Two Ways: Pleated Pink Skirt

Skirt: Double Calf Pleat Skirt ($96)

From Left, Necklace: Kate Spade Hot Chip Necklace ($198) Bag: Tory Burch Crossbody ($365) Shoes: Astoria Open Toe Ballet ($198) Shirt: Brooks Brothers Button Up ($195) Belt: Tan Scallop Belt ($17)

From Right, Earrings: Small Square Stud ($38)  Bracelet: C. Wonder Knot Bangles ($48) Bag: Topshop Boxy Bag ($56) Shirt: Valentino Tulle Stripe Top ($395) Shoes: Tory Burch Alexa Sandals ($285)

For the Office.  A crisp white shirt can be boring.  But if you add it to a bright separate, roll the sleeve a bit and pop the collar a little bit, you have an ensemble that is classic and chic.

If the Brooks Brothers shirt above costs more than you want to spend, Banana Republic’s white shirt is my favorite.  If you’re plus size, my former boss swore by these Ralph Lauren shirts.  I added the belt to help pull the look together, but if you would prefer something with an actual buckle, this $9 Wet Seal belt will do a decent job.

I wanted to add accessories in a coordinating color, so I chose this green bag and a celadon-colored necklace.  If you like the green cross body, but not the price, the Rebecca Minkoff Mini-MAC is under-$200, J.Crew Factory has a great alternative for $89 and  this Topshop bag is more substantial and under-$100.  As for the necklace, this geometric one is a great substitute at under-$30.

Last, but certainly not least, are these open toed Cole Haan flats, which I think will be making their way to my closet.  Prefer a cheaper pair?  It’s a little early yet for a good selection, but these patent bow flats are cute and these Aldo’s could be a good staple.

For the hair, the updo of your choice or wear it down with some volume at the crown.  For the makeup, a pop of pink on the cheeks and some black eyeliner.  With a white top, you have to wear just a bit more makeup to avoid being washed out.

For Sunday Brunch.  I own a box pleated red skirt that I like to wear with a navy striped shirt.  It’s a little nautical, but every now and then, it’s nice to do something different.  So instead of red, this outfit pairs sailor stripes (which are always big for spring and summer) with pink.

Since this Valentino striped top is adorable but excessive, I thought I should suggest some other options.  This striped tee from GAP is a great place to start–$30, and it comes in white/navy and navy/white.  This J.CREW Factory boatneck is a great option.  This Charles Tyrwhitt shirt is the definition of classic at $59 or two for $90.  And if you’re plus size, Land’s End makes a great boatneck sailor tee.

For the accessories, a cool and affordable navy bag mixes with some knotted bangle bracelets for just a hint of sailor.  As for the shoes–isn’t it always about the shoes–do I have a recommendation for you.  I bought these Maiden lane sandals on Gilt Groupe and I.LOVE.THEM.  Granted, I’ve only walked around my apartment bldg in them so far. But they hold such promise that I also bought them in the gold and tan just so I would be fully stocked for summer.

For the hair, I’d keep it breezy and light–some waves, some beach spray, the usual.  For the makeup, I would def. wear a pink gloss and some pale pink nail polish on my fingers.