Plus Size Blouse: Jones of New York Ruffle Neck Blouse ($69) Women’s Size Blouse: Jones New York Ruffle Neck Blouse ($52)

From the Left, Earrings: Gorjana Bloom Studs ($35) Belt: Asos Skinny Belt ($11) Bag: Minkoff Quilted Bag ($395) Shoes: Patent Kitten Pump ($26) Cardigan: Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan ($178)  Skirt: Jade Pencil Skirt ($35)

From the Right, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Cat’s Eye ($145) Bracelets: Slim Bangles ($38) Bag: Coach Classic Shoulder Bag ($198) Shoes:Giani Bernini Wedges ($60) Belt: Perfect Leather Belt ($48) Skirt: Romie Flare Skirt ($242)

For the Office. I like to mix shades in a single color family.  It creates a bright, fun look for summertime.  I usually mix shades of blue because it’s easier than mixing other colors (say oranges or reds), and a little more refined looking than a mix of pinks or purples would be. 

Because this blouse is sheer, you’ll need a nude tank underneath.  You will also need a sweater because it’s sheer and capped sleeve.  I could have chosen an aqua cardi, but I thought I would keep this look a bit more conservative and go for a matching cobalt.  The high-waisted jade skirt is a great option for pulling the blouse together, and if green isn’t your thing, the skirt also comes in red.

I’d wear the cardigan open.  I’d wear the belt around the top of the skirt, knotted in some cool way.

To blend in one more shade of blue, I chose an aqua belt.  If I hadn’t gone that way, I would have chosen a grey belt (light to medium shade) and grey shoes.  Because of the aqua belt, I chose beige shoes (I can’t believe they think 3″ is a “kitten” heel!) and a beige bag.  I also chose a simple earring because there comes a time when you just don’t need to add anything else.

Someone asked me a few weeks ago, how I decide how the hair and makeup should look for an outfit.  To choose a hairstyle, I look at the outfit and ask myself one question,” First adjective that comes to mind?”  For this outfit, it’s ladylike.  “Second adjective that comes to mind?” Vintage.  So for this outfit, I want a hairstyle that is ladylike with a slightly vintage feel.

So for the hair, I want a Gibson Roll.  For the makeup, I want something that doesn’t clash with the colorful outfit but brings out the eyes.  So I want liner, mascara and a taupe or grey shadow applied in the crease.  I also want a little color on the lips so the color from the outfit doesn’t overwhelm you.  So I want a rosy gloss.

For the Farmer’s Market.  This blouse is just begging to be tucked in to a flouncy, full skirt.  This colorful print from Alice + Olivia is pretty but not too fussy.  And when you add a simple, slightly masculine belt, the outfit has the right balance of feminine and earthy.

The accessories needed to be a little bold, but not over the top.  So I went with a red, peep-toe wedge and a classic purse.  I also chose a set of simple bangles, and cat’s eye sunnies to pump up the vintage factor. 

I chose to leave the arms uncovered since this is for a casual weekend outing.  However, if you want to add a cardigan, I would wear a yellow or red one. 

For the hair, I would recommend wearing it down in loose waves or in a high bouncy ponytail.  I’d wear a red-tinted lipstick like this lip treatment from Fresh.  Just a bit of sheer color, but not a full matte lip.  But if you like lipstick, go for more.  For the cheeks, I’d recommend a little pink blush and bronzer.  If you need tips on applying bronzer, read this old tutorial.