Two Ways: Coral Cafe Capris

Pants: J.Crew Cafe Capri ($90)

From the Left, Earrings: Blu Bijoux Double Drop ($18) Bag: Kristin Shoulder Bag ($188) Shoes: Aldo Arne ($80) Sweater: Mixed Tape Cardi ($50) Blouse: Walter Baker Bow Blouse ($98)

From the Right, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators ($139) Necklace: Tassel Necklace ($11) Clutch: Asos Foldover Clutch ($35) Blouse: Equipment Daddy Printed Shirt ($230) Sandal: Zara Strappy Sandal ($50)

Polyvore Set Here.

For Casual Monday. I tried several different combinations with these pants.  Ivory blouse with long ivory blazer.  Ivory blouse with navy blazer.  Navy printed blouse with navy blazer.  I liked them all, but it felt a little like I was trying to force these pants to be more professional than they are.  For my work environment, these trousers are a casual Friday or casual Monday item, so I decided to mold the set that way.

The blouse has a bow neck, so I wanted a deep-V cardigan so that the necklines wouldn’t clash.  I also wanted something with a slightly longer line to cover the tush.  And I kind of loved the ribbon details on the pockets of this cardi, so it was an all-around win. You could belt the cardigan if you need to create a more defined waist.  Just make sure you use a snug fitting neutral belt (tan or navy).

I added aqua accessories to bring a bit more color, because on a casual day, why not?  I also chose a neutral shoe with an open toe to lengthen the leg line a bit, but that’s not critical.  The trend for wearing ankle pants right now is to wear a really bold shoe, so that you can show them off.  So you could choose something more out there if you wanted.

For the hair, I’d keep it natural and effortless and wear it down.  For the makeup, I’d bring a bit of coral blush to the party and maybe a coral mani/pedi as well.  And don’t forget, when wearing bright colors, always play up your eyes with liner and mascara.

For a Resort Trip.  A reader asked me to do a Two Ways with this Daddy blouse from Equipment, but at $230 it’s out of the main item price point.  So I tossed it in with this resort look because something about the print just feels so Palm Beach to me.

Because this is a vacation look, I kept the accessories easy.  The tasseled necklace is a fun, cheap piece that can be layered or worn alone.  The sunnies are essential this time of year.  And an Asos clutch, because Asos has the best clutches and they are so inexpensive!  I really need to stop buying them, I think I’ve purchased four.  Yikes!

Here, I did a flat sandal with a skinny ankle strap.  Because the shoe is coral, like the pants, and the straps are skinny, I think the shoe is the perfect casual complement.  But as I mentioned above, the trend is to go really bold with shoes when wearing ankle pants, so you could try a high-heeled, multi-strap sandal.  I like this nude one, but you could also choose a color, maybe a green?

For the hair, I would wear it however the humidity will let you wear.  If you’re curly, play that up.  If you’re stick straight, play that up.  But either way, invest in a good frizz fighter.  I like this spray from Ouidad. 

For the makeup, I would wear a coral lipgloss with a bronzed cheek and gold shadow.  And I’d definitely go for a coral pedicure.