10 Fashion Pieces for Work and Play

10 Fashion Pieces for Work and Play
Gap Khaki Trench, $98 at gap.com. Every man should own a classic trench. It's perfect for rainy days or chilly weather anytime of year, and automatically adds a commanding sense of intelligence and capability to the wearer. Very Bogart.Utility Jacket in Surplus, $118 at jcrew.com. For the perfect year-round jacket that can function both in the office, while still maintaing an urban edge for use outside professional lines. A more stylish and versatile investment than a suit jacket.This silk-linen sweater comes in 6 colors, and is soft and lightweight, perfect for layering. Come fall, pair with a crisp button up to keep warm. Purchase at bananarepublic.com.Ralph Lauren Polo top at polo.com is currently on sale for $79.99. Snap up a few of these as they function for work and anytime you want to look pulled together, ie. meeting the parents, etc.Brooks Brothers Striped Linen Scarf, $118. I do not know many guys that wear scarves in the U.S., but it's a darned shame. They add European sex appeal and edge to any wardrobe, and will make you appear less sophomoric, perfect for the office newbie.Banana Republic linen safari dress in beige, $150. Office-appopriate and wonderful for summer weather, this dress also hits upon the sarfari trend in the spring collections. Pair with rugged brown belt and gladiator sandals for a stylish and updated look.Alice & Olivia Printed Silk Dress, $330. The boldness of this dress is demure enough for the office while still being fun and hip enough for cocktails with the girls and pretty enough for a special dinner or night out dancing. Neimanmarcus.com.Mike & Chris Leather jacket, $909. This spring, shrunken leather jackets were seen on every stylish celeb, such as Rachel Bilson and Ashley Olsen. Purchase one in black, tan, or brown and this investment will carry you through college and career.Ballet flats, $118 at anthropologie.com. Dainty and delicate, these flats provide effortless chic during the work week while offering a sweetness to any outfit, whether for class or out on the town. As a bonus, the whiteness will highlight your summer tanHudson Slim Pant, $154 at shopbop.com. White slim denim offers a dressier alternative than standard jeans, and can be combined with a flowy blouse and fitted jacket for a look that is conservative enough for the job, but will also work for the weekend.
Have a summer job/internship that requires conservative, office-appropriate dress and all you have in your closet are cargo shorts of various neutral shades and t-shirts with inappropriate one-liners? Or (depending on where you go to school) glitter-flecked camisoles and short skirts? 

You are going to need a new sleek, refined wardrobe, one without the standard suit and tie, and without using all your summer funds. Within this handy photo gallery are 10 great pieces, for men and women, that are able to function from the office to a night out or casual Sunday effortlessly.

Best of all, all these pieces will carry over to the fall when you will be able to avoid crowded malls due to back to school shopping, and revel in your resourcefulness. 

Grab the jacket on your way to class, tie on the scarf to update any old polo and jeans outfit, or slip into white skinny jeans for the Sunday barbeque. These pieces all offer double-duty, and won't leave you stumped as to how you spent all your money this summer on suit separates.

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