Tuesday’s Workwear Report: Carolyn Maxi Skirt
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I never would have imagined wearing a maxi skirt to the office 10 years ago, but today this feels right. This column skirt from the Reformation x Alexa Chung collection looks like something that would work in a variety of situations.
For the office, I’d pair it with a printed blouse and some great shoes. For the weekend, I’d jazz it up with a cool cami like this one from A.L.C. that looks like every “going out top” I wore from 2004 to 2007.
The skirt is $248 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes 0-12.
Sales of note for 10/30
- Nordstrom – Extra 20% off clearance
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase + extra 15% off your $200+ purchase
- Brooklinen – Friends & Family – 20% off sitewide and 50% off select bundles
- J.Crew – 2700+ markdowns
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 50% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 20% on suiting and dresses! Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Talbots – Enjoy 30% off your entire purchase
Aw, this reminds me of the late 90s, when high schoolers wore business casual lol.
It reminds me of being forced to wear a long black skirt and white blouse for choir.
Yep. This is a middle school/high school orchestra concert outfit.
LOL, yes, pretty sure I wore this skirt to a district music contest in 1996.
SAME!
All the Hasidic jews in my area wear this to the mall.
+1. I also saw something similar on a Mennonite woman recently.
yep looks like modest dress for religions that require that.
Anti-Semite!
I shuddered seeing this; it’s peak 90s fundie church youth group frump fashion.
Hello religious trauma is all I can see in this skirt.
Former military band member here and the black wool gabardine floor length skirt is the only piece of uniform kit I kept because it’s damn near irreplaceable and the perfect skirt for winter concerts.
Between election anxiety and work anxiety (big project due), I slept terribly last night. And I had planned on doing a lot of heads-down detail work today — and need to, or other time-sensitive things won’t get done. FML. Hoping for a blue wave to lift my spirits but won’t hold my breath.
Am I the only liberal who barely even cares if we get a blue wave? The Dems couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag at this point and certainly don’t have any track record of “stopping the worst of Trump.” It’s taking everything I have to stop a full descent into nihilism.
This kind of thinking is how our country loses democracy and is favored by Russian propagandists. We have to keep at the hard work of democracy and rule of law.
Can Democrats controlling Congress with the current president in office get us everything we want? Nope, Congress alone doesn’t have that power in our country. Can Democrats, if they have control of Congress stop a lot of bad stuff? Absolutely, Congress has that that power.
Yes, Congress absolutely has that power, but Dems won’t use it! That’s my point. They don’t do the things they can do and exercise their power to its utmost. They tiptoe around and make noises of dissatisfaction but even though their constituents beg for them to show some fight, they won’t. Ever.
Yeah I’m not sure I am seeing the hard work of democracy happening when they have so much contempt for what voters want.
You might be. I am profoundly disappointed in the Democrat party for the reasons you state and others, but let’s not act like the numbers make a huge difference in their ability to stop the worst of Trump.
*let’s not act like the numbers DON’T* make a huge difference.
+1
I don’t understand “election anxiety” keeping you awake.Its beyond your control. Maybe some therapy would help.
Therapy would be useless for this and is an odd thing to suggest. A lot of us feel anxiety over the future of our country. It’s the same thing as feeling sadness for someone you don’t know who is in crisis—the poor, refugees, the badly treated. Glad you’re so secure that it doesn’t affect you. Some people are incapable of feeling anything for any situation not directly affecting them. I don’t understand that—but know you people exist in the world.
You don’t understand why someone could feel anxiety over, for example, their rights being taken away as a result of who is voted into power?
I’ve been using ChatGPT as a personal scheduling assistant these days for similar reasons. I tell it my schedule, priorities, etc. and ask it to batch my day into focus work/email etc. and capture any open items. Yes, I’m offloading my working memory, but it’s been so much more effective than my usual notebook/planner set up.
It’s so bad for the environment 😩
Does your work allow that? That is such a security risk.
Don’t most orgs now have versions of all these tools that you can use in your secured work system?
Tell that to my work. I wish I could turn off Copilot, it’s so annoying to have it integrated with Microsoft.
I’m pretty protective of my working memory these days. I’ve already noticed a decline since having my son (sleep deprivation and all), as well as a serious hit to both memory and concentration from all the screentime and multitasking. Dementia runs in my family and I’m at higher risk genetically, so definitely not taking any chances.
I can’t tell if this is an argument for or against ChatGPT but I feel like AI is making everyone stupider and probably also increasing the risk of dementia.
Honestly, head-down detail work sounds perfect to get through today. Lots of little things you can accomplish one after the other. Put on headphones with some sort of “music for concentrating” and dive in!
