Two Ways: H&M Grey Sweater

Sweater: H&M Tie Neck Sweater ($25)

From Left, Earrings: Chan Luu Labradorite Drops ($98) Coat: Goodnight Macaroon Pastel Pink Coat ($198) Bag: Sole Society Kimberley Satchel ($45) Pants: Hutton Super 120s Trouser ($168) Shoes: Nine West Flax Pumps ($69)

From Right, Bracelets: Kate Spade Idiom Bangle ($48) and Renegade Cluster Bracelet ($59) Watch: Michael Kors Chronograph ($365) Tights: Hue Micro-Fishnets ($9) Bag: Clare V Leopard Satchel ($695) Skirt: Burberry Prorsum Pencil Skirt ($995) Shoes:  Ivanka Trump Fargo Bootie ($160)

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For the Office. The base outfit is all about monochrome, while the coat and accessories add color to the look.  I love the soft mauve and bold burgundy.  But there is nothing like the simple elegance of all grey.

These trousers are one of the few pairs of dress pants in my closet.  If you’re looking for something less-expensive, Express has these tweed trousers and these sleek Jones New York trousers.  Plus-size?  Try these Sejour pants in charcoal.

Looking for a long sleeve sweater?  Try this Gap Merino v-neck, also in tall and petite.  Prefer a blouse?  I like this inexpensive Forever21 blouse.

This mauve coat is incredible.  I also fell hard for this collarless coat in a bold deep-berry.  There’s nothing like a colored topper to spice up an outfit.

For the Office. Oh, hello, gorgeous deep green skirt.  Why, oh why, do you cost more than three months of car payments?  I do not understand.  Luckily, J.Crew Factory has this deep green skirt for under-$75.

Now, you know I love micro-fishnets instead of nylons, but they’re not for every woman or every office.  Need a switch?  With these gorgeous grey suede booties, you need grey tights to conform with the two-out-of-three rule.  Grey keeps the look sleek, where black would just break it up too much.

Not loving the booties?  These grey tall boots from DvF are to.die.for.  Want something less-expensive?  You need to switch to black or chocolate-brown, these Alfani boots come in either color.

I chose a leopard-print bag for a burst of wild, animal print.  If you need something cheaper, try this bag from The Limited.  Prefer something else?  I like this mustard-colored Aldo bag.  You could also go for a plum or burgundy color; I like this Tommy Hilfiger shoulder bag (a great buy in four colors).