Makin’ It (at) Work: All Buttoned Up

The recent drop in temperature means the return of fashion’s favorite season: autumn!

We wait anxiously for the treasured September issues and the lookbooks of our favorite brands, along with cozy layers, longer sleeves, and higher necklines. So, it’s no wonder that one of our favorite trends this season is Victorian-inspired.

Check out the images below to see how Meredith makes this runway look work at her office, and get some inspiration for your workplace wardrobe, too!

Our Runway Inspiration

The black and jewel-toned runway looks, with flattering hourglass shapes and countless buttons, remind us of the ominous moors of Wuthering Heights or the dark stylings of Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty. You can evoke the same sense of mystery with a dark silhouette like Elie Tahari’s runway look, a blouse with billowed sleeves like the Marc Jacobs’ ensemble, or a skirt or top with a never-ending line of buttons à la Diesel Black Gold.

How We Made It Work

With dark colors, an hourglass shape, and pretty details, Meredith’s office-ready take on Victorian includes a little of all three looks.

A Standout Blouse

With its exaggerated sleeves and pleated V-neck, it’s the blouse that makes the outfit. The look is distinctly Victorian, but paired with a classic pencil skirt, still entirely office appropriate.

Buttoned-Up and Beautiful

The best part of all: the elegant buttons up the back.

Accessories Make It

Meredith’s all-black accessories and taupe nail polish, while moody and mysterious, are still classic. (Though if you could also incorporate teal heels or a bright bangle—a pop of color never hurts!)

The Finishing Touch

To complete the look, Meredith pulled her hair into a sleek bun—at once very Victorian and perfect for the workday.

Photos courtesy of Cubicle Chic.

About the Author

Cubicle Chic is a personal style blog, founded by Lindsay Mueller and Meredith Duncan. Cubicle Chic focuses on dressing for the corporate world, with a healthy dose of creativity and flair. These two ladies believe that your 9-5 wardrobe shouldn’t bore you—there’s no need to get lost in a sea of suits! Instead, stand out by expressing yourself and find trends and style signatures that work for you. That’s a sure-fire way to make for a feel-good, look-good situation—and who doesn’t want both?