Also see: Cottage Chic: 10 Must-Have Items for a Stylish Country Getaway
Striped Blazer
This classic blazer will work with all your neutral office basics and makes the perfect layering piece over pants or a skirt. Though so many striped blazers are navy & white, this black & white version will match the average woman’s work wardrobe even better. Plus, at under $100, it’s simply irresistible. (Note: this blazer fits on the large side so be sure to go down a size to keep it slim and tailored)
Striped Spinnaker Blazer, $98, Anthropologie
Also see: 10 Cute Cover-Ups for Summer
A Pastel Boucle
A lightweight pastel bouclé jacket with its feminine scallop edge is right on trend and makes a soft statement. Wear it over a pair of tailored white trousers and grey tank grey tank, or on the weekend, mix it up a pair of distressed jeans.
Scallop Edge Bouclé Jacket, $120, Topshop
Also see: Fashion Q&A: This Season's Best Shorts
A Mixed Weave Jumper
Wear this jumper over your favourite maxi skirt or printed maxi dress. The slightly sheer open knit will let just enough of the print pop through and will brilliantly ward off the A/C blast.
Pepe Jeans Jumper with Mixed Weave, $123, asos
Also see: You Need a New Dress! 10 Flirty Finds for Under $50
A Navy Sweater
Though similar to the previous open knit, a deep navy sweater looks more subdued for a conservative office. Wear it to layer over a pair of tailored trousers, a navy tank, a gold statement pendant and a great kelly green bag.
Open-Weave Cotton Sweater, $85, Banana Republic
Also see: Splurge Vs. Save: This Season's Best Sunglasses
A Chambray Shirt
Thanks to Jenna Lyons, the denim shirt has become a girl’s go-to for everything from ultra-casual Saturday afternoons to hip cocktail parties. For work, throw it on over your summer tank and tuck it into a pencil skirt. Finish off the look with a bold statement necklace and polished pumps.
Keeper Chambray Shirt, $92, J.Crew
A Metallic Cardi
Most women reach for a cardigan when trying to stay warm at work and for good reason; nothing is cozier than a great sweater. This knit blazer is super sophisticated version of a long cardigan and has the perfect amount of structure to keep things professional.
Blazer with Metallic Chain, $60, Zara
A Floral Print
A creative office calls for thinking outside the box. Instead of a solid blazer, opt instead for a fun print like this happy floral version from Zara. The best part? Summer sales are in full swing, making this somewhat impractical find highly affordable.
Printed Jogging Blazer, $46, Zara
A Buttoned Blouse
Crepe de chine is a type of silk less prone to wrinkling so you can stow this blouse in your bag and throw it over your tank once you get to the office. This blouse comes in loads of pretty colours to suit any taste.
Crepe de Chine Blouse, $60, Le Château
A Pretty Foulard
An airy scarf is a double-duty genius. Not only does it add a pretty pop of colour to your work wardrobe (this mint green will help you look current) , but can be opened up to toss over your shoulders while at your computer.
Basic Cotton Scarf, $10, Mango
A Ballet Wrap
Nobody understands the importance of layers quite like dancers. Stay cozy at your desk with this cocoon jersey wrap, which works perfectly for any office with a laid-back dress code. If it’s good enough for Karen Kain....
Karma Kain Wrap, $70, The Shoe Room
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