Show Your Stripes // orange & blue jacket + ruffle blouse

The secret's out - I'm crazy for stripes! And while I wear J.Crew striped T's as much as the next millennial, you've GOT to change up your style game every once in a while. So showing my stripes off in a whole new way, I styled this funky look. And it just so happens to be ultra office appropriate and totally street-style chic all wrapped up in one. 

Don't be shy, go ahead and flaunt those stripes! When I first saw this Ann Taylor top coat, I knew it was a special piece. Featuring both vertical and horizontal stripes, it's definitely one of those clothing items that make your entire outfit a "complete look." It's unique, vibrant, and perfect for spring. Basically, it's what fashion "It" girls dream of.

Ruffles. If you're into the fashion scene whatsoever, you already know frills and froufrou have been dominating stores lately. This blouse, although a few years old (and by "a few" I mean I bought it in 2012), is still completely relevant today. But I gave it an edgier look by throwing such a powerful jacket over it. So if "romance dressing" isn't your thing, don't forget how impactful accessories can be!

Ankle trousers - or as I like to call them, cigarette pants - are a complete must-have for any modern woman. They're THE office pant to own, and they totally come in handy when you're sick of wearing denim. Since I'm barely 5'2, I bought mine in petite to ensure they hit my ankles in jussst the right spot. Because when it comes to, well, pretty much anything, fit is everything. 

While I love statement footwear - from metallic, to leopard, to glitter - sometimes you need to go back to the basics. Nude ankle-strap heels are a sure winner if you don't know what shoe to slip on with that crazy printed top of yours. They blend in while still looking uber polished and ladylike. 

A clean white purse is one of those spring accessories you never knew you needed. While black is timeless and sophisticated, white is fresh and cheerful. And with a woven texture and fun tassels, this Michael Kors beauty easily compliments anything I wear. 

These nude-hued sunnies have been my obsession lately. Sometimes when I wear white, or any other bright color, I don't want to throw my look off by sporting contrasting black frames. Sunglasses like these are the perfect solution. See how black could be overpowering with an outfit like this?

Dainty dangle earrings were the only real jewelry I needed here. With ruffles galore, I understandably didn't want to pile on the jewels. This style is glamorous without competing for attention. 

Keeping my makeup simple and light, I opted for Urban Decay's "Sin" shadow on my lids followed by "Suspect" on my eyelid creases, and "Mushroom" on my outer corners. And don't forget to use Primer Potion as a first layer! 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this style) // top: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // pants: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // purse: Michael Kors (similar style here) // sunglasses: Banana Republic // earrings: Gorjana (I also like this pair) // watch: Fossil // lipstick: Bite Beauty]

Shedding your big puffy coat once winter wraps up is one of life's biggest joys. Showing off a new, lighter, much more stylish jacket in its place is another. Basically just an extra long blazer with big buttons, this top coat is my spring essential for 2017, and I've already worn it countless times!

 // SHOP //