Blouses

If you were to add up all the button-down blouses in your closet, chances are you couldn't count them all on one hand. But out of all those work-appropriate tops you've racked up over the years, how many of them can you say really wow your audience? If your answer is none, then you'll probably want to check out the ones we've tracked down for you. There's everything from a chic lace print to studded collars and retro polka dots — these blouses mean business. Hey, there's no time like the New Year to get yourself a new look, even at the office. Any one of these button-downs will instantly liven up your work wardrobe, and the good news is that with the right bottoms, you can take them right into the weekend.

Sometimes it's not so much about reinventing the styling wheel as it is about reinvigorating it. That said, we're looking to punch up the ladylike layers we already own — a classic blouse-and-sweater set, in this case — with this season's prettiest Fall color combos. Trust us: it's a sweet and polished pairing that complements everything from a cozy tweed miniskirt to a slicked-up brocade trouser. And, to help you put your color-wheel cravings and cold-weather layering to work, we've styled up 10 of our favorite combos as a jumping-off point. First up: saffron yellow and emerald green. We wouldn't mind wearing this jeweled-toned combo with a black wool miniskirt and lace-up booties — what about you? Click on to see (and shop) the color combos worth experimenting with this Fall.

While the season still permits, we think it's time you put your shorts to work on that 9-to-5 grind. A pencil skirt, a sleek dress, and ankle-cut trousers are easy office options, but listen, it's hot out and we're really into the idea of keeping our work wardrobe as simple and as skin-baring as possible — without getting HR involved. To prove that shorts can be just as professional as your most modest black sheath, just look to our six styling combos here. If you wear a bolder print on top, keep it tailored and neutral on bottom. If you opt for a more casual pairing (think denim and beige), then punch up the final look with eye-catching accents and a heeled sandal. If you want to take on a more retro bow-tie bib-front top vibe, play up your quirky sensibility with another nod to alternative silhouettes via menswear-inspired pieces. Ready to make the shorts-and-blouse combo work for you? Keep clicking.

The bow tie blouses coming down the Fall '11 runways at Mulberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch, and more speak emphatically to a very feminine style sense. Not to be confused with a man's tie, these tie neck blouses are all about retro-inspired, ladylike appeal with high, Victorian-like collars, or sometimes deeper, more modern necklines. They appeal to the season's call to elegance, like high-waists, structured handbags, and slim skirts and trousers — and they wear just as well with them, too. Bow tied they feel prim and poised; undone they're just a little sexier. Either way they're like having a key accessory already built in to your look. Click through to shop our editor's picks and channel one of Fall's biggest trends.

Photo Courtesy of Allure Korea