How To: Wear Pieces for Work, Now & Into Spring

Wear Now Coordinating Item. Start wearing this winning jacket right away, with a slim black turtleneck underneath. The round collar looks great with it, and the jacket can be worn open or closed. 525 America’s turtleneck is ribbed with some great stretch. The fabric is a little weightier than a basic knit, making it perfect for work.

Wear Now Coordinating Item. Slim or straight leg black trousers will look great, but we love these high waisted, wide leg Armani Exchange pants. It’s a modern update to your basic black pant, and the shorter sleek styling of the jacket plays perfectly with them. Don’t be afraid to wear these if you’re petite – just make sure your local tailor shortens them so they hit the middle of your heel and show a bit of the toe of your shoes. They’ll actually make you look taller. The fluid fabric, paired with the turtleneck and classic pumps, finish the jacket perfectly. You can also dress these up with a pretty blouse for a night out. The fit is contemporary, and goes up to size 16.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. As the weather starts warming up, switch out the turtleneck for a simple white silk tank. The round neckline works well with it, and the silk fabrication makes it a more professional option than a simple cotton tank. Everlane’s prices can’t be beat, and for a layering piece, you’ll find the quality is wonderful.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. We still love the look of a fluid pair of black pants with this jacket, but for spring, a cropped version is definitely the way to go. Yes, yes, these Elie Tahari crepe pleated pants are technically culottes. But let’s not get hung up on the terminology and worry if these are right for you. They are! The easier contemporary fit looks amazing with a pair of heels (you can go with flats if you are taller) and will truly become a staple in your wardrobe to replace black trousers or a skirt come spring/summer. They can be paired with any blouse. A blazer or cardigan that is more tailored and hits at the hip or above are the perfect proportions to make them your favorite.

KEY Transitional Item #2. Vince is a universal crowd pleaser, with an easy fit and timeless style that works on any women. We really do find that to be true – younger or older, in the work place or not, and any size - most women we know are big fans. And if you’re not, give it a try – you will be. The quality is consistent – and luxe – making this bouclé –pieced blazer a perfect investment. The light khaki color really shows off the texture and raw edge finish of the bouclé, while the smooth lyocell finish creates a polished, professional look. Since the color is so universal, start wearing it now.

Wear Now Coordinating Item. We don’t often recommend wearing the same color blouse under a blazer, but for this time of year, the soft neutral jacket just looks so sophisticated with a tonal matching silk blouse. And since it’s also from Vince, the quality is just as amazing and the fit is just as easy. It’s beautiful on it’s own, too.

Wear Now Coordinating Item. While black – or any color, really – will work with this jacket and blouse combination, Hugo Boss’ navy trousers are our top pick. The seasonless wool fabric is a mélange of blue with a pretty finish, so these are a lot more than a pair of basic navy pants. They have a straight leg, with a mid-rise that sits just below the belly button. The easier fit is comfortable for a long day at the office, but this outfit will stay polished looking all day long. If you can wear jeans to the office, these clean, dark denim flare jeans will keep you looking just as professional.

Wear Now Coordinating Item. This See by Chloe tote is perfect for spring and summer, but it’s so amazing, you will love starting to wear it now. The supple dark navy gives this bag 3-season versatility and the perforated white leather front pocket lightens it up just enough to make it stylish and updated. This bag is big enough for your computer and files, and the front pocket, side pockets, and inside zip easily house your keys, Starbucks card, and other necessities. It can be hard to find a work tote that is also stylish – problem solved.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. Hugo Boss is a great resource for true work clothes, in modern fits that are contemporary and updated in style. This crisp white is so fresh under this light khaki/beige color Vince blazer. The eyelet trim brings a spring air to this office-ready shirt. If you’re size is already sold out through the ‘shop it’ button, try Nordstrom.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. Play up the soft neutral story by wearing crisp white cropped trousers to coordinate with the shirt and accent the pale khaki of the blazer. Alice + Olivia started out as a contemporary pants line, and we swear by the fit – so important, especially when you’re looking for white work pants. These are not overly fitted (actually, size down if you are between sizes), the fabric has a bit of stretch to them, and the wide waistband is endlessly flattering – no pinching at the waist.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. You will wear this shoe all spring and summer long. The neutral nude color not only works with this outfit, but it works with any neutrals – and colors. Treat them like you would black pumps in the winter, they really do go with everything (including the wear now version of this outfit). And when you wear them with a skirt, they will make your legs look longer by blending with your skin tone.