like that

poesy

I recently had one of those formal-ish occasions where I had to dress up and also keep the tattoo on my back hidden. This is always a bit of a pain since you can usually see it peeking up at the nape of most tops and dresses and on this occasion I was really at loss for a while as to what to wear, before I was hit by a flash of inspiration in the form of Clemence Poésy as pictured above. I have a cream silk shirt that would hide my tattoo nicely, and with some tailored trousers and a cuff for a dressier touch, I had the perfect outfit for a conservative evening out.

It worked out quite well; I felt very much myself and I got to break in my new heels. You can't see in the picture here but the shirt is actually too short to tuck in fully so I left it untucked at the back, doing my best to channel a Paris Voguette. 

IMG_6370

I like this outfit so much that I'm going to pack it along for a business trip next week, since it features the same type of semi-formal occasion with conservative strangers. This way I need not pack a dress that I will only wear once and the trousers easily work throughout the trip. More on packing later...

Picture of Clemence Poésy from vogue.fr

Comments

Unknown said…
Oooh I love it, this is always how I want to look when I'm dressed up...
Ammu said…
You look fantastic, and those shoes are the perfect finishing touch. Great look.
Joy said…
That photo of Clemence Poésy is amazing! Love the outfit that it inspired, very clean but still dressy. Didn't know that you have a tattoo!
M said…
This is perfect. Thank you for being an inspiration to me.
Aïssa said…
Wow, that's a great polished look!
Unknown said…
All the pieces work so well together, my fave outfit of yours!
Lindsay K said…
Such a polished, chic look!

Turns out this is exactly what I happen to be wearing today since we're having a rare cooler day, there's no meetings on the agenda and a few new silk shirts just arrived from my tailor.
Anonymous said…
You look so great in that photo - and what really comes across very clearly is that you are comfortable!
Eileen said…
Hi Lin, you look lovely and in your element in this outfit! Nice to see you in more formal outfits:)
miss sophie said…
love this outfit! what a great way to look appropriate and still completely yourself :) is that your 2.55?
Maja H said…
I love both Celemency's and your outfit. I've been toying with the idea of getting a nice silk shirt lately, as it would be perfect for that kind of work formal work occasion :)
petrichore said…
Cute!
Kate said…
Beautiful outfit! This is my go-to for dressier nights out and parties - on Saturday night I wore a white silk shirt with slim tan trousers. I really like the addition of the heels and gold cuff.
What a brilliant idea! I'm usually at a loss when I'm supposed to "dress up" for a slightly more formal event. I hate buying a dress just for the one off dinner too. I love the slightly more flashy cuff. Where did you get your shirt and pants? Love them! The heels are such a nice contrast to the conservative outfit.
lin said…
Rachel: Thanks. I love the look of a dress, but this feels much more "me".

Ammu: Thank you! Really happy with the shoes since they didn't bite my feet at all!

Joy: I've loved that picture ever since I saw it. And yep, I do, it's mostly hidden.

M: That's a very nice thing to say, and thank you!

Pret a Porter P: Thanks. I'm just relieved to be comfortable.

Aissa: Thanks! Rare does "polished" describe my look.

Xannie Nguyen: Thanks!

Lindsay K: Thanks! It's funny that when I dress up it reaches the level of your more "everyday" outfits - it is exactly the samwe with my sisters!

editor: Thanks, and indeed I was very comfortable and relaxed, which is good for work functions.

Eileen: Thanks! Every now and then I do scrub up a bit....

miss sophie: Thanks. And yes that is my reissue 2.55!

Maja H: I actually rarely wear my silk shirt because I find cotton more practical for everyday, and I was feeling like it was a bit of a waste of money, but I've totally changed my mind now that I realised there's a very good use for them.

petrichore: Thanks!

Kate: Thank you! Yes, I think I would have still looked too casual in flats for the crowd..

Chocolate, Cookies and Candy: Thanks! The shirt is from Sykes Silks, which I bought with a hefty discount, and it was a good thing too because worhmanship-wise it's not worth the full price! The fabric is very very gorgeous though, very matte silk of a good weight. The trousers are old Zara, my favourite pair when I was working at a more corporate workplace. Zara doesn't make pants that fit me any more!
G said…
What a simple, refined look! The cut and details are perfect.
Alexandra said…
One of my favourite looks from Clémence Poésy. Dressy yet comfortable! Love your shoes too!

http://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.co.uk/
lapindelune said…
This is simplicity and elegance at its finest, for me. It has only just struck me how well your clothes always fit - something I am still working so hard to accomplish.
lin said…
G, Alaxandra: Thank you!

Lapindelune: Thanks! I find that if clothes don't fit perfectly I don't wear them because they make me feel self-conscious.

Jade said…
cool that you left the back untucked. i think that gives even a "conservative" outfit a small bit of edge.
Sue said…
I honestly can't say which outfit I prefer, yours or Clemence's. But I can say, you wear yours absolutely beautifully - such nice clean lines. The shoes really bring out the outfit. I'm the same as you - I hate buying clothes for a one off occasion and like to "re-work" my existing wardrobe instead.
Anonymous said…
Your outfit is just perfect, Lin. So elegant and classy. Beautiful. Obviously, Mademoiselle Poesy also looks very pretty.

I also hate buying clothes or accessories for a one off occasion. I'm attending a wedding later in September and I'm already trying to figure out what dress and shoes I'll recycle from my wardrobe...

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