Floral, Gingham, & Stripes: Spruce Up Your Spring Work Style

Equipment’s take on a shirtdress, on the other hand, is airy and soft in a light silk that loosely skims the body and is perfect for any warm day. This is a true beauty. The small print of the beautiful floral pattern is slimming (small prints are good for that) with a black ground that makes it easy to add a thin black belt for some structure – something that is instantly flattering for curvier ladies. Add coordinating heels or flats. You can even add a blazer or light cardigan (for that cold office) in black or white, with ease. The sleeveless style can be worn buttoned up, as shown, or with the first couple buttons open.

We couldn’t possibly spend a week talking about pattern without including an iconic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. There is no such thing as a dated DVF print – they get better with age, and this fresh pink floral will be no exception. With a touch of black, you can wear black or nude heels, as well as a black or white bodysuit if you want to ensure coverage. (DVF herself recommends a bodysuit vs. a cami, to keep it pulled down and to give you a smooth line. We couldn’t agree more.) Like all DVF wrap dresses, if you are between sizes, we always suggest sizing up – you can always “wrap” the dress tighter and it ensures you get ample chest coverage. A wrap dress looks great on curvier and boyish-shaped girls alike, playing up and creating just the right amount of feminine shape. You’ll be able to wear it to work, and straight out for drinks and dinner…for years.

Kimono styles and obi belts are hot on the style scene this season, and Madewell’s interpretation uses a subtle geometric print in neutral colors that is office-right over simple black trousers and a tank or a slim black dress. This is a great way to bring some fun fashion to a work-ready silhouette, playing with a new take on a blazer. The cotton is lined and the stitching along the edges of the jacket and along the belt gives some structure to the cotton with a sharp finish. The contemporary fit is easy in its open shape.

When it comes to prints in bottoms, we are always careful to pick only those that will slim and give you confidence. Ladies, these striped Alice + Olivia pants effortlessly made the cut. Their fit is always impeccable – the line started with pants, and they have an easy contemporary fit with a wider waistband that prevents muffin top and slims the lower stomach area. The black ground highlights the slimming vertical stripes, and the fabric has a touch of stretch for comfort and ideal fit. Keep it simple by wearing a solid black top or crisp white button down – a black blazer looks great, too. Be sure they hit just above the ankle for maximum appeal (any local tailor can shorten them, if needed). They look great with heels, as shown, but take on a menswear inspiration when paired with updated loafers that is so modern.

We featured a similar Nic + Zoe dress in Clothes & Conversation this week, and they are so flattering – with such versatile prints – we had to share one more. In an easy-fitting XS-XL, the faux wrap styling of this sheath dress is truly flattering, creating an hourglass silhouette while strategically camouflaging any bumps with ruching across the center and a comfortable, stretchy lining. The hatch pattern uses black and a beautiful blue on a white ground that is easy to wear with your favorite black work heels. The sleeveless style is modern for the office, and a black cardigan can easily be thrown over it for the over -air conditioned environment.

NYDJ is known for their jeans – and more specifically, the slimming technology they add to their jeans that makes you look and feel a size smaller. They’ve started expanding their line to dresses and tops in the same aesthetic and easy fit they excel at. From XS-XL, this fluid tunic-style blouse comes in so many prints and solids (all through the ‘shop it’ button) it was hard to choose our favorite. This Spring Plaid has a grey ground that is so pretty with the paler neutrals of the season – simple white, beige, or grey slim trousers will be all you need for an easy day at the office. You can also tuck this in and wear it with a blazer to add a little pop to any solid suit. When the workweek is done, you’ll still find yourself reaching for this blouse with a pair of jeans for a more casual look.

Diane von Furstenberg knows how to do a print, and her line is filled with some of the best ginghams of the season. The smaller gingham print of this gauzy silk blouse is an easy way to work this pretty pink – and this modern print – in to your office wardrobe. It’s just as classic as a stripe, but fresh and summery. The fit is more true to size than her wrap dresses, with an easier, flattering fit. Wear a white cami or bodysuit underneath. Keep it summery with white trousers, skirt or crisp suit and nude pumps. It looks just as good with black, grey or navy. Whether you prefer a yellow gingham, blue or black this is an easy print that will instantly update your work look.

This Sanctuary top uses a tribal print that is just right to liven up even the most conservative of your black and grey suits, while maintaining a professional look. And once the workday is over, you can remove your jacket and head out for drinks or dinner in this flattering, contemporary fitting blouse. The armhole is designed to cut in a bit at the shoulder, which elongates the arms and adds definition to the shoulder – such a great design trick. And still bra-friendly. We couldn’t ask for much more (except, maybe sleeves, which is also an option).

Equipment is known for their beautiful silk blouses, and this sleeveless tie-dye is in a fresh, new silhouette that buttons up the back. The loose fit and hip length is great for the office, as you don’t have to worry about tucking it in, and is effortlessly balanced with a slim pair of pants or pencil skirt – white, black, dark denim. You can even pop it with color, like yellow, in your coordinating pieces or in your shoes.

One of our favorite ways to add some stylish pattern for season? These amazing Stuart Weitzman flats. The textured silk and pointed toe will instantly update any neutral trousers or dark denim for the office – and of course, you’ll get tons of use out of them for a night out or a weekend day. The colors are rich and vibrant, yet when combined, create a sophisticated look that feels so posh.