Workwear 101: Business Casual

Zoe Saldana arriving at the premiere of 'El Cantante' at the Director's Guild of America Theatre on July 31, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Jada Pinkett Smith makes an appearance at the Preschool of America to read to children and unveil a new book with child safety tools for parents sponsored by Duracell on May 2, 2007 in NYC and Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at the JLO Sweetface Fashion Show in West Village, Manhattan, February 10, 2006 in NYC.

Please take note. Business casual does not have to mean preppy v-necks and crisp white shirts. It’s time to start thinking outside-the-box. Explore fluffy cardigans, bright colored shoes, charming jewelry and A-line, knee-length dresses. Below I picked four pant-shirt combos since we’re still in winter, kinda (global warming has me confused!) For the summer months invest in body skimming, as opposed to body hugging, dresses that linger around your knees.

Tops: Swiss Dot Blouse, $22.80, www.forever21.com; V Neck Ruffle Blouse, $29, www.hotkiss.com; Printed Top with Rickrack Detail by Andrew GN, $750, www.brownsfashion.com; Idaho Cardi, $99.99, www.fcusbuymail.com

Bottoms: Rise Metallic Tweed Trousers, $19.99, www.oldnavy.com; High Waist Trouser, $76, www.topshop.com; Penelope Trouser, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Matelot Trouser, $70, www.topshop.com

Left to right: Marthena, $70, www.aldoshoes.com; Diba Jypsi, $65, www.piperlime.com; Mae, Boutique 9, $130, www.ninewest.com; Lucioa, $80, www.aldoshoes.com

1. Boucle Cardigan with Velvet Belt by Was, $520, www.brownsfashion.com; 2. Hearts Charm Bracelet, $19.99, www.girlprops.com; 3. Equestrian, $229.99, www.shoplush.com; 4. Crazy Dress, $79.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 5. Stone Necklace, $29.99, www.shoplush.com; 6. Bumpy Rider Jacket, $189.99, www.fcusbuymail.com; 7. Bleeker Leather Large Duffle, $448, www.coach.com; 8. Oh Deer! Praline, $90, www.piperlime.com