perfect outfit

Looking put together every day is no easy feat, but it's made much simpler with this easy outfit formula. We're taking our classic button-downs and giving them a trend-driven twist with a structured wrap skirt and a pair of block heels. It's not just that it looks good; these pieces are also equipped for comfort. A little wrap skirt will keep you cool (in more ways than one), even when the Summer heat wave strikes, and in case you're not typically the heel-wearing kind, these shoes offer enough support that they just might make you a convert. Of course, it's all about how you add it up — mixing print, a splash or color, or sleek metallics against a staple white shirt or basic black mini — that really makes a complete look click. Soak in the inspiration below, and shop your favorites to channel the same breezy polish that's perfect for day or night.

Shop outfits from left to right: T by Alexander Wang silk chiffon button-down ($383), Zara culotte shorts ($50), Zara crossover sling-back hologram sandal ($90); Tom Dolan & TM Thom shirt ($177), Topshop Origami pleat skirt ($70), Dorothy Perkins tan clean block heeled sandals ($59); Equipment Safari Green Pigment Dyed Washed Habotai Major blouse ($280), Kenzo graphic wrap skirt ($363), Kelsi Dagger buckle-strap heels ($120)

Because we firmly believe that looking good shouldn't be a full-time job (we all have real jobs after all), we're bringing you an easy outfit formula that relies on just three key pieces. With nods to Spring's biggest trends — brights, metallics, ankle-strap footwear, and a great cropped jacket — this perfect outfit is all about putting a fresh spin on your tired jacket-and-jeans combos. Reach for a cropped jacket to layer over your t-shirt — the sharp proportion offers a sophisticated alternative to the staple anorak, and it's just as well-suited to the office as any of your favorite blazers. As for the final touches, a pair of skinny pants with a cropped silhouette leaves ample room for showing off another one of this season's biggest trends: the ankle-strap heel. Look for pairs in a neutral shade for the leg-lengthening effect, black for a great play on a classic, or further the outfit interest with a fresh metallic finish. In any iteration, these pieces add up (fast!) to something sleeker and cooler than your average work or weekend looks. Just shop our editors' picks below to test drive one of our favorite outfit formulas.

Shop looks from left: Zara striped jacket ($129), Paige Jimmy Jimmy skinny jean ($189), Alexander Wang Liya pump ($495); Topshop quilted ovoid crop jacket ($136), Rag & Bone distressed midrise skinny capri jean ($195), ASOS Sonic pointed heels ($54); Vince cropped jacket ($345), Isabel Marant Lucas printed cropped skinny jeans ($300), Zara patent sandals with ankle strap ($100)

As we look forward to sunnier skies in the next few weeks, it's time to reinvent our Spring wardrobe. For a look that will instantly pep up your style repertoire, try pairing sleek tailored trousers (we especially love a white, navy, or bright citrus hue), with a bold, structured, printed top. Not only is this ensemble work-appropriate — especially when paired with sleek slingbacks and a solid blazer — but also, it can easily take you from day to night with just a few sparkly accessories. Like what you see? Shop our three perfect outfits below.

Shop outfits from left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim embellished top ($525), J.Crew neon yellow curator trousers ($168), The Seller slingback pump ($215), Roberto Cavalli print silk top ($865), Mango tapered suit trousers ($80), Valentino Rockstud slingback pump ($1,395), Topshop jacquard floral top ($84), Zara navy cropped trousers ($60), Manolo Blahnik suede slingback ($625)

We're currently in outfit-planning mode for Fashion Week, and while we can promise some more daring looks to make an appearance, there's nothing like a classic styling approach to keep things polished, effortless, and, most importantly, really easy — as in, crisp white pointed-collar blouse and black skinny jeans easy. Plus, it's one of those no-fail color combos that happens to be universally flattering and always in season. Thus, we're taking cues from some of our favorite street-style fixtures (think Emmanuelle Alt and Kate Moss), and sticking to the refined basics — all with a punchy shoe twist, of course. You can tuck in your blouse (or do the half-tuck thing), and if it's really cold, then layer up with a gray wool sweater and your Winter coat. Leave it to the accessories to make a little splash, and let the rest of the outfit be proof of your understatedly chic style.

