Two Ways: A Multi-Season Dotted Blouse

Blouse:  Tie-Neck Dot Top (J.CREW, $118)

From the Left, Earrings: Madewell Bow Studs ($18) Bracelet: Elephant Clasp Bracelet ($128) Bracelet: Classic Medium Bangle ($22) Bag: Urban Expressions Satchel ($70) Skirt: Double Serge Wool Skirt ($130) Shoes: Ted Baker Peoni Pumps ($130)

From the Right, Bracelet: BCBG Stone Cuff Bracelet ($78) Bag: Coach Legacy Candace Satchel ($328) Shoes: Lola Cruz Slip Ons ($108) Sweater: Dream Crewneck Sweater ($78) Pants: Stella McCartney Erin Trouser ($595)

Polyvore Set Here.

Today, we’re doing something a little bit different with the Two Ways feature.  Instead of showing you how to create outfits for two different occasions, today’s feature focuses on two outfits for the same occasion in different seasons.  After all, it’s mid-August and, whether we like it or not, the September issues are in the mail and it’s time to start thinking about fall.

For Late Summer.  Wearing a bright skirt with the simple dotted blouse is a great way to finish out the summer season.  The color on the skirt is bold, but a little less neon than what we saw at the beginning of the summer.

I like to let a neckline speak for itself.  This tie-neck doesn’t need any added adornment, so skip the necklace.  I was in a bit of a quirky mood when I created this set, so I chose the elephant clasp bracelet (similar version, $32) with a complementary blue enamel bangle.  And since we’re still talking about the warm summer months, I added a tan bag with some chic details (also comes in an awesome emerald green) and nude-to-me pumps.  

The earrings in the set are also fantastic.  They’re sweet and pretty, and look like Kate Spade, but for a much lower price.

For the hair, I like to keep it off my neck when I wear a tie-neck blouse.  For the makeup, I’d choose a neutral eye palette with matte gold, a taupe and a bone-colored highlighter.  I’d also keep the blush and lip color on the bashful side of pink, no reason to go really bright in the workplace.  But if you’re looking for a bit more color, a raspberry would be nice.

For Autumn.  When the weather turns cold, this blouse will be a great layering piece.  You can wear it under blazers, cardigans or sweaters.  You could even try it over a long-sleeved chiffon blouse.

This color combination is a stretch for some women, but when you put it all together mixing navy, grey, mustard and cognac is a truly chic look.  Think of this as a master class tutorial on mixing colors that at first glance might not work, but will grow on you.  

Because there are a lot of colors happening here, I wanted to keep the accessories fairly basic.  The shoes are grey because they need to blend seamlessly with the pants.  The cognac bag gives balance to the mustard sweater.  And when you roll or ruche the sleeve, you can add this gold and blue stone cuff to bring the blouse and the sweater together.  (I also loved this blue stone cuff for half the price of the one in the set.)

Also, these trousers are incredibly expensive, luckily, I found a less pricey pair.  I don’t wear pants very often, but even I own a pair of grey trousers.  They’re just as versatile as black and a little more interesting.

For the hair, I would wear it either half-up or all the way up.  And if I chose to wear it up, I’d skip the bun and soften the look with a curled, twisted updo.  For the makeup, I would choose a soft red lipstick and defined eyes with black liner and a bit of grey shadow.