Top: Blouse with Front Detail ($60)

From Left, Bracelet: Charlene K Onyx Cuff ($172) Bag: Zara City Bag ($179) Tights: DKNY Opaque Tights ($20) Boots: Sole Society Joey Boots ($80) Blazer: Rome Valence Blazer ($405) Skirt: Dagmar Skirt ($250)

From Right, Bracelet: Madewell Etched Bracelet ($48) Bag: MyChoice Shoulder Bag ($235) Boots: BP Darbie Boot ($150) Jacket: AE Surplus Anorak ($67) Scarf: Just Cavalli Stole ($118) Jeans: Midrise Toothpick Jean ($125)

For the Creative Professional.  For this outfit, I could have gone with a simple skirt suit or a pencil skirt and cardigan, but I thought, “Why not reach outside of the box a bit?”  So I chose this patterned skirt instead.  In the under-$100 price point, I found this black and white deco-print skirt from Nicole Miller and this really cool chain print skirt from Evolution.

I’m also fixated on this jacket from Steven Schraut.  I love the impeccable tailoring.  The price, however, leaves a lot to be desired.  Instead, this Topshop jacket with a sleek peplum is as close as my wallet will let me get.

I decided to go with an opaque tight and a split-front boot for this look.  The open front on the boot allows you to wear an ankle boot without cutting off the leg line in an unattractive manner.  If you’re not feeling the bootie, a simple, round-toe black pump will do.  I like these LK Bennett pumps, or the Ann Taylor perfect pump.

The rest of the accessories are fairly straightforward; I didn’t want anything too busy since the skirt is so bold.  I like this burgundy purse to bring in a bit of color.  If you need something under-$100, try this Nali Shoulder Bag from Asos.  I also like the statement cuff with a black stone, but this $31 Guess cutout cuff is more affordable.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a low twist.  For the makeup, some black liquid liner and a rose blush with a hint of berry on the lips.

For the Weekend.  Grey jeans are all the rage this fall.  I love these J.Crew jeans, but sadly, they’re sold out online.  These grey jeans from Banana Republic or this Loft Modern Skinny jeans would both be great substitutes.

I added this leopard print scarf from Cavalli to blend the grey and white together.  If you’re looking for something equally edgy, but less expensive, I found this Natasha skull-print scarf at Nordstrom.  It’s a McQueen knock-off, but a decent one.

I also added a military anorak, my second favorite fall coat (after a classic trench).  Should this one be sold out in your size, this Old Navy one is in the same price range.  I also paired this neutral palette with a bright orange purse for some extra zazz.  Want to try this tangerine hue at a lower price?  This Olivia + Joy satchel from 6pm is a great choice.

Finishing out the look is a pair of relaxed flat boots in elephant grey.  This particular style from BP also comes in a wide-calf option.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a ponytail.  For the makeup, I would wear a light mauve gloss and a fun grey polish like Essie Smokin’ Hot.