STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I'll take on the challenge.  But I want a few parameters.  GIve me a budget for this wardrobe (ie. $200, $500, $1000...).  What are your favorite stores mall stores?  Do you prefer super trendy looks, chic but casual (as in high heels involved), cute and girly, casually dressy w/out heels? 

Answer those and I'll come up with several pieces and offer outfits to mix and match.

I'll take on the challenge too! 

I'm a big fan of JCrew for professional, classic basics.  I think your dollar can go pretty far with their clothes because they last a long time and you can dress them up and dress them down. 

$48  I think button down shirts are always a good staple.  They help me feel polished on days when I'm just not feeling together.  Plus you can wear a cute cami underneath, or wear a cardigan over it in the fall.

  $88  A denim skirt to go with anything.

$49.50  Editors from Express.  I think a pair in black and brown would be the most versatile.

  $58 

  $24.50  A summer weight sweater for layering.  (I might have to get this for myself!) 

  $19.50  Some embellished tanks/camis for summer

  $10.50  Some plain camis to wear alone or under a cardi or blazer

Once you get the basics covered, I'd get a bunch of cute accessories--beaded necklaces, belts, earrings, etc.  I find that when I get bored with my wardrobe, I just usually need to throw on some more interesting jewelry and that usually helps. 

Hope this helps! 

I made the transition a few years ago from a coed college (very A&F) look and evolved into what you see today in TS.  I made the transition slowly, most slowly with heels.  Here's what I reccommend...

Pants:
Anthro $50 (also avail. in khaki).  If you go with pants like these you could do flats or to kinda start the transition into heels try a casual wedge shoe.  The cool thing about pants like this is that they can be totally dressed down or be slightly -but not overly- dressy.  Plus, you can pretty much wear them how you would jeans, but automatically look less casual because of the material...

GAP $30
White pants are pretty essential IMO for a spring/summer wardrobe.  You can play with colors or do a classier/dress-up thing by adding black (very trendy right now).  Also, you can wear them with converse/puma type shoes or do something dressier just as easily...

I like black pinstripe pants for an easy way to dress up without having to think too hard (of course you could always do plain black, but you probably already have a pair) ...
$25 @ Old Navy
You could wear them with pretty cotton tops or with a button down and maybe a scarf or long necklaces for an interview or where you have to look professional.  It's my alternative to a suit. 

Skirts are great for summer and -like slacks- do double duty with casual or dressy looks.  This one from Old Navy is only $15

Wear it with a plain white l/s or s/s button up in white or yellow for a cute preppy look.  Add a scarf in your hair or around the waist, or do a cute waist belt and add some wedges for a dressier casual look.  Put on a cute tee and some flip flops or sandals for a sunny Saturday afternoon out. 

Another versatile skirt for summer is a flouncy, knee length white one:
GAP $54 
You could wear this with high heels, wedges, flats, sandals, anything but tennies.  It works with a crisp button up, layered tanks, tees, even dressed up with something fancy. 

You could also do a pencil skirt in denim or other material, whatever you are most comfy with.  Here's an example from ebay (selling for around $8):
  You could swap this out with your jeans whenever you start to get in a rut.  You could be as comfy in this as your jeans but look a little less casual. 

TOPS:

Going with cotton tee's keeps you feeling casual, but if you pick the right top you can still do a dressier look.

DELIAS $30
This top is so easy to wear because you make it the focus and don't have to think about accessories too much. 

This next piece is good for layering:
OLDNAVY $25 

You could wear it with white for a trendy look, layer it with colored tanks, or even a l/s tee for cooler weather. 

Tee's like these are good because while they are casual, they have interest and can be mixed with certain dressier items: OLDNAVY $12.50 each
 To dress them up wear them with a skirt and cute flats, or layer with other tops for a funky look.

This is a great simple top:
ANTHROPOLOGIE $58 
You could do a lot of layering with this one.  Play with blues, yellows, white, even green for underneath; you could even add a s/s button up white shirt to kinda make it professional. 

 I think this top will be a favorite since it's got a great fit, can be layered over or under numerous items, and is classic.  Plus, I love the fresh lemony color:
ANTHROPOLOGIE $58
It would look great with any of the bottoms I listed.

ACCESSORIES:

A few long necklaces should tide you over for the summer...
OLDNAVY $12.50

OLDNAVY $9.50

TARGET $15

Gotta have earrings...
You'll have to trust me that these look really awesome on:
TARGET $10

Shells just scream summer!:
TARGET $15

Fun bracelet:
URBAN OUTFITTERS $15

SHOES:

Ballet flats are a great alternative to sneakers; these come in four other colors:
URBAN OUTFITTERS: $20

Another great ballet:
OLD NAVY $14

This wedge will take you right through summer, slightly dressy or casual:
BANANA REPUBLIC $68

A scarf for fun:
EBAY $7

EBAY $15

EBAY $5

EBAY $10

This is a great belt for wearing at the hip or around the waist. 
DELIAS $16.50

Even if you bought everything listed you would still only spend a little over $600.  Hope this helps!

OMG drew!  You have helped me so much you have no idea, and you make it seem so easy!  What great outfits you have put together, and they can all be worn in so many different ways... I plan on following what you have posted, and i think i will be set for the summer!

Thanks again.... you are so awesome, with great style!