Laundry by Shelli Segal tops tend to have one strong detail each: a ruffle, a bow, a cowl, a print or a bit of shine. In my experience that's what makes them useful at work, because a single interesting top with plain bottoms looks deliberate without looking like you dressed for a party. These twenty outfits lean toward the office, with tailored trousers, pencil and midi skirts, blazers and vests, plus a handful for weekends and warm weather. I've noted the proportions, colors and shoes for each, and what I'd watch for. Some of these pieces turn up secondhand, so there's a short checklist near the end for buying a used one too.
Three Bottoms That Carry Most of These Tops
When I build a work wardrobe around detailed tops, I don't start with the tops. I start with the bottoms, because a small set of plain ones does most of the work. Nearly every outfit below uses one of these three.
- High-waisted tailored trousers in black or navy. A high rise takes a clean tuck under short knits and bustier tops, and a pressed crease looks sharp next to soft ruffles.
- A solid midi skirt, pleated or A-line, in a neutral. It turns a weekend blouse into something you can wear to a meeting.
- Dark, clean straight-leg jeans with no rips. They take dressier tops down a notch for casual Fridays and evenings.
If you own those three in colors that suit you, most of the tops here have somewhere to go. The rest is shoes and one good blazer.
1. Laundry by Shelli Segal Ruffle Sweater Tank With Wide-Leg Pants
A sweater tank with ruffles is soft and a bit playful, so I give it the sharpest trousers I own. High-waisted wide-leg pants with a crease do that best. Bright orange, red or pink tanks look clean against cream or ivory; a pale or printed tank goes with black. Tuck it all the way in. A knit tank tucked halfway tends to pop out the moment you sit. Pointed slingbacks and a structured shoulder bag suit a creative office or lunch, and small gold hoops are enough next to the ruffles. Many offices want the arms covered, so I'd keep an open blazer on and let the neckline show between the lapels.
2. Laundry by Shelli Segal Cowl Neck Top With Satin Midi Skirt
A cowl neck top drapes, and so does a bias-cut satin skirt, so the two move together in a way that pleats would break up. I keep the colors deep, black, champagne, navy or dark green, and tuck the top loosely so a little fabric falls over the waistband. Satin is honest about everything: it shows creases from sitting and marks from water or sweat, so I'd wear this for dinner rather than a full workday. Low-heeled sandals, a compact clutch and small drop earrings, nothing at the neck since the cowl fills it. A cropped cardigan or fitted blazer covers cooler evenings.
3. Laundry by Shelli Segal Bow Bustier Top With High-Waisted Jeans
A bow-detail bustier top needs a waistband that meets it, which is why high-waisted jeans are the right partner. The higher rise closes the gap under a short, fitted top and makes it feel less like going-out wear. Straight or slightly relaxed dark denim keeps it polished. The bow is the whole point, so don't hang a necklace over it; small studs and a slim bracelet are plenty. Pointed flats or kitten heels and a small top-handle bag finish it. A cropped blazer works if it stays open. Bustier tops vary a lot in boning and grip, so I'd test this one sitting down before a long evening.
4. Laundry by Shelli Segal Off-the-Shoulder Top With Linen Pants
Off-the-shoulder tops slip down the arm with every reach, so I look for one with elastic that holds without biting before I think about styling. An embroidered off-the-shoulder top looks fresh with white or natural linen-blend pants, wide if the blouse is fitted, gently tapered if it's billowy. A billowy top wants a small front tuck so the waist shows. Flat leather sandals, a woven bag and medium hoops keep it light, in tan, white, pale blue or soft metallic. Carry a thin scarf for sun or air conditioning. This is a vacation and outdoor-lunch outfit; it's not one I'd send to an office.
5. Laundry by Shelli Segal Mesh Top With Tailored Black Pants
Mesh needs a good underlayer to look grown-up, and the color of that layer matters more than people think. A camisole that matches the mesh or your skin tone lets the texture show; a contrasting one turns the mesh into a pattern over a block of color. Under a cinched mesh top, I'd use a smooth cami and tailored black trousers, high rise with a straight or gently flared leg. If the waist is ruched, skip a belt; it crowds the gathers. Pointed pumps or polished ankle boots, a compact black bag and one pair of sculptural earrings. Good for evenings and creative workplaces.
6. Laundry by Shelli Segal Check Knit Top With Pleated Midi Skirt
Check knits and pleated skirts can clash, so I keep the skirt solid, black, navy, camel or cream, and let the check carry the pattern. Knit tops are often short, so a skirt with a higher waistband makes sure no skin shows when you reach for something. Tuck it all the way in so the waist reads and the pleats fall from the right point. Sleek loafers for daytime, block-heel pumps for after work. A structured crossbody, plain earrings and a watch. This one feels a bit different from the usual blouse and trousers while still being completely office-appropriate.
