The Affordable Workwear Guide

The key to shepherding in spring while staying weather—and work—appropriate lies in trading the heavy-duty knits for easy, transitional separates. Think: playful layers, pastels, and light-yet-substantial fabrics. The pieces below hit all the right notes and don’t cost a fortune.

• J.CREW
  Silk Popover Shirt J.Crew, $79.99
• H&M Blouse with Ruffles H&M, $49.99
• MANGO Ruffled Top Mango, $69.99 Pair with a high-waisted culotte.
• COS Basic
  Wide-Neck Knit Jumper COS, $40
• COS Warped
  Circle Necklace COS, $13
• NILI LOTAN
  Normandy Shirt goop, $235
• WHO WHAT WEAR
  Fluted Midi Skirt Target, $29.99 Because florals aren’t just for garden parties.
• IRIS AND INK
  Marissa tie-waist crepe midi skirt Outnet, $170
• MANGO Flared Midi Skirt Mango, $59.99
• & OTHER STORIES
  Rounded Heel
  Leather Sandals & Other Stories, $135 A great way to ease
  your toes into
  the warmer months.
• COS Wrap-Front
  Cotton Skirt COS, $99
• & OTHER STORIES
  V-Neck Dress & Other Stories, $115
• J. CREW Sleeveless Jumpsuit
  in Super 120S Wool J.CREW, $250 The ultimate insta-outfit.
• BANANA REPUBLIC
  Single Knot Cuff Banana Republic, $28
• ANN TAYLOR Folio
  Shoulder Bag Ann Taylor, $148
• TOPSHOP Maternity
  Wrap Midi Dress Topshop, $75 A figure-flattering maternity dress does exist!
• & OTHER STORIES
  Lace Detail Midi Dress & Other Stories, $125
• ANN TAYLOR Haley Suede Round
  Toe Ankle Pumps Ann Taylor, $128
• BANANA REPUBLIC Pebbled Italian
  Leather Mini Tote Banana Republic, $168 One pop of color for the diehard neutral lover.
• ARITZIA
  Wilfred Musseaux Pant Aritzia, $145
• GAP High Stretch 1969
  True Skinny Jeans Gap, $89.95
• TOPSHOP Wide Pinstripe
  Cropped Trousers Topshop, $75 A power-dressing essential.
• M.GEMI
  The Alto Pump goop, $228
• CUYANA Leather Laptop Sleeve Cuyana, $125 This laptop case doubles as a clutch.
• MATT BERNSON X GOOP
  Verona Pointed Toe Smoking Shoe goop, $229
• ZARA Gem
  Button Cardigan Zara, $39.90 The buttons carry it into after-work territory.
• ZARA Linen Blazer Zara, $99.90
• MADEWELL
  Parcel Trench Coat Madewell, $168
• ZARA Jacket
  With Bow Zara, $149 Ladylike and so
  perfect with jeans.
• ZARA Rigid Tote Zara, $49.90
• EYTYS Mother Leather goop, $235 It’s official: The white sneaker works for the
  office when paired with tailored separates.
• ALDO Felicitat Aldo, $16
• ARIEL GORDON
  Mini Diamond Dust Hoops Ariel Gordon, $250
• COS Folded Sleeve Coat COS, $225