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Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse

I promised to style more workwear looks this fall, so when I was shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last month, I picked up a few basic pieces that I thought would be great workwear essentials to use in upcoming posts.

This Pleione High/Low V-Neck Mixed Media Top is a must-have piece if you work in a school or an office. It is so versatile, it comes in 14 colors and patterns, it’s super flattering, AND it’s less than $50.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

This top does run large. I sized down to a small, and I still felt that I was swimming in it. In fact, I clipped the back in a few of these shots. Here is what it looks like unclipped.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

Personally, I’d like it to be more fitted, but the relaxed fit may appeal to those of you who found the Lush blouse to be tight through the arms and shoulders. It also comes in petite for those of you under 5’4″.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

Another workwear piece I picked up at the #NSale was this pair of Vince Camuto Straight Leg Pants. These pants are timeless classics that can be worn year round. They also come in grey, and they have petite sizes.

I wanted to add a pop of color to the outfit, so I pulled out these pink suede ballet pointy toe flats. I love these shoes so much that I got them in both the black leather and the pink suede. They’re very comfortable and run true to size. The enameled spikes on the heel give an edge to this otherwise classic pair of pointy toe flats.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

I carried this grey crossbody and wore simple jewelry to complete the look.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

I wish I had another pop of pink somewhere in the outfit. If I had a pink necklace or bracelet, I would have added that.

I also think I’d prefer this outfit with a blouse in a color. I realized when I went to put this outfit together that all of the workwear friendly pieces I bought are some combination of black and grey. Oooops! That’s what happens when you shop for pieces and not outfits. See, I’m still learning!

I’d also love to try this outfit with pumps, but I don’t have a pair in my closet at the moment. My black suede pumps are packed away in the attic with the rest of last year’s winter wardrobe. I guess it’s time to starting bringing that stuff out! My 26 Days of Fall Fashion with Cyndi starts on September 1st, and that will be here before we know it.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

To show you how versatile this blouse is, I also styled it with a pair of jeans. Because of the relaxed fit, I think it’s more flattering with fitted pants. Look at the difference.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

These are the Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans in Aubergine and the Tory Burch Heidi Ballet Flats in Pewter Snake.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

Here’s a look from the back with the flowy hi-lo hem. The solid color tops are the mixed media style while the prints have the woven material in the front and back.

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

The great thing about this top is that there are so many ways to wear it. Pair it with trousers for work or jeans for casual wear, or I’ve even seen it tucked into a pencil skirt.

Which look is your favorite?

Two Ways to Wear a V-Neck Blouse | Fashion Over 40

Pleione High/Low V-Neck Mixed Media Top // Vince Camuto Straight Leg Pants // Sam Edelman Reyanne Spike Rand Pointy Toe Flats // Tory Burch Convertible Leather Crossbody Bag // Kate Spade Gramercy Grand Watch // Alex and Ani Bracelet Set //Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans // Tory Burch Heidi Ballet Flats

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30 Responses

  1. I am a simple classic person for the most part so loved this outfit. I always get ideas from your post. I don’t always comment but love your style. Look forward to Sept 1st with you and Cyndi for fall.

  2. Love the two ways post even though “work wear” isn’t a category that applies to me. 🙂 You are so right about this top looking better with the fitted jeans! Much more flattering. I really love those flats (the studs are so cute!). But for some reason I just can’t make flats like that work…either I can’t keep them on my feet when I walk or they just end up hurting for some reason.

  3. Both outfits are so cute, but the second is my favorite! I would have never thought to pair aubergine skinny jeans with that top, but it looks fantastic!
    Tammy

  4. The second outfit would be appropriate for a lot of work environments. I agree-I think the top was made to go with fitted pants.

  5. The blouse has an elegant casual feel to it, and is very pretty on you! I agree… I like it with the burgundy jeans best, but it works great either way! I really like that watch too!

  6. Both are GREAT, but my fave is the skinny jeans!! Love the blouse tho!!! I’m having trouble with the overly blousey styles!! I’m a little on the top heavy side (boobs bigger than hips), so i have to try to play down the sholders!! LOL

    1. Yes, that is important to consider — keeping everything in proportion is key. 🙂 As I said to Val, I have to be careful too, being busty, that things don’t make me look top heavy. My wide hips usually balance me out, lol, but I do need structure in my tops or my waist gets lost. Once we know what we need for our bodies, it makes it easier to shop.

  7. Love this post! I like both looks equally well, as they show the versatility of that cute top. I’m always looking for workwear pieces that will do double duty as more casual wear and this fills the bill, also allowing options to change up both looks. Great example of why I look forward to your posts each day. Thanks!

