, (old Ann Taylor similar here) | Handbag (old Ralph Lauren similar here and here) | Watch band | Bangle | Earrings
Long cardigans are perfect for, well, that elongated look many of us are going for. Paired with slacks and heels, you can’t go wrong.
Plaid pants (Ralph Lauren) | Black crewneck (Banana Republic) | Long black cardigan (out of stock similar Banana Republic similar here) | Spectator pumps, (old Ann Taylor similar here) | Handbag (old Ralph Lauren similar here and here) | Watchband | Bangle | Earrings
Every Sunday this year, we’ve gone deep into the essentials every woman should have in their wardrobe. In case you missed it, yesterday we took a look at Five classic winter essentials.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
You have plenty of beautiful scarves that you could have put around the neck of your sweater.
The look is too stark. I would love the look if you accessorized!
then that’s exactly how you should style the outfit. don’t you just love choices?!
Love this outfit. Is so classic.
you just can’t beat the classics! timeless and always chic.
Fabulous – looked good ten years ago & it will look good ten years from now! The beauty of this type of look is that it’s so simple as it but there is so much potential with adding a scarf or necklace, etc. Also, this look is great no matter what is happening!
i just love a classically classic outfit. and there are so many ways to accessorize. sometimes i’m in the mood for bling. and sometimes i like the less is more look.
I agree with Diane. Love the outfit but the neckline is too stark. Needs a scarf or a gold necklace to match the earrings.
then go for it! sometimes i’m all about accessories and sometimes i’m all about minimalism. actually, this outfit is part of my classic series on Instagram. Amal Clooney was my inspiration. guess what? no scarf, no necklace. she was all about simplicity. but style is always about personal preference so go ahead and add the gold necklace if you choose.
Wow Beth, as a retired business professor can I just say that this outfit is perfection. I agree that sometimes less is more (and this is coming from someone that is often called the accessory queen 😉
I love your daily suggestions and inspiration. Thank you for putting a smile on my face today.
thanks so much for stopping by! accessories are key as the accessory queen knows full well. but i love to mix things up. keeps things interesting, modern, fresh, and relevant.
You make these pants look fabulous. Your legs appear to go on forever. As a short girl, I am not a fan of the pants that are hemmed above the ankle or the look of booties with skirts. To me, the longer hem length here is a winner.
trousers are flattering on everyone.
Your spectators are spectacular!
my mom got me hooked on spectator shoes! so versatile as they never go out of style.
Am I the only one who worked in business? Business chic didn’t exist: you wore either suits or business casual when poss. Your outfit is the later, although I never saw a long duster even at conferences – maybe it’s a new thing? I like it on you but being petite, I’ll stick with the classic blazer / jacket. Gold bracelet, no watch, b/c … that’s what my mobile is for ☺
lots of different business segments that require different dress codes: finance, education, public relations, fashion, service industry, and so on and so on.
I would totally wear this outfit as Business chic in the health sector. The lack of accessories elevates it in my opinion. It’s the subtle attention to detail that makes the difference.
so glad you liked it!
Love this outfit Beth. So classic. Thinking about that Lagos bracelet for her 40th birthday.
that would be a lovely birthday gift! i’m a big fan of Lagos.
Love it,love it
You look very e!egant and classic
Can’t not find a pair of block heel that I can wear
Thank you for sharing
thanks, gloria! is your foot too narrow for block heels? it’s too bad you can’t find a pair since they’re so comfy and give you height.
!my feet are medium 61\2. ,yes I need night because
I am 5’2″ ”
Thank you for your advise
Always looking forward to see your post
Hi Beth…….thanks for the info on the beautiful X earrings. They are on their way.
Looking forward to your blogs this week.
K.Ziegler
you are so welcome! love Julie Vos jewelry.
Love this look! (The all neutrals remind me of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy). As much as I’ve enjoyed wearing my WFH athleisure wear, I’m ready to start dressing up a bit again. This looks polished and is easy to pull together – one of my favorite combinations.
you just can’t beat classic style and the neutral color scheme that comes along with it.
Love love love this look. I think it’s one of my favorites of yours. Everything works together perfectly!!
simplicity in motion!