Black Pants for Work 2: Sailor Stripes

I've been working long hours lately which means I haven't been able to get a lot of blog photos in and the ones I've been doing have mostly been at night, which means the quality isn't as great as I'd like.


Pants:  New York & Company (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

Cami:  The Limited

That said, I did want to share with you some recent office looks.  Black pants are a workwear staple, and I love finding new cuts and accents for black pants and coming up with different ways to wear them.

Blazer:  Outback Red by The Limited

Earrings:  House of Harlow 1960 (WON! from giveaway at Economy of Style)

Boots:  Target

When cold winter weather hits, it can be hard to find the motivation to get very creative with work looks.  Black pants always look great, and since they go with everything, it is easy to change up your look without having to put forth a ton of effort.

Last year, I offered up my first "Black Pants for Work" series with the following posts:
Subtle Details
High-Waisted Trousers  
Teal and Brocade
I Adore Me
Modern Tuxedo

Since I've been living in black pants lately, I figured why not do it again?

Satchel:  The Limited

Today's look has a spring nautical inspiration - sailor pants, a striped tank, and red. While the look has a spring feel, it's warm enough for winter wear.

Wide leg pants are coming back big for spring, so these are right on trend while still having a very classic feel.

How do you make your black pants feel fresh for work?

For the tank in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Ruffles for Work

Ruffles were a huge trend on spring runways.  Many designers showed huge, exaggerated ruffles for a dramatic flair.

For today's look, I chose a more low-key version of this trend, pairing a ruffle-front tank with my work essentials.

Pants:  New York & Company Petites (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company Petites (Available here)

This ruffle top and pink blazer are ultra-feminine and almost too frothy and sweet for me.  I paired the blouse and blazer with more masculine trousers for a look that feels more balanced.

Blouse:  LOFT Petites (Available:  here)
Quartz Necklace:  Earthbound Trading Company (Similar here)

Shoes:  Target (old)

The windowpane check on the pants adds visual interest to the outfit but remains a subtle detail that doesn't overly compete with the ruffles.

The soft ruffle top and pink color help lighten the pants up and give them a more springy feel.  These pants definitely read more fall/winter to me, and I'm looking forward to pairing these pants with a leather or tweed jacket when the weather cools back off. 

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you like ruffles?