Two Ways: Madewell Knot Skimmers

Shoes: Madewell French Knot Skimmer ($98)

From Left, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Tortoise Wayfarer ($150) Necklace: Morris Double Geometric Pendant ($45) Bag: Burgundy Juno Satchel ($88) Tops: Day Birger et Mikkelsen Drape Top ($220) and Topshop Strappy Cami ($36) Blazer: Factory Boy Blazer ($107) Jeans: J Brand Slim Bootcut in Starless ($187)

From Right, Necklace: Celadon Theda Bib ($38) Rings: Gorjana Aria Ring ($35) and Gold Chevron Ring ($24) Jacket: Zara Gathered Coat ($159) Top: Ponte Peplum Shirt ($78) Jeans: Paige Skyline Jeans ($189) Bag: Rachel Zoe Arizona Satchel ($445)

Some time ago, I was attending a fundraising lunch for a female elected official when the topic of casual Friday came up.  While discussing the appropriateness of denim, the elected official asked, “If leggings aren’t appropriate for work, how can leggings made out of denim be acceptable?”

Until that moment, I’d never seriously considered whether skinny jeans were appropriate for casual workdays.  I couldn’t deny that she had a point.  And when I started asking around, I discovered that several of my friends who work in supervisory roles spell out in their casual Friday policies that skinny jeans and jeggings are not permitted.

Your denim choices depend on your workplace.  But after that lunch, I started wearing slim bootcuts and trouser jeans instead of skinnies to the office.  It just felt like a more professional choice.

For Casual Friday.  This outfit combines a tailored blazer with a slim bootcut, mid-rise jean from J Brand to build a more casual look that embraces professional elements.  The pointed toe shoes should peak out from under the pant leg in a way that will lengthen the leg line and provide a pop of cognac.

I chose a dark teal blazer from J.Crew Factory, and paired it with a wrap-effect blouse.  Given the deep-v on this blouse, you’ll need a camisole.  This Topshop cami works, but you could also go with a simple seamless cami from Ann Taylor.

Looking for a less expensive blouse?  Try this Chelsea & Theodore wrap top for under-$50.  Need a plus-size version?  I couldn’t find an exact match, but this sleeveless grey blouse from Vince Camuto would look lovely under a blazer.

To add more color to the outfit, I chose a burgundy bag.  You’ll recognize this patent bag from Tuesday’s post.  Not crazy about burgundy?  How about this Vince Camuto Billy Tote in a coppery-rust color?  For the accessories, I chose this geometric pendant with clean lines and a pair of tortoise-shell sunglasses.

For the hair, I would wear it down or in a low-ponytail.  For the makeup, I would wear an oxblood nail like the butterLONDON color from this afternoon’s post and a dewy rosy cheek provided by Bobbi Brown’s cream blush.

The casual weekend look is after the jump.  Don’t miss out on the bright red jacket, one of the best pieces I have ever purchased.

For Saturday Dinner.  Just because you’re not getting dressed up for dinner doesn’t mean that you can’t still look stylish and pulled together.  In fact, it’s easier and more fun to layer you casual clothes for chic weekend looks than it is with professional attire.

This outfit features the peplum top from yesterday’s Favorites post.  I like the narrow profile of this peplum and the sleek styling.  It reminds me of his striped peplum jersey top from The Row that I lusted after last year.  Plus-size ladies should check out this $95 Ralph Lauren crewneck top if you’re looking for a jersey peplum.

I prefer to wear peplum tops with skinny pants.  It’s the same concept that encourages you to wear fuller blouses with slim pencil skirts.  The volume from the top can actually help camouflage and balance a thicker hip-area if you get the proportion and the length right.

I bought this jacket from Zara a couple of weeks ago, and I LOVE IT.  It is the perfect pop of color over basic pieces and it’s light enough for the mildly chilly autumn weather.  It’s such a bold red, but the shape is so classic that looks really elegant.  I also found a red ponte blazer at Macy’s in case the long jacket isn’t your thing.

Aqua and red is a slightly daring color combination, so I mixed this celadon bib with the coat for a bit of pop.  If that doesn’t appeal to you, this Kenley scarf from DvF mixes red with fuschia and eggplant for a rich-looking blend.

To complete the look, I added a few sleek rings with interesting shapes and inexpensive price tags.  (That chevron ring has been on my mind for a while.)  I also chose a chocolate bag to pair with the shoe, but not match it.  If you need something less expensive, try this Piazza Ave Hobo for $129.

For the hair, if you go with a necklace, where it down.  If you choose a scarf, wear it up, maybe in a bouncy ponytail.  For the makeup, how about a sheer red lip from Fresh and a crisply lined eye?  I love my new eyeliner from Tom Ford.