• Wine Jersey Dress: Japanese Weekend, via eBay
• Nude Cork Wedges: Jones New York, via DSW
• Navy Pinstriped Blazer: Calvin Klein, via Filene’s
• Silver Necklace: Gifted

I’ve talked before about suit alternatives, whether borne out of sartorial boredom or sheer necessity, and this is another one of my favorites: the jersey dress + blazer combination, one I’m particularly loving these days. While matte jersey is pretty much a pregnant lady’s best friend, there is a limit to the amount of draping any one woman can tolerate (gosh darn it). A crisp blazer provides needed structure, and has the added bonus of adding warmth in a cold office. In the hallway or in a large meeting, it provides that “gut check” level of formality that’s often necessary: it allows for the quick, “oh, I see lapels! She’s dressed appropriately” reading that is often, in fairness, the only thought most of one’s coworkers give to one’s sartorial choices.

I’ve rescued this blazer from the wilderness of a somewhat regrettable suit I bought last summer. (As usual, I have few excuses for the regrettable purchase: I walked by Filene’s on my way home every day, I discovered belatedly that I worked in a suits-and-really-actually-suits-every-day office…). While the skirt never quite worked for me, I’ve really loved both the cut of the blazer and the unique sheen of the fabric, which feels unexpected and a little bit sophisticated. I’ve cuffed the sleeves to prevent my own fidgeting and keep the proportions a bit more modern, but the basic structure is classic and pretty traditional. The upshot? A look that feels put together, is easy to wear (particularly in the insane heatwave we’ve been having), and gave me a little freedom to be experimental in other ways (like with my shoes, while I can still see them!).