7. Laundry by Shelli Segal Button-Up Vest With Matching Trousers
A vest buttoned up as a top, with trousers in the same color, reads like half a suit and is one of the most useful work outfits I know. All black looks sleek; cream or camel feels softer in daylight. If your office prefers covered shoulders, wear a fitted crew-neck tee under it. Check the armholes first. Vest armholes are often cut deep for layering, and on their own they can show your bra from the side. Straight trousers and pointed flats keep it sharp, with a structured tote and a fine chain if the neckline allows. A long blazer on top makes a three-piece effect on cold days.
8. Laundry by Shelli Segal Red Ruffle Top With Dark Jeans
Red ruffles are loud, and I like dark, clean indigo jeans as the calm base: no rips, straight or bootcut. Tuck the blouse and add a narrow black or brown belt so the ruffles end at a clear waist. Neutral pointed flats, ankle boots or low pumps keep the red as the only color. Match the bag to the belt and shoes. Gold jewelry warms red; silver makes it look cooler and sharper. Red dye can bleed in the first few washes, so wash it alone or with darks the first time. Good for casual offices, family lunches and weekends when you want to look dressed without a skirt.
9. Laundry by Shelli Segal White Blouse With Straight-Leg Jeans
A white blouse with straight blue jeans is the outfit I'd want in every closet, and a feminine detail like ruffles, embroidery or soft sleeves keeps it from looking like a uniform. A relaxed front tuck shows the waist without fuss. Tan loafers, ballet flats or white sneakers depending on the day, and a cognac bag that works all year. Hold the blouse up to a window before buying; white blouses vary a lot in how sheer they are, and a nude cami is the fix. For structure, a navy blazer or short trench. Small hoops and a watch. Errands, casual Fridays and school meetings all suit this.
10. Laundry by Shelli Segal Printed Blouse With Pencil Skirt
Printed blouse, plain pencil skirt: it's the quickest way I know to make office clothes look less predictable. Pick the skirt color from one of the quieter tones in the print, navy, black, burgundy or taupe, so the blouse still leads. A smooth high-rise waistband takes a clean tuck without a ridge. Closed-toe pumps or elegant flats and a structured work tote. With a bold print, keep accessories solid and plain. I often swap the blazer for a fitted cardigan here, which softens it for days without meetings. Before buying a pencil skirt, sit in it; a hem that rides above the knee when seated is too short for most offices.
11. Laundry by Shelli Segal Turtleneck With Wide-Leg Trousers
A two-tone or color-block turtleneck tells you exactly what color to wear below it. Match the trousers to one of its blocks, and the top and bottom join into a longer line. Black, charcoal, chocolate and winter white are the easiest. Front-tuck it, or leave it out if it ends at the hip bone. Wide-leg trousers drag on the floor in flats, so I hem them for heeled ankle boots and wear those boots every time. A tailored coat and structured bag carry it through winter. The turtleneck already frames your face, so swap the necklace for medium hoops or geometric earrings.
12. Laundry by Shelli Segal Crochet Sweater With Maxi Skirt
Crochet has holes, so a cami underneath isn't optional, and it should match the yarn or your skin, not contrast. Crochet also stretches and grows with wear, and a heavy crochet sweater can pull out of shape if you hang it. A V-neck crochet sweater with a simple lined maxi skirt in cotton or linen keeps all the texture on top. A looser sweater wants a fitted or gently shaped skirt and a partial tuck. Flat sandals, woven slides or low espadrilles suit the yarn. I add a leather crossbody so it doesn't drift into beach cover-up territory. Good for spring weekends, travel and outdoor lunches.
13. Laundry by Shelli Segal Sleeveless Shell With Blazer and Trousers
Ask me for the most dependable work outfit and I'll say a sleeveless shell under a tailored blazer with ankle trousers. A jewel-toned shell brightens a navy suit; a printed one adds interest under black separates. Tuck it smoothly and wear a belt with a quiet buckle. Low block heels or pointed flats and a tote big enough for the day. The point of a shell is that it works when the jacket comes off at your desk, so I choose one with a neckline or print worth seeing. Wash shells after a couple of wears; underarm marks set into synthetics if left too long.
14. Laundry by Shelli Segal Three-Quarter Sleeve Blouse With Cropped Pants
Three-quarter sleeves are my top pick for anyone who runs warm at work but wants covered arms, and they leave the wrist free for a watch. Pair the blouse with cropped tailored pants ending just above the ankle. A printed blouse goes with solid black, navy, olive or cream; a matching blouse and pant give a long single line. Loafers, slingback flats or low block heels keep that bit of ankle clean. Full-tuck a light blouse, front-tuck a relaxed one. A satchel makes it a work outfit, a small crossbody makes it a weekend one. Great in between seasons and on travel days.
