Pants: Modern Herringbone Trousers (Ann Taylor, $99 + 30% off with code)

From Left, Earrings: Kevia Blue Stud Earrings ($69) Belt: Vince Camuto Stingray Belt ($32) Bag: ALDO Strazzullo Bag ($35) Shoes: Mona Patent Mary Janes ($170) Sweater: Fluffy Shawl Cardi ($110) Top: Navy Sheer Blouse ($192)

From Right, Earrings: Pearl Cluster Stud ($68) Belt: Plein Sud Black Leather Belt ($75) Bag: Leopard Haircalf Bag ($88) Shoes: Steve Madden Eternity Flats ($90) Jacket: DAY Birger Grand Jacket ($432) Blouse: Moschino Ruched Top ($167)

For the Office.  When I do wear pants, I prefer to wear them on a casual Monday or a Friday when I have meetings but I don’t have to wear a jacket.  And I much prefer the look of a long cardigan with pants, it’s relaxed, but pulled together.

This outfit is an amalgamation of textures: herringbone pants, a chunky knit cardi and a light, sheer blouse.  This is the kind of cardigan that you could wear over nicer separates or over leggings when you’re just sitting on the couch watching football.  That’s the kind of versatility I want in a piece. 

I love this blouse, but if you’re looking for navy at a lower price, this pleated front blouse from Mango is a wonderful piece.  And I love how it coordinates with the navy stone earrings (if you need cheaper studs, these ones are $3).

I added a dark grey, because I would tuck in the navy blouse and wear the belt through the belt loops.  If you want to belt the cardi over the top, I would try a chocolate brown plaque belt like this one.  I then paired it with a cool pair of pumps and a green leather bag for a bit more color.

For the hair, I would pull it up in a soft updo, something a little messy.  For the makeup, I would paint my nails burgundy and wear a plum blush and brown eyeliner.

For a Conference.  I labeled this outfit “for a conference” because the blouse and jacket are the kind of basic foundation pieces that I would pack when traveling for work.  A simple jacket like this and an ivory blouse with a detailed neckline would be versatile additions to a work trip wardrobe.

I love a collarless blazer, especially a black one, there’s a reason the Chanel jacket is iconic.  Need something less expensive?  This Express jacket is only $80. 

I chose a sleeveless blouse because the sleeves, on my tweed jacket are very tight, and I don’t like to add more bulk.  This blouse is similar but in a much better price point. 

As for the accessories, a cool belt, a pair of pearl studs and a pair of pointed black flats finish out the basics.  As for the bag, I love that the purse is leopard but not too wild.  I also liked this larger satchel by Kelsi Dagger for, of all places, Victoria’s Secret.

For the hair, I would either wear it down and straight or pulled into a stick straight low ponytail.  For the makeup, I would do either a classic red nail or a dark purple polish like Essie Wicked.