Two Ways: Silk Button Down Blouse

Blouse: Blythe Silk Blouse (J.Crew, $100)

From the Left, Earrings: Tory Burch Dome Stud ($58) Belt: Circle Belt ($9) Purse: Milly Victoria Satchel ($435) Shoes: Orra Pumps ($120) Necklace: Machine Glitz Necklace ($88) Skirt: Kimmie Pencil Skirt ($198)

From the Right, Earrings: Kashmir Metal Hoops ($40) Bag: Zara Rigid Shopper ($169) Bracelet: Bangle Set ($14) Sandal: Fredy Sandal ($299) Scarf: Opening Ceremony Scarf ($565) Denim: Mossimo Colored Denim ($23)

For the Office. I obsessed with the three-piece outfit this season: pants/skirt, shirt/sweater, statement accessory.  I’m all about the simplicity of three pieces that pack a wallop of style without a lot of effort.  Maybe this is because I’m getting older and I no longer want to spend 20 minutes in front of the mirror putting on and removing layers until I find something that works.

Here, I paired the silk blouse with vibrant red skirt and a navy and gold necklace.  A simple, classic color combination in simple, classic shapes.  It looks chic and effortless, because it is actually effortless.

To pump up the simple three-piece combination, I added a wide, elastic belt, a navy bag and a simple neutral pump.  I also added simple gold studs to complement the necklace and the hardware on the bag.

For the hair, the shirt has a collar, so I would wear mine up.  If you want to wear it down, I would recommend a wavy half up/half down look.  For the makeup, you can wear a red lipstick if you want to, but you are by no means required to do so.  I would wear a gold shimmer eye, black eyeliner and slightly-rosy cheeks and lips. 

For the Weekend. In addition to our conversation about sock buns (see this morning’s post), Virginia and I also had a conversation about colored denim in the office.  I’m fine with it for recess, Virginia is less understanding and believes “electric blue jeans just can’t be worn to work at any point.”  This really depends on the office, but I’m fine with them during recess if every other thing on your body is work appropriate. 

If you have doubts, just save them for the weekend.  I do.

Speaking of weekend, a silk shirt with jeans is perfect for a semi-relaxed Saturday.  Wear this outfit shopping, to brunch or on a daytime date.  And, yes, I know the scarf is insanely-priced at $565, but it is a really cool pattern.  If you’re looking for something similar check out this Aztec-print scarf for $25 or this “Navajo” one for $99. 

For the other accessories, I chose some slightly bohemian/Indian-inspired earrings, a simple shopper tote, a stack of brightly-colored bracelets (Can you believe they’re $15?) and some basic wedges.  The Chie Mihara shoes are a bit pricey, but Miss M swears by their boots for comfort.  And this is a woman who used to stand 8-10 hours per day.

Hairstyles for this outfit include a twisted updo or a braided updo.  You could also do a bouncy ponytail.  For the makeup, I’d suggest a brightly-colored lip (coral or pink) and taupe eye with brown liner and lots of mascara.