Hopefully a fun question: If you exchange gifts with your significant other, what are you asking for this year?
My boyfriend nails it when given any kind of direction or even hints, but left to his own devices I end up receiving sweet but extremely practical gifts.
What I really want is a new wedding set with lab-grown diamonds. I am afraid he will be offended if I ask, though, as if I don’t love the originals. I do, but after 30 years I wouldn’t mind an upgrade.
Same boat! 25 happy years in here and longing for a different and labgrown ring. I don’t wear my original anymore for various reasons.
I upgraded at my 10 year anniversary! My husband was a little sentimental about the ring he designed for me, but he got to pick out the new one too, and loves it. You should totally do it! Just tell him it’s outdated and you want a newer style! You don’t have to tell him you don’t love it!
Can you take it to a jeweler to be cleaned and ask if there is any chance, any chance at all, that the setting is about to give way? If there is then you’re pretty much forced to have it repaired, and maybe upgraded a little along the way.
I don’t know yet! I truly wish my husband would give ideas, hints, or direction at all, because I have really not nailed it the past few years (despite trying, I swear). All this to say, if you exchange gifts with your S.O., it is kind to ask for what you want!
A set of 8 Duralex coffee cups in bottle green, my favourite cafe uses them and every week, I admire them. A vintage cake cloche. And the books where I’m 25 people down the library holds list.
My husband is getting theatre tickets and some sort of display case for his model trains.
oooh love those cups!
I’m getting some fancy jewelry in the new year to mark the birth of our first baby (yay!!!!), so for Christmas he’s surprising me with some small but meaningful things.
He’s getting a Moccamaster coffee machine.
I adore my Moccamaster! great gift idea
My husband recently got a Moccamaster and loves it! Congrats on the baby!
Good call on the coffee machine. We got a fancy machine when our baby was a few months old, but really they should have issued us one in the hospital.
Upgraded lounge set (I bought myself a Negative top in ‘whipped’ and unfortunately it is just as soft and cozy as the influencers say). I’m asking for a set in waffle. I’m also requesting a giftcard to our local bookstore, fun candy, and a date night to the movies.
DH has access to my TRR account so is welcome to choose something from my “obsessions” list – I consider that the modern-day equivalent of having a list on file at the local jeweler!
For him I try to pay attention during the year of things he mentions but doesn’t want to spend the money on. Could be anything from the Ray-Bans he tried on at the airport to a better water bottle that he was eyeing at REI.
Last month my bf literally said the words “I’d get it except I don’t need to spend more money on myself.” Idk if it was a purposeful for hint or not, but he will be getting said item for Christmas!
i do this also – i like a lot of things on posh/TRR leading up to holidays then pick out five or six and send them his way. he then gets to pick one for me.
I bought a purse with his credit card that I’m wrapping nicely for myself. He’s getting a cobweb duster brush (but it’s made in the UK?)
My now husband was not the best at gifts when we met, so one year I walked him to Aesop (because there’s a store a block away from our house) and said “get me something from here – literally anything”. He ended up buying a really nice gift set and since then it’s become a funny tradition – he gets me something from Aesop for Christmas, and during the year I go through the stash of shampoo and scented candles or whatever and think of him. It’s not the most creative, but I like them all. He has since gotten better usually gets me “something from Aesop” and something else small he picked out (maybe a book, some jewelry, etc). I tend to buy him clothes and/or concert tickets. I also usually plan a nice weekend away for his birthday in January.
I have a note on my phone that I share with my husband & family with my gift wish list.
This morning I added the Quince washable silk alternatives. I have a Lunya pair that are 6+ years old and falling apart; these seem to be a slightly more affordable alternative.
I also put some “fancy” (not purchased at Trader Joes) candles
A few years ago he surprised me with one of those eye masks that has heat+Vibration+air puffs. It also connects to bluetooth. I use it a lot; 20 min. listening to my audiobook while relaxing. It is especially helpful with sinus or hormone headaches!
I’ve been working on slowly updating my baking dishes, so I’ll probably have a few of those on my list of ideas for him and the kids. I’ll also include a few (moderately priced) jewelry items that I’d like to have and a few other odds and ends that I’ve noted as ideas during the year so they have some options to choose from.
Baking dishes are a good idea. I upgraded my pie plates and casserole dishes and I love looking at them.
We usually exchange personal gifts (and he usually knocks it out of the park with something sparkly), but this year we agreed that our joint gift would be to replace the four armchairs in our living room that the kitties used for scratching posts when they first arrived. We already ordered them and I have my fingers crossed that they will arrive by Christmas, or at least in time for our annual New Year’s Day open house. For “something small to open,” he’s getting a Christmas ornament commemorating our travels this year, and I’m asking for a pound of See’s candy.
