Skirts & Dresses: Professional & Feminine Can Co-exist

Black Halo is known for their contemporary fitting sophisticated pieces – especially their dresses. This sheath is made to show off a woman’s curves, but you truly don’t need the perfect figure for this to look good – it just makes you look that way, with carefully placed seams and a beautiful cut. The brushed grey suiting material and high neckline are the finishing touches that makes this a sophisticated option for work, and that client dinner later. If you’re not wearing tights, a camel or nude pump looks fresh and polished, while black works with tights or stockings.

Another clean and sophisticated option, this one in a more modern fit from Lafayette 148 New York. The peplum does just what it’s supposed to do – conceals hips and tummies and makes waists look tiny. And creates a timeless look, reminiscent of the 40’s, but fresh for today. The short sleeve and extended bateau neckline are great for the office, and great for someone who doesn’t like to show off her arms. The polished dress is professional and sleek – pair it with nude, deep brown, even dark burgundy pumps, though black certainly works, too.

The combination of an a-line shape in a midi-length (just at the calf) is a professional update for the skirt this season. And we are completely in favor of this interpretation from Theory. The brushed stretch flannel shows off the simple style, and gives it a timeless quality. It’s a contemporary fit, but not too small, with an ease in the hip. The tonal look of a grey sweater is beautiful. But anything from a simple white blouse, black turtleneck or even a pretty pastel top look stylish, yet classic.

We talked about the pretty trend of pleated skirts in our Clothes & Conversation this week. And here, Tahari’s skirt has a grey tweed front panel with a diagonal pleat - a nod to the trend - and raw edge finish. But the rest of the skirt is a simple black a-line, making it a perfectly sophisticated take that is ideal for work. Complete the look with the coordinating jacket (which can also be purchased through the “shop it” button) or wear it on it’s own with a black blouse.

Tahari is always a great resource for work wear, so we couldn’t resist including this dress, too. Available in black and sophisticated grey as well, this cobalt blue is a fresh pop of color to liven up any work day. The fit is easy, another perk for a long day at the office. The shorter a-line shape is great with tights and boots, and the elbow length sleeve works almost all year round.

Did you know NYDJ – famous for their modern fitting jeans – has branched out to dresses and skirts this season? With the same amazing fit and same criss-cross internal panel to slim and flatter. Like the jeans, they recommend ordering down and a size, and we’ve found the same to be true. Oh, and the price? Equally amazing. Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, let’s talk about how pretty this dress is! The ponte fabric has a small chevron pattern to it, giving it an almost tweed-like effect, which makes it ideal for the office. Add a black wrap if your office gets chilly.

The tweed panels on the front and back of this Trina Turk dress have such pretty color flecks in it. It gives life to the professional fabrication, while keeping the look completely sophisticated and office appropriate. The black sides and waist band create an instantly slimming illusion to this contemporary fitting dress. The v-neck is not deep at all, and the 3/4 sleeve looks great on everyone. Black legwear and pumps complete the look. You really don’t have to do much more – let the beautiful fabric be the highlight.

We are always excited by a good Donna Morgan dress find – you can’t beat the price, and the modern fit in a large array of sizes works for so many ladies. This dress not only showcases menswear inspiration in the plaid and exploded houndstooth print, but it has a cropped overlay – another trend of the season. At this price, it’s a perfect place to try a new trend.

Well, we certainly can’t talk about skirts for work without talking about pencil skirts. NYDJ has a fun animal print pull-on skirt, in the same modern fit and slimming fabrication and technology that their jeans are known for. The print is small, so it flatters and isn’t too bold. It also uses black, so you can wear a black blazer, sweater, or blouse with it.

As we've been talking about the fresh new midi-length, J. Crew has done a version of a pencil skirt that is just right for the office. This red is so smart, but it comes in a classic black, as well. It has a higher waist, which offsets the length beautifully and looks great with a tucked in blouse or simple tank and cardigan. Not only does it come in a large array of sizes, it's even offered in petites, so the longer length will work for everyone. Pair it with heeled tall boots or pumps.

And now, for the classic pencil skirt, perfect for the office year after year – from Santorelli, of course. The modern fit and beautiful wool crepe is an investment in your work wardrobe that you will go back to year after year. J. Crew also has a beautiful wool pencil skirt, that comes in all your staple work colors.

A shift dress that's not fitted through the waist, but still looks stylish and modern? Yes, please. Let's start by saying this is an above-the-knee dress - it needs to be, to balance the looser, layered style - but it will not be this short on most of us. The model is 5'9" wearing an XS. This Susana Monaco dress is ideal for those days when you just can't deal with smoothing undergarments or piecing together an outfit. It does it for you. It looks like a top and skirt, but it's really a dress made of a weighty jersey that looks great in the professional medium grey. Put this on with black tights and boots and you are all set.  Add a chunky necklace or large cuff for some added flair.