Sequins may not be the first thing that come to mind when planning a workwear outfit,
but depending on the sequins and depending on the workplace they can add a dash of fun to an otherwise fairly “safe” outfit. I was invited to be a guest speaker at a blogger workshop last week, and although the dress code at blogging events is usually “anything goes”, I had a few requirements from my outfit that day. I needed:
- Comfy trousers for sitting on the train for a few hours (my Winser jersey trousers)
- Comfy footwear for running round London and travelling on the tube (my Nike hi-tops)
- Something warm now that the early mornings and the evenings are chilly (my longline blazer)
- A workbag to hold everything including my laptop/tablet and Olympus Pen camera (my Model KT workbag)
- A reasonably professional look to the outfit
- Something to add a bit of pizazz to the outfit – I am a fashion blogger, after all! (I chose sequins, like this top)
Somehow I managed to meet all those requirements – which doesn’t usually happen, ever (I usually end up with sore feet or get too cold because the jacket I took wasn’t warm enough). Although it was a fairly basic outfit with nothing out-of-the-ordinary in the way of accessorising, I think the secret to this outfit being suitable workwear lies in the sequins themselves.
SHOP THE LOOK:
If you scroll down to the close up photo of the top, you’ll see that it’s a basic Breton stripe with clear sequins covering the whole thing. With clear sequins you simply get a gorgeous watery effect – they do less screaming about being evening wear than coloured sequins do. That’s not to say you shouldn’t still wear bold, bright sequins to work if your workplace allows for it (see Lisa of The Sequinist for a masterclass in how to wear them for the daytime)…!
And yes, I do know that Nike hi-tops probably aren’t acceptable wear for most offices: I thought about taking heels to swap into once I got there, but to be honest the great thing about blogging as a profession is that anything goes clothes-wise. So I stayed in my comfy footwear (one less thing to carry) and am so glad I did.
Do add your outfits to this week’s link up and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week.
If you haven’t already read yesterday’s post about how I’ll be posting every day in October please pop over and tell me your thoughts on bloggers who post daily…!
ARE YOU A FAN OF SEQUINS GENERALLY, AND HAVE YOU DARED TO WEAR THEM TO THE OFFICE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
Les Petites sequinned top (here’s a similar sequinned stripe top) | Winser jersey camel trousers c/o | F&F at Tesco blazer (this longline black blazer is a close match) | Nike high tops (c/o La Redoute) | Jennifer Hamley Model KT Workbag c/o | Lizzy O diamante wrap bracelets c/o | Lulus sunglasses (these black cat eye sunglasses are almost identical) | Leighton Denny ‘Moonshine’ nail polish c/o
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!
The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
Linking up etiquette…
CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!
Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) The LIFB Issue | Suzanne Carillo | Elegantly Dressed and Stylish | Lady of Style
To get yourself featured next week, make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!
DO SHARE THE LOVE AND VISIT AS MANY LINKS AS YOU CAN (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER LOVELY LIKE-MINDED LADIES YOU MIGHT MEET) – THE ORIGINAL INSTAGRAM CAMPAIGN FORGED SOME WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDSHIPS SO DON’T MISS OUT!
Such a great outfit, for work, for shopping, for just anything! I love bling! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
I love the mix of practicality with a dash of fun in this outfit Catherine! I don't think I've worn sequins during the daytime to work, but have in the evenings – maybe that's a new challenge for me? Thanks for the linkup party again. Wishing you a great week x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Just the right mix of serious and fun – I'm with you on that! Sequins are magic. I hope your speaking engagement went well.
Okay—that's exactly what I needed to add to my plaid outfit—sequins!!
Too bad I didn't have this thought sooner!!