  8. I have to confess, I’m ready for the the style of the high/low top to fade away. I feel as if it’s often unflattering on many of us, at least if it has the “bib” hem in the front. (Anyone feel like they’re putting on a maternity top?) I own several of these tops because when a certain style hits the market, I feel as if that’s the only style available. It’s not easy to find a straight hem top right now! I do the front tuck and I like it ok but my husband always points out that my shirt isn’t tucked in! (How many other people see me out and about and think that?) I do, however like the mixed media tops when there is knit on the back. Because I have a large bust, smaller waist, I often feel as if I look like I’m wearing a tent when I buy large enough to fit my bust. Thus, I almost always wear knits. The mixed media with a knit on the back gives me the opportunity to wear different fabrics. All that said, I do like the blouse better with the jeans. I feel this is more of an ordinary outfit, though– the kind I’m trying to purge from my wardrobe. Most days, when I open your post, I say “Wow! I want that outfit!” I didn’t feel that way about this one. Oh, gosh. Too much honesty? Let me reiterate that I love your style, JoLynne and look forward to your post each day.

    1. I hear ya. I have to be careful too, being busty, that things don’t make me look top heavy. My wide hips usually balance me out, lol, but I do need structure in my tops or my waist gets lost. That’s why I initially ordered this top — it looked like it had a lot of shape through the waist, but I think because it is so big, it’s hard to tell. I would consider having it tailored, though, because overall the cut of it is very cute. I love the neckline and the sleeves, and I don’t mind the hi-lo waist on this one, but like you, I wish there was more variety in the stores.

  9. I Love the Post! I ordered that same style top in several solid colors during the sale & they have been one of my favorite purchases. I Love wearing them with skinny jeans, but the solid colors have also been perfect for all the patterned shorts I ordered from Loft this summer. I also purchased those Paige Aubergine Skinny Jeans during the sale based on your advice & am looking forward to more outfit ideas with those!!

  10. I have a feeling jeans that color may be my one purchase for fall. Now to find an affordable pair that fits. I hate pants shopping! I agree that top looks big even in the small and is definitely better with the more fitted bottoms.

    1. I found some really cute colored jeans at Old Navy – the Rockstar jeans come in a variety of colors, and it was through the lovely ladies of this blog that I even thought to try them on. I am pleased with how they fit and love that I will be able to wear them to work, whereas I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing regular denim in the office.

  11. The skinny jeans looks more balanced with the blouse. Too, the silver flats look great with this color combo! Have a blessed day!

  12. I like the top as well with the skinny jeans. I have that top in the blush/black/ruby mirrored and I love it! It’s easy to dress it up or down! I’m hunting for some pants in that color at a reasonable price. Great inspiration!!

  13. Cute outfit! I like it with jeans best. In other news…thank you so much for your blog, especially the shopping tips. I went to my husband’s work happy hour last week. I wore white skinny jeans, a black “cold shoulder” top (long enough to cover the trunk…wink wink), metalic wedges, a long pendant necklace, and gray cross body purse.
    I’m in my mid 50’s and I felt very put together and current. I’m buying fewer items these days, but buying items with more impact.

    So, thank you!!!

  14. I prefer it as the work wear option. Maybe that’s because I always need work wear inspiration! I obviously goes with the jeans too – and yes, goes better with skinny. Perhaps it would go better with skinny ankle work pants?

  15. Thanks for this post. I bought 3 of the tops and wear them to work when I want to look extra nice. I work in a casual environment and can wear t-shirts sometimes. I totally agree the back bags out on me. I am hoping to take one into an alterations place and get it slimmed down for me. If it works, I’ll bring the rest in. One warning, if you eat Pho (Vietnamese soup) with one of the solid tops on, the broth spatters and stains the top and you need to use a stain remover to get it out. You can’t hide any stains on the solids. Too specific ? Haha. Thanks Jo-Lynne! Now I need a neutral cross-body bag. Soon we’ll all look just like you!

  16. I love your style and how you review items, as you aren’t afraid to say what flatters and what doesn’t. I found the ‘full bust’ comments interesting because as a petite, full busted, small waist/hip person I have never felt comfortable with blouses that flow–I need something more form fitted and structured or else I feel ‘top heavy’. I definitely like the skinny jean with the blouse. Wondering how it would look with flare jeans, maybe with a 1/2 tuck and wedges?

    1. I think it would look nice with a flared jean as long as they fit the thigh area snugly. As you say – you need to create some structure somewhere or it throws off the proportion.

  17. Thanks for doing more work wear posts. I can find lots of casual wear outfit posts but work wear posts are hard to find. I like your classic and refined style.

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