I paired this dress with chocolate brown waterproof boots, or you could also wear it with pumps, if you want to dress it up more. I accessorized with a couple pieces of simple gold jewelry — this Baublebar chain link necklace and Madewell hoops.

Another long-sleeve dress that caught my eye is this Caslon button-up rib sweater dress. This one is a polyester/nylon/spandex blend, so it’s a nice option for those who can’t wear wool. It has a slightly more casual vibe than the one above, but it can easily be dressed up or down.

The button-up style with the v-neckline is so flattering, and I appreciate the set-in sleeves as opposed to a drop shoulder or dolman sleeves.

I carried a black Coach shoulder bag with gunmetal hardware (similar here), and wore black ankle boots to create a monochromatic all-black outfit.

These black pointy toe boots are my go-to with dresses or jeans and pants when I want to level them up a bit. The leather is soft and supple, and they’re comfortable to walk in, but they also look elevated and on trend.

This time I layered two chain link necklaces, for a little extra interest up near my face, and I also wore oversized black sunglasses, which I think add a really nice effect to this all-black outfit.

If you want to take this dress down a notch for weekend wear, it looks really cute with sneakers. I wore one of my pairs of P448s, but I think it would also look great with the VEJAs with the black accents… or really any of them!

Okay, I’ve got one more dress, and then a pants outfit with a couple of tops!

This fit & flare sweater dress from Eliza J is a nice option for a dressy casual weddings or a celebratory dinner out this fall, but it would also work well for certain office environments.

The matching tie at the waist adds a nice point of interest, and the 3/4-length sleeves allow you to showcase your arm candy.

Unfortunately, that was a missed opportunity when I styled this dress, but I would definitely recommend waring a bracelet or a pretty watch when wearing 3/4- length sleeves.

I styled this dress with two different footwear options — first with the chocolate brown Blondo boots that I mentioned above. These are perfect for those who live in areas with cold and messy winter weather because not only do they offer warmth and leg coverage, but they’re actually waterproof.

These boots are also very comfortable, with a 2 3/4″ block heel and a stretchy panel in the back that allows them to fit a range of calf widths. They come in black leather, as well as cognac and chocolate brown suede, and they run true to size.

I also wanted to show this dress with pumps, which is how I’d wear it if I was going to a wedding or out to dinner. I wore black, but I think I prefer the beige pumps shown on the website.

In fact, I actually have these Marc Fisher pumps in both black and light natural, so I really wish I’d thought to grab the light natural pair. Anyway! You can get the idea, and either works. I just prefer to go with more of a skin tone when wearing a dress in this color.

These pumps are very comfortable and have such a gorgeous shape. They’re also comfortable to walk in, with the 3″ heel. They run true to size, or size down, if in between.

If you want some non-dress options in your work wear wardrobe, you might want to give these plaid trousers a try. I love how they go beyond a basic black pant, but they still have a classic look.

These pants have a 32″ inseam and an 11″ front rise, so most women will need a bit of a heel for them to fall correctly. In fact, I think I could use another half inch on the 3″ heel on these Marc Fisher pumps, but they can easily be altered, if you need a shorter length.

They are not lined, but the fabric has enough structure to hold its own, and they’re a lot easier to shorten without a lining. They run true to size; I’m in the 8, and they’re quite snug in the waistband, so I would not be able to size down.

I styled these pants with two tops — first a cotton blend funnel neck sweater with flared sleeves in a pretty shade of purple.

This sweater is lightweight and soft, with no wool content, and it runs true to size. Unfortunately, it is selling out, but Nordstrom has a lot of options in this Grape Wine right now.

And I also like how these plaid pants pair with this burgundy short sleeve mock neck sweater.

It’s 100% rayon, so it’s very soft and lightweight; and it would layer nicely under a blazer or leather jacket. I recommend chocolate brown or black with this outfit. (If a brown jacket, then I’d wear brown shoes to complement that.)

I added a black skinny belt (option here) and wore simple gold hoops, and a black handbag (similar here) completes this chic desk to dinner look.

As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.

And if you aren’t already a Nordy Club member, be sure to sign up so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop. You also get to enjoy exclusive perks like members-only access to sales, offers, and events — like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which will be here again before we know it!

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photos: Alison Cornell