I think the bling of the sequins add such fun to this outfit. And really, functionality wise—it's perfect for the women out there who don't love to add in accessories!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Love how you styled this sequin top as work wear. Perfect coat as the outwear.
xoxo
Liza
Liza Corner | Instagram | Facebook
Love the sneakers, love the sequins…I would absolutely wear this to work!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Fabulous and fun look that still looks professional, I love it! Effortless! 🙂
When the finished look is so perfectly "casual chic," why shouldn't sequins be appropriate for daytime?? Even without the shimmery detail, this striped shirt and long blazer combo would make a stylish statement, dearest Catherine (don't even get me started on your amazing KT Workbag!)…but those sequins are the icing on the sartorial cake!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
You've managed to nail the fun and functional all in one, Catherine. The sequins show that you don't take yourself too seriously but the overall effect is still one that looks pulled together and professional.
I don't blame you keeping your comfy shoes on all day!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
You look lovely Catherine. xx
http://www.annanuttall.com
I don't think I own any sequins at the moment, but I love your outfit! I think it would be appropriate for quite a few workplaces! And how great that you were warm and your feet didn't hurt during your trip to London – I think those things make life so much more enjoyable. And you managed to look fabulous at the same time!!!
Thanks for the link up!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
So glad to be able to come back to your blog.
Much love, dear Catherine
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thank you, Sacramento – though were you having problems? No one else mentioned not being able to get the blog come up…?!
Love this outfit
I have worn my share of sequins to the office- and plan to continue to do so 🙂
-InMyJoi.blogspot.com
I'm so glad I'm not the only one, Joi!!
Such a great look! You look beautiful XO. Stop by and join the linkup @ http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2016/09/linkupwithlisa-69-overcoming-anxiety.html
Absolutely. A little dazzle always adds personality to an outfit, and oftentimes, it manifests itself in my choice of footwear. Once in a while, it's a pair of sequinned joggers, or the side panels of a pencil skirt, or perhaps even the trims of a bralette just peeking out from under a camisole 🙂
Wonderful post Catherine! I think every outfit becomes so much more interesting … with occasion details and needs revealed! A+ darling!!
xox
Tamera Beardsley
Ooooh occasion details *always* elevate an outfit, Tamera – I agree!! Thank you xx
I just spent the weekend running around London in either flat boots or trainers and still had aching feet so I don't blame you for ditching the heels! Fiona Bruce presented the Six O'clock news in trainers so that must mean they're now acceptable for the office…ok she had broken her foot, but they still looked smart. I'm all for more sequins at any time of the day! Great outfit topped off with that beautiful bag 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I just spent the weekend running around London in either flat boots or trainers and still had aching feet so I don't blame you for ditching the heels! Fiona Bruce presented the Six O'clock news in trainers so that must mean they're now acceptable for the office…ok she had broken her foot, but they still looked smart. I'm all for more sequins at any time of the day! Great outfit topped off with that beautiful bag 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Oh I didn't know that about Fiona Bruce, Emma… Good for her for refusing to suffer in heels!!!! Thank you sweetie, glad you liked it x
I love stripes ♥️. You look amazing in this outfit. Thanks for the link -up!
Always looking classy and put together, proof that sequins can be for work and adults.
~ xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
Instagram
Hi Catherine! Now these are some sequins I could get into! Love the bit of shimmer to dress up the striped top, and your workbag is fabulous! Thank you for featuring my look from last week!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
It was my pleasure to feature you, Jess! And thank YOU xx
Hey I'm gonna be digging around my closet for my sequin sweater! Thanks for the inspo, Catherine!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com
I have several sequin shirts…love them. Love yours too!
Gorgeous fun but professional look! Sequins are always a good idea in my books! Hope you're off to a smashing week Catherine!
Thanks for hosting
Rxx
Aww thanks Rachel – and yes they are, aren't they…?!!
Thank you for hosting!
Thank you for hosting!
My pleasure, Nancy x
Love this stylish work appropriate look, Catherine. I always try to add a highlight, usually a statement accessory or a bright pair of shoes to my office outfits. I love your idea of sequins under a classy blazer!
Thank you so much for including me in your "Featured Favourites".
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
Thank you Annette – you're the Queen of Stylish Workwear in my Eyes!!!! xx