What are your go-to business formal pieces for travel? Are there pants and jackets that look sharp without hours of ironing/steaming? I have a couple DVF Sana dress that I like to pack, but would like to have suiting options too.
Suits will travel wrinkle-free in a suitcase with a suit folder.
+1 – the only times I’ve ever worn business formal to fly is when I was unexpectedly able to catch an earlier flight and had to just about sprint through the airport to catch it. If you must – the Spanx suiting line is supposed to be great for this purpose, Abra at Cap Hill raved about if for long days in session.
Do you mean for literal travel like you need to wear it on the plane? Hopefully not. For packing, the trick is in the folding – like I fold suiting pieces around squishable stuff like underwear, socks, PJs, workout clothes, and then use packing cubes to keep them from slipping around and bunching up.
OP here. I don’t mean on the plane, I mean for meetings etc. when I get to my destination.
If you google “how to fold suit for carryon” there are a couple videos that I tried with success! essentially folding one shoulder inside the other
Just fold things neatly and intentionally so the aren’t a mess when they come out of your carryon. I do this and nothing needs an iron; the most I will do is hang my outfit in the bathroom at my destination to take advantage of the steam from the shower.
Look up “bundle packing” or “bundle wrapping” for instructions if this isn’t a concept that comes naturally to you.
I have zero concept of what it means to fold something “intentionally.” Like I’m staring at this line on my screen like it’s alien.
Taking extra care with how the crease lines fall to minimize wrinkling.
That’s why I provided search terms.
Basically, pay attention to how you arrange your garments so you are smoothing out wrinkles and strategically positioning the fabric so none will develop.
I have the Briggs & Riley carryon with the folding garment thing built in. I normally aim for more substantial fabrics – boucle jackets/skirts, weighty knits or cashmere, scuba – all fluff out well. Basically think modern Emily Gilmore. Vince normally has a nice knit jacket that is made with that thicker material around this time of year. For me at least, the travel well is a k-curve on price – cheap synthetic or really expensive stuff. The middle ground is just a creased mess. And, don’t be afraid to have your dry cleaner starch anything that if it was mens would be starched.
Ann Taylor black suiting pants (do not wrinkle if rolled)
Silk sweaters (thin enough to wear under blazer; do not wrinkle but pack flat)
Blazer – I have a couple that do not wrinkle
For example, last time I needed a suit, I packed my black Ann Taylor pants, a cream silk sweater, and a pink blazer from Veronica Beard. Add a black belt with a silver buckler (to go with the buttons on the blazer), black heels or loafers depending on how long I will be on my feet, earrings and a necklace and I am good to go with no wrinkles or need to iron/steam.
What do you wear for weekend errands when you want to look a little more put together than leggings or jeans?
Same outfit as usual but boots instead of tennis shoes
I can’t say I’ve ever wanted to look more put together for errands.
+1. I wear jeans for errands in the cooler weather months.
My put-together errands look is jeans.
Same
Ha, I was going to say that too
I don’t personally feel great in skin tight leggings outside of the gym, but I wear other tech-ish joggers/pants from somewhere like gap/athleta pretty frequently on weekends
I think looking more polished/intentional is mostly the same as other times – it’s not a magic style of pants that does it, it’s intentional choice of shoes/accessory; a third piece like a fun fall jacket; on point hair and subtle makeup; clothes in casual fabric/cut that are good quality, not worn out, no tiny holes or stains, etc etc
I don’t understand the “more put together than jeans” part, because an outfit with jeans can be incredibly put together! So if you’re not feeling put together enough in jeans, I’d be asking about what shoes you’re wearing, whether the jeans are on-trend and fit you well, what top you’re wearing, what your outerwear / bag is like, and hair/makeup/glasses.
Athleta wide leg pants with cute sneakers and a cute sweater or jacket. I rent through nuuly so I have a changing assortment of fun jackets and sweaters this time of year.
When it’s hot I wear sundresses and Birkenstock sandals.
Does not compute, as most of my weekend outfits centers around jeans in the fall, winter, and spring (and dresses in the summer). However, I also own a couple pairs of casual chinos in olive green and navy blue that I style for daytime events on the weekends (wineries, friends’ gatherings, a kid’s birthday party). If i’m going this route, I have a couple collared cardigans or half-zips that I’ll often put over a nicer tee shirt, layered with a denim or leather jacket. If it’s not cold enough for all of the pieces, then I’ll usually do a top wtih some kind of print or bolder accessories and just wear a jacket over the tee and chinos, or just the middle layer of cardigan or half zip.
For me, the accessories make the look. I have nice sneakers or loafers that pair with these options so it’s kind of a set-and-forget formula.
