Skirt: Eastex Pencil Skirt ($66)

From Left, Earrings: Chan Luu Amethyst Drops ($120) Bag: VC Jace Satchel ($140) Shoes: Enzo Call Me Maybe Pumps ($70) Top: Adeline Silk Blouse ($165) Belt: Maison Martin Margiela Belt ($98)

From Right, Earrings: Caitie Enamel Studs ($42) Bag: Pippa Modalu Bag ($385) Shoes: Pour la Victoire Cheyenne Pumps ($118) Top: Madewell Ruffle Blouse ($98) Sweater: J.Crew Jackie Cardi ($65 +30%-off w/ code GOSHOP)

For the Office.  Mauve is a great alternative to pastels.  I love how it adds a sophisticated hint of color to neutrals, which is why I chose the soft grey palette for this outfit.  It’s a color that plays like a neutral.

The top is from Iris & Ink, and like the ruffle detail on the collar for adding a little something extra.  I also thought it would look nice with this grey and white polka-dot top from House of Fraser.  If you prefer a simpler look, try this grey silk tee from Joie.

Wide belts are a great way to add structure to an outfit.  I like to wear them so that the top portion of the skirt and the bottom portion of the blouse are both partially covered.  If you have trouble finding belts that fit (I do), try a stretch belt like this one from Express or this one from Calvin Klein.  Plus-size? Try ASOS for a great selection of belts in all styles.

To complement the mauve skirt, I decided that purple shoe and a coordinating purple earring would be nice.  I like the way it adds color without distracting from the outfit.  Plus, why not have fun with your shoes?  If you need a cheaper earring, try these $10 faceted earrings from ChicNova.

For the hair, I would wear it in a half-up style with a nice barrette.  For the makeup, I would wear my Black Honey lipstick and a pop of pink on my cheeks from Clinique’s new Cheek Pop.

For the Office.  I adore the look of navy and mauve together.  It’s such a rich-looking combination.  Here, I chose a Madewell blouse and a basic cardigan for a slightly prim look.  If you want the color palette but not the vibe, I also like this cap sleeve Otte NY blouse or this Soho blouse from Boden, on sale for $58.

These snakeskin pumps are to.die.for.  They remind me of these nearly sold out pumps from LAMB that cost 3x as much.  If you’d like just a basic snakeskin pump, try these $99 Zara pumps or these $30 Merona ones.

The bag is the coveted Modalu Pippa Grab that was so popular that it once required a waiting list.  I love the separate compartments and the styling. I bought one for my Mom two years ago and she loves it.  She call it the ‘Magic Bag’ because it holds so much.  Ralph Lauren also makes a similar style for a bit less, and Zara makes a double-zip satchel for $99.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a cool, twisted bun.  For the makeup, I would keep to the same berry-colored hues as above, but I would probably paint my fingers a dark purple like NARS Tokaido Express.