Clothes vs. Outfit: Jeans and a Sweater

Sweater: Tippi Cashmere Crewneck ($188) Jeans: Paige Skyline Skinnies ($189)

Upper Left, Top: See by Chloe Embossed Tie Neck Blouse ($325) Earrings: Hive and Honey Disc Studs ($14) Bracelet: Turquoise & Prehnite Bracelet ($36) Shoes: Steve Madden Heaven Flat ($40)

Right, Jacket: Loose Red Cardigan ($71) Necklace: Aqua Multilayer Necklace ($68) Boots: Sam Edelman Cognac Ankle Boots ($80)

Bottom Left, Scarf: Infinity Knit Scarf (sold out, similar $42) Shoes: Frye Paige Riding Boot ($378) Bracelet: Nest Wooden Bangle ($95)

Many professional women put so much effort into their work attire, that their casual wardrobe suffers.  While walking around Capitol Hill during the recess, I was reminded that just because you’re wearing clothes doesn’t mean your wearing an “outfit.”  Too many women use casual Fridays as an excuse to throw on a sweater and some jeans and call it a day, but add a few accessories or an extra layer, and you can really give your clothing a lift.

Upper Left.  Bright pieces will continue to be popular this spring.  This outfit combines a bright fuchsia blouse, a pair of leather flats and a chunky stone bracelet for a colorful casual look.  If the bold, almost-neon top isn’t for you, this mauve tie neck might suit you better.  

How fantastic is this bracelet?  I love the large stones and the rough, faceted stone accent.  The bracelet packs a lot of punch for $36.  And if you would prefer to keep your feet covered due to the cold weather, try these cognac boots with a short wedge.

To pump up the look, add a pink stain to your lips and a rosy blush to your cheeks.  I’d also wear my hair up in a twisted updo.

Right. I love the look of this slouchy, deconstructed sweater jacket.  The reddish-rust hue with tan undertones pairs well with the natural-colored sweater.  

I added the greenish, faceted necklace to set off the jacket by contrasting it.  If this necklace is a bit more than you want to spend, I love this delicate wire necklace with hints of eggplant and chocolate for $29.  And if you would prefer a tall boot, this chocolate brown boot with buckle detail would be a great substitute.  I would wear the hair down in waves, with a dark brown eyeliner and a taupe nail polish.

Bottom Left.  If you’re after a simple, relaxed look, adding a chunky, knit infinity scarf is a great way to keep warm and look chic.  This scarf with a hint of faux fur is a bit daring, but if you want a colorful melange like the scarf above, this Missoni scarf (on sale for under-$60) and this one has a hint of metallic with tones of beige and grey.

These Frye riding boots are certainly lust-worthy, if you need a cheaper alternative, this simple pair of grey tall boots is $99 and this pair, with chocolate leather and pale grey fleece accents, is $50.  Add a slightly-boho wood bangle and the look is complete.  But if almost-$100 is more than you are willing to spend on a bracelet, try this set of three wood bangles for $20.

With a look this simple, I would wear my hair up in a high ponytail with a pair of stone earrings.  And I would play up my eyes with a bit of black liner and a generous coat of mascara.