I caved and bought the Rag & Bone Miramar “jeans.” So right now, those, a tank and a cropped quarter zip sweatshirt/fleece with cute fashion sneaks. Or heavier material Vuori/Varley wide leg pants with same items on top. Adding a vest if I need to be warmer.
It is funny, in my mind Vuori/Varley wide leg pants look less put together than jeans. I guess it depends on the jeans though. But I just think of Vuori pants as athleisure.
Wearing the Miramar right now, with the cute silver and white track stripe.
I just looked these up and wow, $360 Canadian dollars for sweatpants that look like jeans.
These aren’t really more elevated than jeans (I’m not sure what errands would merit being more dressed up), but when I want something else I will wear my hiking pants and a puffy vest, or a knit dress with a jean jacket.
Jeans are my put together errands look!
jeans ARE my higher level of put together for errands, lol. Would swap my usual sneakers for flat suede boots and tee / casual coat for nicer tee / trench coat I guess?
Right?! Jeans are not my sweats.
I have a couple casual dresses I wear with tights and boots. I don’t really consider them errands clothes – but more just weekend clothes and I happen to also be doing errands in them. I wouldn’t say, do a dump run in this outfit, but post office – sure.
An Old Navy casual dress or perhaps the Ruti barrel leg dupes from Amazon.
I would like to make quick highlight reels (not for social media, just for texting to family and friends) from events like our big Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve realized I LOVE looking back on videos and really seeing the life of the people who are featured. What’s the best app or basic way to do this from my iPhone? I don’t have social media so I don’t have any familiarity with what tools influencers are using, but I don’t think I need all that they have – just want to stitch together 45 seconds of clips and maybe add a song. Any recs?
I’m pretty sure you can do this in the Photos app.
Ya’ll always have great travel recs. Any Chicago recs for the full week of Thanksgiving with our 13 and 17 yo girls? We have shopping and the Christmas market on our list. What light displays do you like? Is Second City appropriate? They also like being active. We will be in Lincoln Park but can travel around easily. Turkey trot is on the itinerary already. Thank you!
My sister went to the sandwich shop that the Bear was modeled off of.
if you get a mild day, the architecture boat tours are lovely!
Regular Second City shows are mostly R rated. I think it would be fine for 17 but maybe not 13. There are occasional family friendly shows but they might skew too young for teens.
I’d suggest afternoon tea at one of the fancy hotels, the holiday teas kick off Thanksgiving week and are really fun.
ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo is fun, especially since you’re right there.
Low stakes question: with the weather turning chillier, I’m realizing my winter running wardrobe needs an update. I don’t run if it’s freezing, but do run in upper 30s/low 40s. Does anyone have preferred leggings, long sleeve shirts, vest, etc.? It’s probably been a decade since I last went on the hunt for these things and am not sure where to start.
An anti-recommendation of sorts–I have a bunch of the LLL Swiftly long-sleeve tops and love them EXCEPT for the fact that the cuffs are not stretchy enough to allow me to push up the sleeves when I get hot. So look for tops with stretchy sleeves/cuffs.
Target all in motion men’s long sleeve shirts are the bomb and solve this problem really well for me.
I solved this problem by just stealing my husband’s LLL long sleeves. It did create some new problems with (apparently) work out clothes are not community property.
Love all my cold weather gear from Oiselle, although it’d be best for the colder end of your temp scale. Their Bad Weather Gloves and Say Anything jacket are amazing, also like their full-length pocket jogger tights. I have a fleece-lined pair of tights from them, but don’t think it’s the same model they currently sell and I only pull them out when it’s REALLY cold (freezing-ish or below), or for hikes in the 40s.
I have some lined leggings from LLBean that I love for winter running. I don’t bother with them when it’s above freezing, but if you want something warmer than regular running tights these rock: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/124950
I also love these tights… but they’re definitely overkill for running in those temperatures. I can recommend them for hiking in that weather or running/xc skiing when it’s colder though. When it’s above freezing, you probably don’t want lined leggings, so just go with whatever regular kind fits you best.
Revlon Rum Raisin lipstick — worth it or over-hyped?
A couple of nights ago I had a literal nightmare in which a former boss screamed at me for not completing some discovery responses which no one ever told me about. I am deeply dissatisfied in my current, very unique in-house counsel position, but when I think about going back to a traditional lawyer job, it apparently gives me nightmares.
Solidarity, as a former litigator, now in-house. My in-house job leaves *much* to be desired, but I will never, ever go back to a traditional law firm job.
I always have dreams like this when I’m feeling behind on something IRL. It gives me motivation to figure out what’s nagging at me and solve it!