Anonymous asked: Interested to know how you would style a dark charcoal wool pant like the j brand Aubrey, for a business casual look for a conservative office environment? Thinking of j crew cashmere. Would love to see what you would recommend.

Oh gosh, business casual for a conservative office! There is something I have never had to deal with. Let’s see… 

First off, I’ll say that cashmere is always a good idea. But that is just my thoughts [and J.Crew cashmere is so lovely— especially as you wear it again and again!]. One thing I would suggest is looking in the J.Crew catalogues, I feel as though they do a decent job creating work looks that are business casual, and if it’s not conservative enough, I am sure you can still borrow elements of the looks they have created. Just as another point of reference when coming up with work ideas.

Here are some of my favorites that could pertain to your wool pants:

• Wool Pants, Simple Polka Dot Sweater and Jacket : I really love this look on the left [and right to be honest]. I think having a simpler polka dot sweater under the suit jacket is a classic way to add a bit of something special to a work outfit, without being obnoxious. Plus, I love the two-tone heels with the cap toe. They are a great take on a classic pump.
• Monochromatic with Wool Pant, Turtleneck and Jacket: I am really liking monochromatic outfits at the moment. Especially if you found a really fine and thin turtleneck, the texture of that against a wool pant would be so nice.

Those are just two pictures that I like. As for other pieces, I’d definitely say cashmere! Especially with autumn coming [which your suggestion of cashmere I am going to assume it is for you also!] 

Sweaters: Sweaters are great, and one of the best things about them is you can purchase them to wear for work, and then where them casually too! You can later them over button down shirts, or woven blouses. The different sleeve lengths/ necklines are fun to play with having your shirt poke out too!

• Basic: Cashmere Tee, Cashmere V-Neck, Merino Wool 3/4 Sleeve
• Not: Cashmere Subtle Colorblock, Merino Wool Colorblocked 3/4 Cardigan, Cashmere Subtle Polka Dot
  - I would assume that as long as you don’t were obnoxious colored polka dot or colorblocked sweaters these could be made business casual work appropriate. Especially it you took it to a neutral ground, with a solid colored shirt under. That could also be my design office experience taking over.

Button-Down Shirts: Classic, both solid colors or office appropriate prints. They go well under sweaters, blazers and they can even be worn with trousers and still look professional.

• Basic: 3/4 Sleeve Shirt || Plaid: Perfect Shirt in Black Watch
• Tuxedo: Tuxedo Shirt
  -I love tuxedo shirts, they have great detail to them without really being over the top. a tuxedo shirt would pair well with wool trousers by themselves, or you could add a cardigan or blazer when it is colder.

Blouses: Silk blouses are a great alternative to the classic button-down shirt.

• Basic: Solid Silk Bouse, SS Tie Neck Blouse || Not: Optic Dot Top, Stripe Silk Blouse

Blazers: A good blazer can go a long way! They come in a number of different fabrics and colors. They are professional and you could even pass and wear them with your jeans and t-shirts on an off day.

• Wool Flannel, Tipped, Velvet
  - All with subtle details that could still pass by in a conservative office if chosen with that in mind. i.e. no obnoxious colors [yellow!]

Shoes: Who doesn’t love shoes? There are some subtle options out there that you could probably wear to work that wouldn’t be outlandish as an alternative to the basic pump. Though, there is nothing wrong with basic pumps, my black pair are hands down my favorite pair of heels!

• Flats: Printed, Slight Heel
• Heels: Leather Cap Toe, Leather Pointy Cap Toe, Wool Pointy Cap Toe

Those would be some of my suggestions for things to wear with those trousers. I realize that was long winded so I hope it was helpful [please do let me know!]. I merely pulled all the images from J.Crew because I knew I could find them in one place. MANY retailers around the globe are carrying all of these styles so I know it will be easier to find things are a different prince point that fits whatever your budget may be. Hell, it could be J.Crew. More power to you! xx.