Closet de Jules

I realized the majority of my blog posts have focused on my weekend or travel outfits. But in reality, most of the time I am in my business casual or professional (yes, I work a lot!). Unlike many bloggers, I am not exactly working in a profession where I get to be too creative about my workwear. However, I like to use patterns, colors and accessories to make the most of out my work outfits.

We all know bottom up shirt and pencil skirts are the most traditional pieces for working professionals. To stay stylish in a corporate environment, I chose a toned down leopard skirt to go with the most simple white blouse. Sitting in a cube or in a meeting, the plain white top isn't gaudy and it says I mean business. But take a step back and look at the whole picture, its subtle playfulness definitely stands out among the scores of black jackets and skirts you normally see at the office.

I am planning to post more of my work outfits going forward. Stay tuned!


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Blouse: Blythe Blouse in Silk - J. Crew (similar) || currently on sale!
Pencil Skirt: Talbots (similar)
Sunglasses: Aviator Classic RB3025 - Ray-Ban
Watch: Check Stamp Round Bracelet Watch - Burberry || currently on sale!

As fall slowly slipping away and winter stealthily rings the bell, I have come to realize an immediate need to compile a general theme for my closet revolving around this season’s biggest trend, color-blocking! I know primary colors has been around the block for at least a year now, but who could resist the versatility of mixing and matching the simple yet bold colors. It’s the perfect way to accentuate your figure without using too many pieces of accessories.  Not to mention, putting together those color patterns, either in strips or in blocks, vertically or horizontally, and pairing them up with tights and a pair of horse-riding boot would definitely make you stand out among those monotone black coats or disorientated layering.


A fashion consultant was invited to my office today to give us a 2-hour long “personal branding workshop” (aka how to build your professional wardrobe). It takes 5 seconds to make an impression. What kind of impression you are trying to give to your coworkers or your clients has a lot to do with what you wear. For example, black/navy/khaki suits communicates the authoritative image of you; yellow/orange/pink, on the other hand, is telling others that you are more accessible (i.e. most likely to be asked to do more work from your boss!).

I have always been a huge fan of colors ever since I had discovered the joy of learning how to look good while making my own statement with clothing. Mastering color is the secret of being a skilled stylist which is not surprising, since having a coherent color scene plays a major part of your overall look.


Enough said about colors... I picked up this pink sweater when J. Crew had their 25% off sweaters sale last week. Wearing bright pink used to be a no no for me in the office, so I was playing with my closet to find some ways to incorporate the color as a part of my professional look. I hope you liked my “7 ways to wear a sweater” mixes and matches. Let me know what is your favorite (or least favorite) one!

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Sweater: Tippi Sweater - J.Crew
Skirt (top left): Ann Taylor (similar)
Skirt (top middle): Talbot 
Skirt (top right): Postage Stamp Mini in Dizzy Anchors - J. Crew 
Dress wear as skirt (middle right): Ella Dress in Garden Floral - J.Crew
Boots (bottom left): old-old-old Boots - Cole Haan (similar)
Blazer (bottom middle): Jacquard Pattern Blazer - Zara
Jeans (bottom middle): old Toothpick Ankle Jean in White Denim - J. Crew
Shirt (bottom right): old Non-Iron Sateen Shirt - Banana Republic
Pants (bottom right): Ultimate Double Weave Notch Back Columnist Pant - Express
Clutch: Havana Clutch - J. Crew