Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt + Style With a Smile Link Up

September 12, 2017

Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt Zaraa pinstripe blouse

What a weekend I’ve had! I’m just back from running what’s probably the world’s silliest marathon through the vineyards of Bordeaux, drinking wine along the course! The Marathon du Medoc is certainly unlike any other running races I’ve done, but certainly the most fun! Luckily we shot these photos before the marathon because I don’t think I’ll be wearing heels for a while!

Combining statement sleeves and a pencil skirt can create a chic and on trend office-appropriate outfit…

Continuing my obsession with statement sleeves, I’m wearing another sale bargain that I bought from Zara a couple of months ago. Big ruffled sleeves look great with jeans for a casual outfit, but I like to buy clothes that give me options. Combining statement sleeves and a pencil skirt can create a chic and on trend office-appropriate outfit, provided the proportions are balanced and you don’t bare too much skin. This blouse does have a deep V at the back, but you could wear a vest underneath. Another option would be to turn it around and have the V at the front with a lace camisole underneath. I’ve tried it both ways and nobody would guess it’s back to front.

Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt Zara striped wrap blouse

The belt cinches in at the waist to balance out the ruffled sleeves which creates a flattering silhouette.

When I first tried the blouse on I wasn’t sure if I liked it. In fact I was going to return it, mainly because it takes a bit of patience to get it to look right. It’s not something you can throw on in a hurry: you have to thread the long belt through the inner loop and wrap it around, making sure the V at the back is sitting in the right place. I’m glad I gave it another chance though, even if it does feel a bit odd to have so much back uncovered. The belt cinches in at the waist to balance out the ruffled sleeves which creates a flattering silhouette.

I debated choosing a navy bag to go with the pale blue and red, but I often like a third colour and this grey bag is subtle.

I dug out this red pencil skirt which I’ve had for ages. Nowadays I tend to favour flared midi skirts over pencil skirts but the ruching on one side makes this quite forgiving. Plus, I like the combination of colours. I debated choosing a navy bag to go with the pale blue and red, but I often like a third colour and this grey bag is subtle. The pretty flowers on the strap have navy and red in them so they compliment the outfit. The bag was a clearance sale bargain from Brand Alley (another one of my favourite discount sites).

Zara striped wrap top, grey bag with flower strap

Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt Zara striped wrap blouse

Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt Zara striped wrap blouse

pale blue suede mules

I bought these shoes from Brantano (which has since gone into liquidation). They are very comfortable and pair nicely with the pencil skirt for an alternative to court shoes. After the weekend’s efforts I definitely need comfortable shoes!

Zara blue and white striped wrap blouse Asos red pencil skirt

SHOP THE LOOK

Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt Zara striped wrap blouse

Zara blouse | Asos skirt (old) | shoes from Brantano | Emilio Pucci sunglasses | bag from Brand Alley

Are you still rocking statement sleeves? The trend seems to be sticking around for A/W 🙂 It’s link up day so share your fab outfits!


This is where I link up!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links which means if you click on them and/or purchase via a link I may earn a few pennies, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is much appreciated.

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42 responses to “Statement Sleeves and a Pencil Skirt + Style With a Smile Link Up”

  1. Loving this outfit! The color of the skirt is so pretty and the style of that top is so fun! Great post!
    Peace!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

  2. Tiina L says:

    I have the same blouse! It drove me absolutely crazy (whichever way I wore it) because the belt kept creeping up towards my armpits. How do you make it stay put around your waist?!?

    • Emma Peach says:

      It’s a bit of a faff isn’t it? I do find myself pulling the top down to keep it in place. I think wrapping the belt around and tying it as securely as possible (without making it uncomfortably tight) is the only thing to stop it creeping up. It was the gaping at the back around the shoulders, which exposed those annoying ribbon loops, that I found tricky…why do they have to put them in every garment?!

  3. Mary Leigh says:

    This is one of my favorite unexpected color combos! It looks great!

  4. Now that’s the way to run a marathon…although I’d be a better cheerleader!! Ha ha!
    Love this blouse, Emma!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  5. jacqui says:

    Love it all Hun, especially the shoes, they’re just the job for Autumn. x Thanks for hosting. Jacqui
    http://www.mummabstylish.com

  6. amy says:

    Such a unique and pretty top! Love the shoes too!

  7. Oh wow, Emma! This is great! That top is so much fun. I love all the details. And the little front twist detail on the skirt is gorgeous, too! Fabulous look! I hope your soreness goes away soon so that you can get back to wearing heels!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  8. Laurie says:

    I would never have thought to put these colours together, but it all works so well. Orange and light blue, I will be trying you! Haa Poet! Fabulous as always Emma xx
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

  9. How darling are you?! I love this orange skirt with the denim..perfect style!!
    xo
    Valerie

  10. Suzy Turner says:

    That blouse is so cute! I probably wouldn’t have the patience to wrap the belt around it lol. Love the shoes and skirt too! Gorgeous!
    Suzy x
    Suzy Turner at Yogadocious

  11. Now THAT is my kind of marathon! haha. sounds like fun! it is good you kept the top ofterall as it really looks great on you1 i love the back and the bow as well as the statement sleeves. the 3 colors of red, blue and grey go so well together and love your peeptoe shoes.
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  12. Joi @INMYJOI says:

    Loving both the statement top & saturated pencil skirt Emma!!
    http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com

  13. Rena says:

    Love, love, love the blouse. I’ve been looking for one like it with a stripe and tie detail at waist but haven’t had much luck. Your whole look is fabulous and the purse with the floral trim on the strap was an excellent choice. I’m trying to embrace statement sleeves and one of the looks in my link up post has them. Thanks for your styling inspirations and for the link up.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

  14. Trina Morgan says:

    Beautiful outfit! Love the top and skirt:)

  15. Roxanne says:

    I love the statement sleeves! I am so jealous of your marathon! I’m gonna put that one in my bucket list!
    –Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

  16. Johanna says:

    These colors are pure perfection!

  17. You look so beautiful Emma. I love the colour of this skirt.
    XO Tina

  18. Edwige says:

    I really love your top! you styled it s well on that skirt! Fabulous!

    Edwige | http://www.hypnozgam.com

  19. RUth says:

    That sounds like a run I could get in on! You look amazing in this outfit. I love the white and blue stripes with that skirt!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

  20. Anna Shirley says:

    It’s beautiful outfit. Like the silhouette created by the top and skirt. Maybe this is something which can work for curvy women as well. I’ll try something like this. Very nice!

    Anna
    http://www.glamadventure.com

  21. Nicole says:

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. This top is a great statement piece . Great idea to pair it with a classic straight skirt in a statement color!. Great look!

  22. Khloe says:

    Lovely top and the color of the skirt is gorgeous!

    Xoxo,Khloe
    http://khloelocom.weburl.ro/somewhere-beach-croatia/

  23. Jennie says:

    This is a beautiful blouse and makes such a dramatic statement! So glad you gave it a chance and have a bit of patience to get it right. It looks lovely with your red ruched skirt.

    Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!

    Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots

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