How to Wear a Boyfriend Cardigan to Work

One of the season's biggest trends is a wardrobe essential. The boyfriend cardigan is versatile, chic, and comfortable, which means it's not going to go out of style anytime soon. How do you wear it in the office? Just like any other cardigan, you can pair it with everything from printed sheaths to classic trousers; the key is to combine it with dressier pieces and sleek accessories. Here's how you can seamlessly blend your favorite boyfriend cardigan in with the rest of your workwear:

1. Start with a dressy silk blouse in a simple neutral such as grey or white, or a color that complements your cardigan (we love the navy and lavender together). A tie-neck would bring instant drama to the outfit (bows are a hot fall/spring trend).
2. Tuck the blouse into a polished, grey pencil skirt. Feel free to experiment with different textures and maybe even subtle patterns, like plaid or houndstooth.
3. Finish it all off with black accessories to keep things simple. Use a trendy wide belt to cinch your waist over the cardigan and slip on a pair of tights and modern buckled booties. The whole look incorporates comfort, elegance, and a bit of edge.

What's your favorite way to wear a boyfriend cardigan? Share your style with us in the comments!

$100 and Under: Stylish Bags for College

Q: Can you help me with something? I'm heading to college this fall, and I would like a bag that will stand out from the sea of average North Face backpacks. It should be able to hold all my books, plus more. My budget is $100. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Backpacks are what most college students carry around campus, but if you want a stylish bag that will help you stand out from the crowd, make sure it has plenty of storage. Don't just go for looks; be sure that it's spacious and durable. We prefer a cross-body or convertible bag for school, in a neutral color so you can use it all year long. Here are our top picks for college bags, all for under $100:

Melie Bianco Woven Dome Tote $99.00 at Piperlime

Pink Studio Lupe Convertible Cross-body Bag $80.00 at Piperlime

ASOS Buckle Detail Shoulder Bag $51.49 at Asos

Chinese Laundry Double Handle Tote $70.00 at Piperlime

Big Buddha Monterey Convertible Shoulder Bag $90.00 at Piperlime

Washed Corduroy Tote $45.00 at Gap

Five Work-Appropriate Bags That Can Do It All

What do we mean? We believe the ultimate work bag is super versatile, spacious (enough to fit your laptop), and of course, looks good. It should be sturdy and durable (or affordable enough to be replaced), and in a classic shape that will stay stylish for seasons to come (that means no big logos and patterns). So when we say "a bag that can do it all", we mean a bag that is functional, full of storage, and has the ability to stay chic no matter what the latest trend is. Here are our five favorite do-it-all bags, all for under $100:

Vintage Faux Leather Handbag $29.80 at Forever 21

Reptile Leather Doctor's Tote $32.80 at Forever 21

Barumini Tote $45.00 at Aldo

Nine West Justine Tote SALE $74.25 (originally $99.00) at Macy's

Melie Bianco Patent Bowler $95.00 at Piperlime

5 Chic & Versatile Work Dresses

Over the years, looks have become more and more important to women. Why shouldn't they matter at the workplace? Here are 5 stylish options that can be worn inside the office, or out.

Dressy Jersey Cinched Dress $78.00 at J Crew

Cotton Sheath Dress SALE $79.99 at Banana Republic

Long-Sleeve Faux-Wrap Dress $98.00 at Banana Republic

Donna Ricco Sleeveless Sheath Dress $118.00 at Nordstrom

Super 120s Papillion Dress $195 at J Crew

5 Must-Have Shoes For Work

Yes, we know style and comfort don't always go hand in hand-- especially when it comes to footwear-- but here are closet essentials that do not require you to sacrifice looks for functionality.

Flats

AK Anne Klein Ivanyi Flats $79.00 at Piperlime

Flats are going to get you everywhere with less pain than any other shoe. This is our favorite type of work shoe because there are so many options to choose from-- loafers, moccasins, ballets-- and they are just so darn comfortable. But they may not be the best choice for women who aren't exactly blessed with height...

Kitten Heels

Layland Slingback Pump SALE $39.99 at Nine West

If you need a little boost in height, it's wise to stay away from flats (although their comfort is hard to resist). Another option is the kitten heel. These will make you a couple of inches taller, and if you're lucky, they'll feel just like your favorite flats.

Wedge Heels

BP. Uptown Wedge Pump $69.95 at Nordstrom

Okay, maybe you're going to need more than just a couple of inches; if you do, try wedge heels. How can these be comfortable? Well, the wedge simply distributes your weight equally over the heel, making it so much easier to wear than stilettos.

Cushioning

Carma OT Air Sling $278.00 at Cole Haan

Want more comfort? Be sure to get cushioned shoes (like these pumps with Nike Air technology), and it's best they have rubberized heels as well as padding on the inside. Cole Haan has been creating gorgeous shoes for men and women since 1928, so he knows what quality shoes are. Sure, these pumps don't have the same feel as real Nike sneakers, but they're as good as heels get.

Spacious Toe Boxes

Gentle Souls It's So Fun Flat $194.95 at Nordstrom

Instead of squeezing your toes into pointed heels with narrow toe boxes, let them breathe in a pair of round or square-toed shoes. Rounded toe boxes are very comfortable and are also very feminine.

Looking for comfortable shoes? Try these brands: Cole Haan Nike Air Technology, Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole, Naturalizer, Hush Puppies, Clarks, Merrell, Taryn Rose, Sofft, Soft Spots, and Walking Cradles.

What are your favorite work shoes? Tell us in your comments! Feel free to give any feedback.