Two Ways: Navy Tie Neck

Blouse: Katharine Plains Tie Neck Top ($98)

From Left, Earrings: Kate Spade Small Square Studs ($38) Bracelets: Stella & Dot Christina Bracelet ($49) and Cluster Bracelet ($49) Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB ($495) Shoes: Kate Spade Karolina Pump ($328) Jacket: Theyskens Theory Blazer ($278) Skirt: Hugo Boss Ramika Skirt ($161)

From Right, Earrings: BR Delhi Drop Earrings ($98) Rings: Beltran Cornu Iridescent Ring ($290) and Mini Circle Ring ($230) Bag: Megan Crossbody Bag ($395) Shoes: Butter Patent Wedges ($295) Sweater: Jackie Cardigan ($40) Skirt: LK Bennett Pleated Skirt (125 British Pounds)

For Meetings.  A collarless blazer and a tie neck blouse are a match made in heaven.  The tie adds some interest, eliminating the need for a necklace and the lack of a lapel, allows the blouse to take center stage.

Here, I chose a navy tweed blazer on sale at The Outnet (limited sizes).  If you’d like something less pricey, this Aqua blazer at $118 might be a good substitute.  Prefer a color?  This hot pink blazer caught my eye (wear it with off-white pants).  And even though it has a collar, this Topshop jacquard blazer would look lovely with the navy blouse above.

I chose a navy pencil skirt from Hugo Boss, but J.CREW also makes a basic wool version for $118.  Or you could switch to a navy pant for $148.

I like grey accessories with navy, so I selected these grey textured pumps and this light grey satchel.  I prefer to mix light pieces with darker ones vs. being to matchy-matchy.  If you don’t have three bills to spend on shoes, these dark gray patent pumps are under-$40. And this BCBG tote is a serviceable substitute for the MAB at $108.

I chose the teal earring because I wanted a little color.  I also selected the bangles for a bit of texture.  If you are looking for less-expensive pieces, this Nordstrom bracelet will give you a similar look for $14 as will this ASOS bracelet at $17.

For the hair,  I would wear it up in a low bun.  For the makeup, I’d keep it natural with a punch of pink or berry gloss.  Gloss, not lipstick, because you want a bit of shine.

For Sunday Brunch.  This outfit is as prim as it is proper–a blouse, a cardigan and a full pleated skirt.  It’s the kind of thing that I would wear to church with my Nana, but with just a bit more style.

I love this skirt.  Sadly, it comes from a UK seller with some shipping restrictions that may prove onerous for buyers across the pond. The closest thing I could find was this Jones New York Ikat skirt, but you’d have to lose the belt.

The berry color of this cardigan really makes the outfit for me.  Sadly, it’s sold out in most sizes.  This Kate Spade is also a decent alternative, or you could try another color like red, yellow or green.

I chose celadon-colored jewelry because I like the pop of pastel it provides.  If you want something in the same color family for less, try these drop earrings or these studs.  And if you like the tiny rings, I also recommend Jacqui Aiche and Gorjana.

The crossbody bag is cute, but if you’d like the look for less, this studded crossbody or this quilted one will work too.  As for the shoes, I love Butter shoes for their comfort, if you need something less pricey, try these peep toes.

 For the hair, I would wear it down with a hint of curl at the bottom.  For the makeup, I would paint the nails a pretty pink and wear a pop of pink blush.