Top: H&M Blue-Dotted Blouse ($25)

From Left, Earrings: Zina Drop Earrings ($60) Ring: Alexis Bittar Draping Ring ($125) Bag: Poverty Flats Rian Tote ($50) Shoes: BCBG Gaminkha Pump ($50) Jacket: Zara Light Wool Blazer ($90) Skirt: Super 120s Pencil Skirt ($128 + 30%-off, code HISUMMER)

From Right, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators Sunnies ($150) Earrings: Kendra Philip Navy Studs ($42) Satchel: Nine West Angle Satchel ($109) Sandals: Joie Socoa Sandal ($145) Sweater: Factory Clare Cardigan ($35) Jeans: Paige White Skyline Jean ($179)

This navy, dotted top is the perfect not-so-basic neutral top. It has a neutral base color, and the small print is pretty and not distracting. The v-neck also makes it the perfect choice to wear under suit jackets and blazers.

For the Office. You could pair this with your basic navy or white suit. However, it’s summer, let’s go for a bright. This fuchsia blazer adds a pop of color that is feminine and bold at the same time. If you’d like to keep to the same color palette but choose something less bright, try a pale pink blazer like this one from Topshop or this traditional cut Yoana Baraschi jacket.

The skirt in this set is a suit skirt from J.Crew. If you prefer to save your suit pieces, try this navy Calvin Klein skirt instead. Plus-size? Try this Jones New York pencil. Petite?  Try this inexpensive Gap pencil skirt (also in misses and tall).

These BCBG pumps are the buy of the century. The century, I say! They have a gorgeous dark, neutral grey hue. They have a stylish texture. They’re the perfect 3″ heel-height, and they’re $50. Sold!

I would have preferred a grey satchel for this outfit. But those can be tough to find in a price point that doesn’t come up quick on “monthly rent” status, though this Michael Kors tote qualifies. So I swapped in this inexpensive tote from Poverty Flats. It comes in several great colors including a bold red.

For the makeup, I would choose a neutral face palette with a rose blush. I would also choose a medium-pink gloss, not as pink as the jacket, but not baby pink either.  I like Lancome Juicy Tubes in Tickled Pink.  For the hair, I would wear it up in a soft twisted updo.

For Casual Friday. There are so many great color combinations to be made with navy and white as a base. Here, I chose yellow. However, this Clare cardigan comes in almost a dozen colors and the coral, mint, aqua, kelly green or red cardigans would all be lovely choices.

You could also try a v-neck cardigan if you want complementary necklines. I recommend Land’s End year-round cashmere cardi.  It comes in the most colors.

White denim is a good choice for many summertime occasions. I could wear skinny jeans to my last job, if you can’t, try these white denim trousers from Banana Republic.  And if you prefer white pants, not jeans, I recommend trousers from Brooks Brothers since most of their styles are lined.

I like the shape of this light tan satchel. The zipper details and sharp corners incorporate a few elements found in designer bags from 3.1 Phillip Lim or Alexander Wang.

In keeping with my distaste for accessories in shades of brown that match, I chose a darker sandal. If you need something less expensive, try this under-$50 Mia Cruze sandal.

For the makeup, I would use a bronzer to contour my face so that it can stand up to the bright cardi. I would also choose a lightly berry lip color like Clinique Black Honey. For the hair, I would wear it down or half-up/half-down.