Two Ways: Big-Shot Dot Skirt

Skirt: Big-Shot Dot Circle Skirt (J.Crew, $128)

From the Left, Necklace: Seaglass Pendant ($195) Purse: Tory Burch Robin Mini ($539) Shoes: Kate Spade Patent Wedges ($298) Top: ALC Aldea Blouse ($353) Belt: Isabella Oliver Essential Belt ($80)

From the Right, Earrings: Dogeared Studs ($40) Ring: Kate Spade Treasure Chest Ring ($78) Bag: Calvin Klein Straw Bag ($178) Shoes: Lilibeth Sandals ($98) Top: Bright Eyelet Tank ($40) Sweater: Jackie Cardigan ($62)

For Casual Friday.  Since it’s recess here on Capitol Hill, I wanted to show a few looks that are recess-appropriate.  Too many women in professional environs show up on Casual Friday looking less-than-fabulous because they spend their time thinking about their working day wardrobes.  Let’s see if we can’t change that.

Here, I mixed a dusty aqua with the dotted skirt for sophisticated pairing.  I love the way that the proportions of the fuller skirt work with the fitted blouse.  I also like the mix of blues in the skirt, top and pendant, if you don’t want to break out into colorblocking, you can always pair shades in the same palette.  

I would tuck the shirt in and belt over the band of the skirt.  The top has a light cap sleeve so it doesn’t need a sweater or jacket, but you could add one if that’s best for your workplace.

For the hair, I would do something really sleek, either very straight or pulled into a low ponytail.  For the makeup, I would wear a berry lipstick or a sheer toffee.  I would also do a rosy cheek with lots of mascara.

For Sunday Brunch.  The straw tote and flat sandals make this outfit perfect for brunch and the farmer’s market.  However, if you switched in a flat shoe and a leather bag, it could easily be an office look.

For this outfit, I wanted to mix in a bright vibrant yellow but you could also try a fuchsia, kelly green or orange.  I would wear the tank tucked in and the cardigan unbuttoned, but you could also cinch it with a skinny belt.  I added jewelry in a coordinating color to pull the look together.

I also adore the tiny little square studs.  I may need to purchase those soon for casual days.

To complement the pretty and proper skirt and cardigan set, I would wear my hair up in a loose twist.  Because the yellow is so bold, I would keep the makeup simple and neutral.  A sable-colored eyeshadow with a highlighter under the eyebrow, and a barely pink gloss would be plenty.