Shop looks, from left to right: Mango Pleated Sheer Skirt ($25, originally $50), J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Twill Skinny Jeans ($175), J.Crew Valentina Mirror Metallic Pumps ($238); Peter Jensen Pintuck Insert Collar Shirt ($238), Topshop Moto Black Skinny Leigh Jeans ($76), Aldo Romelia Pumps ($65, originally $80); Club Monaco Bernice Shirt ($130), Citizens of Humanity Elson Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($180), Zara Black and White Combination Heels ($80)

We're all for wearing even our most summery of dresses come Winter, but it can be a tricky seasonal balance to strike. The key to getting this look right? It's all about layering, and we're showing you how to do so — like a pro. Simply pair a silky printed shirt dress (we prefer the kind that hits around the knee area) with a fur jacket and ankle boots for a look that's as cool as it is cozy. Here's a tip: when shopping for the perfect furry coat, make sure the silhouette hits you right around — or a little higher than — the waist to avoid extra bulkiness. The result? A highly textural cold-weather getup that's high on style points and might possibly get you snapped on the streets during New York Fashion Week if you just so happen to be in NYC. Shop our three mapped-out outfits below, and, of course, don't forget to don a pair of lined tights for extra insulation!

From left to right: Mulberry Wild Lamb Fur Cropped Jacket ($1,227, originally $2,045), Topshop Letter Print Shirt Dress ($100), ASOS Altitude Leather Jodhpur Ankle Boots ($96), Velvet Alana Coat ($110, originally 275), 3.1 Phillip Lim Floral Shirt Dress ($750), Acne Pistol Boot ($399, originally $570), Muubaa Shearling Biker Jacket ($749, originally $1,071), Mara Hoffman Printed Crepe Shirt Dress ($204, originally $370), Nasty Gal Boyfriend Ankle Boot ($178)

With Fashion Week around the corner, we're already looking for new ways to refresh our Winter wardrobe. Combining function with style, try pairing your tried-and-true leather skinnies (faux or real), with a burst of color via floral-print sweaters inspired by the bouquet of botanic prints seen on the Couture Spring '13 Fashion Week runways. For extra polish, layer a crisp collared blouse underneath, and complete the outfit with chic oxfords. We can't think of a better way to mix up our cold-weather look, and if you're just as inspired, then shop our outfit ideas below.

Shop left to right: Marc Jacobs Floral-Print Knitted Sweater ($895), Hugo Optic White Stretch Cotton Etrixe1 Blouse ($120), Romwe Splicing Black Leahter Pants ($63), Cydwoq Pointed Toe Loafer ($369), Tibi Neoprene Floral-Lace Sweatshirt ($425), Old Navy Women's Chambray Shirt ($25, originally $30), Miu Miu Cropped Stretch-Leather Pants ($2,100), Elizabeth and James Cassi Loafers ($325), Topshop Knitted Gingham Floral Top ($76), Comme des Garçons Peter Pan Collar Shirt ($185, originally $370), Blumarine Casual Pants ($128, originally $315), Dolce Vita Millie Tassel Loafer ($80)

We know it's hard to fathom styling up something cute when your first priority is staying warm. Fortunately, we have just the formula to breathe new life into your 9-to-5 ensembles — even in the midst of this bone-chilling mid-Winter weather. The solution? Simply pair a chic sheath dress with a warm fur vest, and boots for a look that's simultaneously cozy and sleek. It's so easy. Just finish off the look with cozy tights, scarf, and gloves for extra warmth and you're ready for the office. Tip: if it's really cold in your region, layer the fur vest over a wool coat for maximum insulation. Inspired? Shop our three Winter-proof work outfits below.

Shop looks from left to right: Cédric Charlier charcoal herringbone sheath dress ($370, originally $740), Helmut Lang fur vest ($879, originally $1,275), Chloé mid-length boot ($934), Stella McCartney Print Sheath Dress ($927, originally $1,544), Elizabeth and James Sean fur vest ($692), Mango zipper dress ($70), Romwe knit fur vest ($73), Chloe studded leather buckle ankle boots ($1,345)

We'd rather not spend our Saturdays laboring over the perfect outfit, so we planned ahead and styled up something polished but cool enough for the weekend. With a nod to some of our favorite street-style looks and a few key trends, this style equation keeps it easy while managing to look a lot more interesting than your average denim and sweater combos. We traded leggings and solid skinnies for a more lively, printed pair, then swapped dressed-down sneakers for the downtown alternative, a slightly heeled (and still walkable) ankle boot. For the casual, cool-girl counterpart, just finish with a military jacket or anorak, and you're out the door and on to enjoying brunch, a movie, and an afternoon of shopping (or wherever else your day off may take you) in 10 minutes or less — we promise.

