Two Ways: Zara Cobalt Dress

Dress: Zara Sleeved Shift Dress ($80)

From left, Earrings: Argento Vivo Drop Earrings ($48) Purse: Olivia + Joy Juniper Satchel ($69) Sweater: J.Crew Jackie Card ($49) Belt: WHBM Julep Skinny Belt ($25) Shoes: Sam Edelman Camden Patent Pump ($100)

From Right, Necklace: Chan Luu Multi-Disk Necklace ($88) Bag: Ivanka Trump Rebecca Satchel ($175) Shoes: Audrey Ballet Flats ($160)

For the Office.  When I chose this cobalt dress, I decided that I would make a set of outfits filled with color.  Mixing colors is more difficult than mixing a bold hue with a neutral, but it’s a great way to spice up your wardrobe while enjoying the glories of spring.

The first colorful outfit mixes an aqua sweater and a jade green belt with the cobalt for a color palette that keeps to one family.  If this isn’t your style, try a bolder hue like this bright kiwi J.Crew sweater that has a lot of pop.  If you’d prefer something more primary, this red cardigan would also do the trick.  Or if you want a neutral a white blazer.

These “nude” pumps are some of the best ones on the market.  They have a 3.25″ heel that isn’t too high for the office and they’re fairly comfortable.  Depending on your skin tone, these Ann Taylor Favian pumps might also work for you.  And a few readers raved about these pointed-toe pumps from Nine West.

Comfortable with some color, but not all of this?  Skip the green belt.  Choose a grey belt and snakeskin pumps instead.

For the hair, I would wear it down, curled at the ends or in waves.  For the makeup, I would choose a neutral, rosy blush instead of my usual pink and a strong black liner and mascara combo to keep my eyes from fading into the background with all of that color.

For the Office.  The second outfit has fewer moving parts than the first, and it’s intentional.  I don’t always like to think so hard about accessorizing dresses.  Most of the time, I want to wear a good dress, a good shoe and one good accessory and just call it good.

This necklace from Chan Luu is a steal.  A steal, I say!  For under-$100, you get a versatile statement piece that will allow you to mix gold and silver jewels at will.  Need something cheaper?  Try this $15 Croft and Borrow two-tone chain from Kohl’s.

I love these coral flats.  They are so adorable in person.  They look great with denim and white dresses.  However, if you need something less expensive, have a look at these Via Spiga almond-toe flats or these Dorothy Perkins knot-front peep-toe flats.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a not too constructed updo for a bit of playfulness.  For the makeup, I’d pick a coral lip gloss and a neutral taupe or grey eyeshadow, applied with a light hand.