15. Laundry by Shelli Segal Sheer Floral Top With Slip Skirt
Sheer florals need two things to work: a smooth cami underneath and a solid skirt to calm the print. Pull the skirt color from within the florals; a black floral with a burgundy, navy or champagne slip skirt looks rich. Tuck the top loosely and smooth the cami so it doesn't bunch and show through. Slip skirts are bias cut and cling, so I check them for visible underwear lines in a mirror before leaving. Kitten heels or pointed flats, a small shoulder bag and delicate earrings suit the print better than a statement necklace. Add a fitted cardigan or cropped jacket in cooler weather.
16. Laundry by Shelli Segal Puff Sleeve Blouse With A-Line Skirt
Puff sleeves add width up top, an A-line skirt adds a little below, and the waist between them is what holds the outfit together. Keep the skirt's volume moderate, or the whole silhouette gets too full. Knee-length or midi, with a smooth waistband. Tuck the blouse all the way in, and add a slim belt only if the fabric lies flat under it. Pointed flats or low heels lengthen the leg. Pick a bag in the blouse or skirt color. Dramatic sleeves mean small earrings and no necklace. I suggest this to people who want something as polished as a dress for a luncheon, shower or office party but prefer separates.
17. Laundry by Shelli Segal Satin Camisole With Jeans and Leather Jacket
A satin cami under a leather jacket with jeans is the outfit I'd wear to a concert or casual dinner. The jacket makes the satin feel tougher, the satin makes the jacket feel softer. High-rise straight denim gives coverage at the waist. Black, cream, emerald, burgundy or navy camis all go with a black or brown jacket. Satin camis have thin straps, so plan the bra: a strapless, a matching one or a built-in shelf. Ankle boots or pointed flats and a medium crossbody with little hardware, since metal edges snag satin. A fine pendant at the neckline is enough. Suede or structured denim works if you don't wear leather.
18. Laundry by Shelli Segal Knit Polo Top With Tailored Shorts
A knit polo and tailored shorts look tidier than a tee and shorts with almost no extra effort. Choose high-rise shorts with a medium inseam and a flat, defined waistband; too short, and they stop looking tailored. Cream, tan, navy or black work with striped or solid polos. Tuck it in and add a slim leather belt. Loafers, clean sneakers or flat sandals, a compact tote and simple sunglasses. Knit polos cling a bit more than woven shirts, so if it's fitted, a light cardigan helps in air conditioning. Sightseeing, casual offices and warm travel days all suit this.
19. Laundry by Shelli Segal Black Blouse With Ivory Jeans
Black over ivory is a clean contrast that works in every season. Pair a black blouse from this line with high-rise ivory jeans, straight or gently flared. Decorative sleeves, a bit of ruching or a draped neckline stop the black from looking flat. Tuck it in and add a black belt to connect top and bottom. Black loafers make it sleek; tan shoes soften it. A structured bag and gold earrings, and a camel coat in winter. Ivory denim picks up dye from dark bags and new jeans that rub against it, so I'd keep indigo away from it. Casual offices, galleries, lunches and travel all work.
20. Laundry by Shelli Segal Colorful Blouse With Denim Midi Skirt
A colorful blouse with a dark denim midi skirt is how I wear a bright top on a casual workday. The indigo calms the color without dulling it. The skirt needs a front slit so you can walk easily and a high waistband for a clean tuck. Printed, ruffled and bright tops all sit well against simple denim. Knee-high boots in fall, heeled sandals in summer. Choose a bag in tan, black or one color from the blouse, and keep everything else quiet: small earrings and a watch. It's easy to repeat with different tops all season.
Checking a Secondhand Blouse Before You Buy
Pieces from this line turn up often on resale sites and in thrift stores, and older ones can be good finds. I check the same things every time, ideally in person or by asking the seller for close photos.
- Underarms and collar. Yellowing and deodorant buildup in synthetic fabrics rarely wash out completely.
- Elastic in smocking, shoulders and cuffs. Stretch it gently; old elastic that crackles or stays stretched won't recover.
- Beads, sequins and embroidery. Look for loose threads at the ends of rows, since one pulled thread can unravel a whole line.
- Side seams and the fabric under the arms. Knits pill and thin there first.
- The care and fiber label. If it's missing, you're guessing how to wash it, so treat it as hand wash, cool.
Small fixes like a missing button or a loose hem are worth buying through. Stains, tired elastic and damaged beading usually aren't, unless the price reflects the repair.
Build Around the Detail, Keep the Rest Quiet
With tops like these, I build the outfit around their shape, color and detail, then keep everything else simple. Blouses, tanks, sweaters and fitted tops from this line work with jeans, tailored trousers and flowing skirts alike. Start with the one focal piece, then pick plain bottoms, shoes you can walk in and accessories that stay out of its way. A good tuck and the right hem length do more for how an outfit looks than anything you add. The twenty combinations above cover work, weekends, warm weather and cooler months, so each top can earn a real place in your rotation.
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