Two Ways: Yellow-Striped Silk Tee

Top: Picket Silk Tee (Madewell, $89)

From the Left, Earrings: Kenneth Cole Hoops ($26)  Ring: Faux Emerald Ring ($61) Bag: Rose Tote ($175) Shoes: Sacha Nadira Shoe ($120) Blazer: Sandro Virgule Jacket ($450) Skirt: Pencil Skirt ($70)

From the Right, Bracelet: Lapis Lazuli Bracelet ($78) Purse: Tory Burch Shoulder Bag ($325) Shoe: Banji Sandal ($118) Sweater: Gucci Cardigan ($895) Jeans: AE Skinnies ($40)

For the Office.  First off, let me say, that for the vast  majority of purchasers, this top will need alterations. Like nearly every piece of off-the-rack clothing ever made.  It may need to come up in the shoulder, or in at that waist, or up in the sleeve.  So when you put it on, instead of saying, “Ugh, it doesn’t fit,” take it to a tailor and see what it would cost to make it fit perfectly. If it’s more than you want to spend, return it to the store. I do it all the time.

All white suits can be tricky, so I like to mix my white separates with other suiting pieces.  (Just make sure they’re similar material. Cotton pants and a wool jacket can look mismatched.)  Here, I mixed a navy pencil with a modern fit blazer.  Add the bright, striped blouse underneath and you’ve got a light spring and summer look.  

For the accessories, I chose navy pumps, but you could also go with tan or nude.  I added a light brown bag that’s perfect work.  And I finished the look off with gold hoops and a faux-emerald and gold ring.  This outfit is young and stylish, but still professional.

For the makeup, I would recommend something neutral.  No bright blushes or bold lips, just a solid natural look with plenty of mascara.  For the hair, I would do a sleek ponytail or a bun placed at the back of the head (not low or to the side).  But make sure you get a little lift at the crown, I don’t want your hair plastered to your head like a gymnast.

For Casual Friday.  Ignore the $900 cardigan.  You can’t believe how tough it is to find a v-neck cardigan in bright yellow.  Not pale yellow.  Not gold.  Not citron.  Just bright yellow.  So feel free to swap this Gucci number (who knew Gucci made cardis?) for something a bit more…affordable/reasonable/not jaw dropping in a bad way.

I bought a pair of these jeans last weekend because I need knock arounds to wear to the shooting range, and I love them.  They’re so comfortable.  American Eagle, who knew?

I added cobalt accessories because I wanted punch, but I thought tangerine or fuchsia would be too much.  Lapis is always a favorite of mine, so I’m coveting this bracelet big time.  Add a matching flap bag and a cool, casual sandal and your already for casual Friday, an afternoon with the girls in Georgetown or a casual dinner date.

For the hair, I would advocate for something bouncy and soft with lots of volume.  Straight or curly, dealer’s choice.  For the makeup, I would play up the brightness with a hint of bronzer and pink blush.  I would also use a gold eyeshadow and a brown eyeliner.  And, lastly, I would avoid nail polish in any trendy hues like yellow (too obvious), mint (blech), orange (clash much?) or black (you are not a bumblebee).