Shop the looks from left: Jet John Eshaya Exclusive Leather Sleeve Army Jacket ($380), Mango Floral Print Cropped Jeans ($30, originally $60), Steve Madden Pisttoll Ankle Boot ($100); Nili Lotan Anorak Jacket ($498), Paige Verdugo Print Jeans ($470), DV Ciaran Boot ($129); Topshop Popper Army Jacket ($96), Current/Elliott The Rolled Skinny Corduroy Animal Print Trousers ($366), Zara Heel Ankle Boots ($100)

For the girl who knows what she wants (and wants a little bit of everything), this outfit equation just happens to offer up a solution that's both edgy and cozy. Say "hello" to your new favorite combo: a knit sweater + leather pants. Our latest styling obsession may have been jump-started by Diane Kruger and Lauren Conrad's expert takes on the wintry topper-vs.-slick leather bottom counterpart — but one great look isn't necessarily going to convince us of its real-life wearability. That's where this pairing's undeniably cool juxtaposition — both on proportion and finish — comes in. Leather pants are awesome (even if you aren't a rock star), but they can be a tricky piece to incorporate into your wardrobe rotation. If you offset the luxe bottoms — whether they be a coated iteration or a liquid legging rendition — with an "opposites attract" approach in mind, you'll take the look in a totally unexpected (but very welcome) direction. The chunky, knitted, comfy, laid-back sweater is the perfect complement to even the most rocker-tough pair of pants, mostly because it provides the styling setup with twofold texture. To finish, just add a shoe that renders the ensemble polished; in this case, we chose lace-up boots and a pair of classic black pumps. Now you've got an outfit that channels the best of both worlds.

Shop looks, from left to right: Topshop Knitted Tweedy Cable Jumper ($80), J Brand Super Skinny Leather Pants in Cognac ($599, originally $895), Tod's Lace-Up Ankle Boot ($528, originally $660); J.Crew Collection Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater ($100, originally $198), Generation Love Faux Leather Leggings ($140), KORS Michael Kors Aberly Leather Pump ($250); A.L.C. Joni Sweater ($277, originally $396), Faith Connexion Blue Leather Fitted Pants ($927, originally $1,325), Reiss Kristina Lace-Up Booties ($370)

We're only a couple of weeks into December, but lest you should already tire of the proverbial cocktail dress, we've got your fix. This season we're drawing on the polished but laid-back outfit combos we saw on the likes of Tibi's Fall runway, with slouchy sweatshirt tops and posh pencil skirts. It's the best of both worlds — a mix of comfort and cool — that's as fresh and unexpected as it is easy to pull together. The trick is finding luxe fabrics to make the ensemble all the more eye-popping. Look to festive jacquard in seasonal reds and greens, sleek leather, and satin-finished peplum to dress up, then counter with a sportier sweatshirt top (that'll also keep you cozy!). Should you fear you're not quite party-ready, that's where your footwear factors in — opt for a minimalist, totally sexy ankle-strap heel to finish it off, and if you're still in search of something to glam it up, don't hesitate to complement your neckline with your favorite statement baubles. Et voilà, you're set for a night out in three easy pieces — just shop our editors' picks for every party girl's chic alternative to party dresses.

Shop from left to right: Tibi Neoprene and Floral-Lace Sweatshirt ($425), By Malene Birger Olinas Leather and Jersey Paneled Pencil Skirt ($695), Tibi Carine Ankle Strap Sandals ($395); Dsquared2 Sweatshirt Style Top ($394), J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Metallic Floral ($100, originally $148), Steve Madden Realove Pump ($80); Mango Sequined Sweatshirt ($50), By Malene Birger Doraona Silk and Wool-Blend Peplum Skirt ($395), Proenza Schouler High Heel Ankle Strap Sandal ($695)