Skirt: Sterling Skirt in Double Serge Wool (J.Crew, $148)

From Left, Tights: Mid-Grey Tights ($12) Necklace: Coach Crystal Clear Necklace ($248) Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Cupid Bag ($395) Shoes: Audrey Brooke Torie Bootie ($90) Shirt: Brandy Printed Stretch Silk Blouse ($345) Sweater: Acne Fine Knit Pullover ($245)

From Right, Earrings: Pearl Drop Earrings ($58) Bag: Arden B Flap Satchel ($78) Shoes: Grey Raja Pump ($200) Shirt: Limi Feu Top ($590) Jacket: Alice + Olivia Estell Jacket ($297)

For the Office.  Pairing mint with winter hues turned out to be more difficult than I thought.  I had planned to pair this with an oxblood peplum top, but with an a-line skirt, I just couldn’t see it working.  So I decided to bring in a printed blouse and a peacock sweater instead. 

I liked the idea of doing a grey and white/ivory printed top underneath the sweater to pull the tights and shoe combination into the fray.  However, it was surprisingly difficult to find an affordable shirt in that color palette. If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative to the sweater, this Loft sweater is just $59.

I chose grey tights and boots because while bare legs are fine for colder weather, I know that some of you prefer tights.  I think grey is by far and away the best choice.  If you do choose to wear bare legs, please do not wear nude shoes.  It will make the pastel skirt look even more summery than it already does.

Adding an oxblood bag helps bring the whole outfit into the winter realm, it also adds a nice shot of color.    And the necklace adds a bit of interest to the sweater and shirt combo, but if you’re looking for a less expensive alternative try this two tone statement necklace.

For the hair, I would wear it off my collar, probably in a loose, low bun.  For the makeup, I would paint my nails oxblood and wear a little more brown eyeliner and mascara than usual.  It’s a strong but soft look that pairs well with color.

For the Office.  Mint and cherry red is a fantastic and bold combination.  It seems like these two colors should clash like the Jets and the Sharks, but they actually bring out the best in each other.  The red enhances the softness of the mint, the mint lightens the brightness of the red.

Here, I paired a red ladylike jacket with a tie neck top and the mint skirt.  If $590 (!!!) is more than you want to pay for a shirt, this tie neck blouse from The Limited is just under-$60. The red jacket is a bit more difficult to find in the lower price points, but this longline blazer is $79 and this Michael Kors collarless blazer is $112.

Bare legs for this look, but you could wear grey tights if you’d like.  I’d choose a darker tight to pair with the charcoal shoes.  And this lovely, inexpensive bag would make a great addition to any wardrobe.

As for the earrings, I have a predisposition to wear pearls with ivory blouses.   Plus, I thought the little bows coordinated well with the prim shape of the jacket.

For the hair, I would wear it in a twisted updo.  For the makeup, I would choose a sheer red lip gloss and some black eyeliner with a touch of pink blush on the cheeks.