Clothes vs. Outfits: Striped Tee Edition

Base: L’Agence Breton Top ($99) and Topshop Black Crepe Pencil Skirt ($76)

Who doesn’t own a striped tee and a pencil skirt?  These basics look great together, but an outfit they do not make.  This L’Agence top is a great option, but if you need something less expensive, this Modcloth top is $25 and this Aeropostale scoop neck tee is just $6.  Plus-size? This Ralph Lauren top is a great choice.

Upper Left: Zara Blazer with Gathered Sleeves ($119) // Vassilsa Scarf ($309) // Trina Turk Orbit Ring ($38) // Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps ($128 + 50%-off, code WINTER50)

For a classic office look, pair your striped tee with coordinating black separates or a black business suit.  To add some color, I chose this scarf with a bit of black, a bit of a blue and just a hint of orange.  If you need something less expensive, try this blush and black scarf from Sole Society or this cheetah print scarf.

The shoes are the very-comfortable Perfect Pumps from Ann Taylor.  Everything in the store is currently 50%-off, so don’t miss out on these!  Also, how fabulous is this ring?  I love the square shape and the black resin accents.  I feel like it’s a piece that I would wear all the time.

Right: Rebecca Taylor Tweed Blazer ($390) // DKNY Opaque Tights ($10) // Via Spiga Bakel Booties ($165) // Relic Marion Satchel ($47) // House of Harlow Rock Out Studs ($27)

The second outfit is a more modern take on work staples.  The tweed jacket mixes black, navy and hints of leather, while the practical pumps have been replaced with ankle boots.  Looking for a jacket for less?  Try this Ann Taylor tweed moto jacket (also in tall and petites) or this black and white moto jacket from LOFT.  Plus-size?  Have a look at this spearmint and black tweed jacket from Jones New York.

For the accessories, I chose a charcoal bag over a black one.  I feel it lightens the look just enough so that it’s not all black.  To coordinate I chose these House of Harlow studs with grey stones.  I also like these Henri Bendel hematite and gold, pave stack rings, if you want a little more sparkle.

Bottom Left: Collection Cashmere Tee ($148) // Alexis Bittar Santa Fe Necklace ($298) // Vince Camuto Nessa Hobo ($164) // Jeffrey Campbell Solitair Pump ($145)

If you’d like a look that is less corporate and more casual, add a short sleeve sweater over your long sleeve tee and push the sleeves up a bit.  I chose a black tee, but there’s no reason that you couldn’t go with a color.  I would try cobalt or citron.

The necklace I chose mixes pewter with a burgundy Lucite.  It’s phenomenal in person.  Need something less expensive?  Try this simple Ann Taylor stone necklace or this more ornate WHBM one, both under-$75.

I also selected these phenomenal Jeffrey Campbell heels.  I bought them before the holidays, and I love them.  They’re surprisingly comfy.  Need a wallet-friendly ankle strap pump?  Try these classic pumps from Caparros or these more modern heels from Sole Society.