If you’re like me, you might be wondering to yourself whether printed pants are still in; I think they might be out, but love them regardless! I know that they aren’t for everyone, but for those who love them, don’t give up on them just yet! I still believe you can breathe some life back into this trend.
From Business Casual to Date Night with J.Jill
I work in a business casual environment. The only rule is that you can’t wear blue jeans, but colored denim is allowed. Thank goodness! I am such a denim wearer. When I’m not wearing denim, my other go-to is printed pants or a dress. A good brand that easily goes from business casual to date night is J.Jill.
J.Jill recently gifted me my choice of items from their latest collection. I ended up choosing two pairs of printed pants, a necklace, and a simple shift dress. All of the items are great for the office and after work, just change out the shoes and your handbag if you need to!
I thought it would be fun to style and feature all of the pieces in head-to-toe looks to help you with your own office wardrobe. Let’s get started!
From Business Casual to Date Night with J.Jill
First up is the premium bi-stretch pant in Black Aviero Border print. I seriously love this pant! It’s also my favorite item that I received and similar to the J.Crew Factory Winnie pant (my go-to work pant). What makes this one unique is the cute all-over print and thick-banded print at the hem. This pant is slim through the hips and thigh and has a nice cropped leg.
Top: Nordstrom | Pant: J.Jill c/o| Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!)| Necklace: Charming Charlie c/o | Ring: Stella & Dot (style no longer available) |Purse: Old Navy(similar style) | Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew (color Diva Red #500) c/o
Next is the Wearever Pleated Cropped pant in Black Indonesian Woodcut print. This pant literally feels like I’m wearing yoga or lounge pants. As much as I love these pants, I had the hardest time finding a top to go with. My advice is to stick with a slim-fitted top since the pants are billowy. The second time I wore these pants, I opted for a shorter, more fitted blouse and it worked much better. Also note, these pants don’t really photograph well and give a larger appearance. For size reference, I am wearing a small.
Top: Banana Republic (old) | Pant: J.Jill c/o | Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!) | Necklace: J.Jill c/o | Watch: Klasse14 c/o| Bracelets: Charming Charlie c/o | Clutch: DSW (now on sale!!!) | Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew (color Diva Red #500) c/o
I also wanted to highlight the Compassion Fund Reversible pendant (one side is etched with “love” and the other side has “hope”. For every piece that is purchased, 100% of the net proceeds will provide support to organizations that help disadvantaged and homeless women become more self-sufficient. What a great cause!
Last was the Easy A-Line Dress. This was my least favorite piece. This shift dress is shapeless and needs a belt to cinch in the waist. Due to my broad shoulders and large chest, I would not recommend this item. I feel like the top would better suit someone who is smaller on top and would recommend sizing down as much as you possible. For size reference, I’m wearing a size 12P.
Dress: J.Jill c/o | Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!) | Necklace: Michael Kors (old) | | Watch: Klasse14 c/o | Purse: Foley + Corinna (almost identical) | Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew (color Diva Red #500) c/o
I hope these looks inspire you to get creative with your work wear and try something new! Be sure to check out J. Jill for more stylish options.
Thanks J.Jill for gifting me these items, all opinions are my own.
Photos by Ana Luzia of Northwest Blonde
4 Reasons to Rock Polka Dots
Blouse: Banana Republic (similar) | Jeans: J.Crew (similar) | Bracelet: Loren Hope (via Rocksbox) get your first month free with code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout | Blue stone bracelet: J.Crew (old) | Midi Ring: c/o Pretty Particular use code laceandpearls to receive 20% off your order | Ring: Stella & Dot | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (similar)| Sandals: Josef Seibel | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Purity Persimmon) | Lashes: Ardell (similar)
These polka dot pants are super comfortable and don’t need much styling. The pop of color from the top keep things playful and fun. While the delicate pendant and gold rings enhance the outfit without taking away from it. I did manage to slip in my statement bracelets. 😉
Polka dots don’t need a sales pitch, but I still wanted to share a few reasons why you need them. I also have a minor obsession with them and need to justify having so many.
4 Reasons to Rock Polka Dots
- Versatile – Polka dots are quite versatile. I wore this dress to a fashion show and a wedding. It could also work for the office.
- Fun – These pieces make me feel giddy. Here is one of my favorite looks – coral dot pants worn with a french hen sweater! You can’t help but smile in this look.
- Seasonally appropriate – You can wear polka dots year round. See how I styled these pants in the winter. What other shoe/color would you pair with these pants? I need some ideas.
- Plays well with others – They mix well with colors or other prints. I can easily pair this green polka dot sweater with a spotted tee or button down.
If you’re not big on prints, try it out with something simple like a clutch or scarf (tie it on a bag, or wear it as a belt).
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5 Ways to Style Printed Pants
Denim Jacket: Gap (similar) | Sweater: Ann Taylor (similar)| Pants: Gap (similar) | Necklace: Sophie Harper (via Rocksbox) (get your first month free with code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout)| Earrings: Favery (borrowed) |Purse: Foley + Corina via thredUp (similar in black)| Midi Ring: c/o Pretty Particular (use code laceandpearls to receive 20% off your order)| Ring: Stella & Dot | Sandals: Josef Seibel | Lip gloss: Georgio Armani (#519) | Lashes: Ardell (similar)
I am a big fan of printed pants. Even though I’m pretty sure the trend is over (with the exception of the seasonal print – hello Spring!), I won’t be packing up mine any time soon. Since I have a handful of options, I wanted to share some tips on how to wear them in case you struggle with the idea or just need a creative refresher.
The Rules:
- You can’t go wrong with a solid top.
- Be sure that your top includes a color from your pant to tie things together.
- Be mindful of size. You don’t want the print to overpower your frame. If you’re petite go for a small print.
Pair your printed pants with a:
- Simple tee The perfect off-duty look. Throw on your favorite tee, some flats, and dainty jewelry and you’re ready to go.
- Silk blouse My go-to, perfect for most occasions.
- Chambray shirt If you want something a little more causal, then the chambray is another solid option. Just remember to pile on the jewelry and bright lippies!
- Cozy sweater Pick up a lightweight sweater to get you through the cooler nights.
- Jacket (today’s post) When all else fails grab your denim jacket, blazer, or anorak and call it good.
It’s all about the shoes
Most people recommend steering clear of flats with printed pants, opting for a heel or wedge to elongate your frame. I say wear whatever you want, and if the occasions is laid back enough, go for your favorite pair of sneakers or flats.
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French Hen Sweater
Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography
Blouse: J.Crew | Sweater: J.Crew (similar) | Pant: Gap (similar) | Shoes: Jambu (similar) | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar) | Ring: Stella & Dot | Bracelet: J.Crew (similar) | Purse: Rebbecca Minkoff (similar)| Lipstick: Bobbi Brown (color Coral Pink)
If you’ve been a long time reader, you’ve probably noticed that I have a slight obsession with critter sweaters. I always feel like a big kid when I wear them. I have banned myself from buying any more. Funny story; I work at a children’s hospital and people always comment on how the kids must love me because of my cute sweaters (I don’t work with the kids directly, I work in the offices). #awkward.
Not only do I love critter sweaters, but I am a huge fan of polka dots (see examples 1, 2, 3, and 4). These pants are meant for the warmer months but I thought I would winterize them by adding some layers. This is a great way to get more wear out of your off-season items. These pant are too cute to only wear a quarter of the year.
I still can’t believe that this french hen sweater is just now making an appearance on the blog. I get a kick out of the fact that the hen’s beret matches the color of these jeans. No outfit would be complete without a button down blouse and statement necklace. I love the pearl and flower details on this necklace.
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