Call me Elle Woods, but I hate black suits. I find them boring, stuffy and generally just kind of manly. However, for some reason whenever I have an interview or a reason to look remotely professional, a black suit is just about all I can seem to come up with in my closet.   Given that I don’t want to go into a professional industry that is too conservative, I have made it goal to come up with some alternative options for a work environment. Because, who could resist sneaking a couple things for yourself during the awesome holiday sales?

I had some great luck at J.Crew when I was home for break. I found a skirt on-sale that I think was part of their last spring collection. It’s bright. Like really bright. But, I think I found some ways to make it work.

Here’s what I came up with:

 

The yellow skirt says a lot, so I kept it simple with a black, long-sleeve top and a scarf on top and neutral flats on the bottom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You could even dress it down by pairing it with a denim shirt and some sandals for a completely different look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone needs a LBD, but what about a LRD? I found an amazing red dress on sale at J. Crew that I can’t wait to put to good use. Again, the dress makes a statement, so I would keep accessories minimal. I am planning on mixing it up a little bit by pairing it with desert boots, instead of black heels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, incase I ever have a holiday cocktail party to go to (a girl can dream), I plan on wearing this vintage beauty I stumbled on at a store near my house in Minnesota. The cut is classic, the color is gorgeous. And, judging by the hole in the elbow, it’s already received some love from its previous owners. I’d probably keep it classic with some black heels and tights, but it would look great with the desert boots, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alas, I think it’s safe to say I no longer need the black suit. Well, maybe I’ll keep it just in case…