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There are a lot of things about the way we buy clothes that have changed. We used to have separate seasonal wardrobes, but now we look for clothes that work year-round. We used to have "work clothes" and "going out" clothes and "weekend" clothes, but now we look for things that can go anywhere we want to go. Thankfully, there tends to be a more open dress code in many work places. And, we have a lot to do every day. So what it leaves is a lot of room for crossover.

Multitasking Wardrobe:

Crossover pieces tend to be layering pieces that can be worn casually or formally. Items like jackets, shells, and blouses are the easiest. A jacket can look entirely different, depending on how it’s being paired. The jacket in the look below (“Work/Life Balance”) is a good example of one that’s really cute when worn casually with a T-shirt and jeans. (That’s how I usually wear it.) But, if you pair it with a blouse of a finer fabric and a dressier pair of pants, it’s something that will make you look great in the office. The key is to take one item that can be casual and pair it with other more tailored pieces. Too many casual things together just ends up looking...casual.

The "No Jean Zone":

One of the easiest ways to make a jacket or blouse look office-worthy is to not wear them with jeans. Jeans are our favorite thing, and yes, we live in them, but jeans naturally say "casual." There are exceptions, depending on how much of a natural stylist you are, but it’s "iffy" territory. And, a safe bet is to just not go there. When in doubt, feel free to take the jeans with you and change into them after work to meet your family for a movie. But, leave them in the bag until after the board meeting is over.

Keep it Simple:

When you’re looking for something to wear to work that can transition to a more polished dinner look, think simple. The Look, "Day to Date Night" shows it well. A simple dress with a jacket or layering piece over it is a professional staple. Just take the jacket off and enjoy your dinner. This is why these layering pieces like a jacket or more finished cardigan tend to be a good investment, when it works in all parts of your life, you really get your money's worth out of it!

Make it or Break it:

Your choice of accessories sets the tone. The casual jacket can be dressed up with more tailored pieces, but the chandelier earrings will make all your work for nought. The simple dress with a layering piece says "perfect professional" unless you wear it with sexy high heel party shoes, in which case it doesn't look like you have your mind at work. Accessories, like shoes and earrings, are easy to throw in a bag so you can change after work. You want people to take you seriously and they often take their cues from you. Simple and polished will always point them in the right direction.

It's All in Your Head or on Your Head:

Hair and makeup can send as much of a message as anything else, so don't forget about them as well. At the office, you can wear a lot of makeup, or a little, as long as it imparts a finished, polished look. You can "do" your hair or go with a simple twist or brushed look. Again, the finished look is the most important thing and will help you stand out in the right way. Later, if you’re going out, opt for that smokey eye, red lip, or messy up-do. Like accessories, makeup and your favorite hair product is easy to take along.

We are all multi-taskers. Our days consist of many different roles and our wardrobes need to work in all of those roles. Stock up on layering pieces and you’ll have a wardrobe that will take you anywhere.

We have some great fashion from G.I.L.I.(TM) and Mark Zunino this Friday on The Lisa Robertson Show. And, we've got beautiful pieces of jewelry from Honora, something brand-new from one of the most handsome innovators in the world of cosmetics, and we’ll meet another emerging designer. It's going to be another packed show.

Hope to see you Friday night at 10pm ET. Then, be sure to tune in this Monday for PM Style at 7pm ET. Jen Rade and Kris Jenner are here!
—Lisa

P.S. Who's this week's featured designer? Tanya Taylor!