Pinstripe: The Power Player’s Fabric

(Top: Sold Out/ Similar Here – Skirt: Preston and York – Shoes: Vince Camuto – Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane)

Pinstripe: the fabric of Princess Diana, Rachel Green, and everyone in between.  For a long time, I looked at pinstripe as an exclusively men’s fabric worn by Wall Street financiers, US Presidents, and shoulder-pad clad Eighties tycoons.  

My work culture is very conservative when it comes to dress code and I usually err on the side of overdressing.  (You only wear jeans to a meeting with fully suited lawyers once to make you never do that again…Looking at you “casual Friday”)

I picked out this blouse from the Anne Taylor sale and it was actually more than I could have hoped for.  During their huge summer sale, I was throwing caution to the wind and chunking everything into my cart but boy I’m glad this baby wound up in there.  The flattering v neck keeps this blouse feminine but the fabric keeps it serious enough for any professional event your day throws at you. There’s just something about this executive pattern that makes you feel like you can run the country. While this exact top is no longer available, I’ve linked a similar option here.

I’ve paired it with a white midi skirt which allows the top to shine without trying to hog the spotlight.  I’ll take a slight detour to tell you that you need to have a white/cream skirt to pair with blouses for work. You don’t think you need it but listen to me: You Do.  You can thank me later.  

*And Surprise!  I’ve rounded out this outfit with my forever favorite white pumps.  A traditional nude pump or even navy would work with this outfit but as it’s summer, the white won out yet again.  

I wanted to keep this look classic so I opted for gold pearl button earrings and kept them close to my face as not to distract from the main event.  These Kenneth Lane earrings are older but this famous costume jewelry designer is still churning out the goods and you can always find similar earrings on secondhand sites like Ebay, Poshmark, or Etsy.  I’ve linked several options here, here, and here.  

(Top: Sold Out/ Similar Here – Skirt: Preston and York – Shoes: Vince Camuto – Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane)

You don’t have to be a stock broker or a high powered political official to wear this classic fabric but it’ll sure make you feel like the true power player you are.