Here's a very good reason to give that old, work-ready, black pencil skirt a rest.

1. Vivienne Westwood blouse,
2. Maison Margiela gold cuff,
3. Clare V tote bag,
4. Vince booties,
5. Derek Lam 10 Crosby skirt,

So much more stylish than a basic tee (thanks to the bell sleeves), but just as easy!

Working away in style today in this gorgeous, gathered top!

My kids went back to school today. Finally! As they came down for breakfast this morning in their uniforms--crisp blue button-downs and khakis--I wished that I too had a back-to-school uniform. One that would center around a white shirt, for it goes with just about everything, plus is easy to wear and transcendentally stylish. Since I don't need to abide by school rules, I can tweak this white shirt as often as I see fit, and this semester, I'm suiting up in versions that are anything but basic. They're uniform in that they all possess interesting, eye-catching details, such as flared sleeves, an asymmetric hemline, maybe even a ruffle or two. My A+ go-to's would be these by , , , , , , , , and . The blouse pictured above is by .

Photo: We The People

With Indian Summer conditions prevailing, I'd like to breeze around in these (Dries Van Noten-ish) blooms.

I'd like to waltz back into the office in this gorgeous leather skirt.

Yes, it's time for back-to-work button-downs, but I'm inclined to report for duty in a less obvious choice. Inspired by the snaps here, I'd like to take a shirt dress, like this , this or this , and tie it at the waist for a dramatic, sash-like (Rosie Assoulin-ish) effect.

Over the weekend, a good friend and I were going over our fall shopping checklists and she crossed off the fur vest, explaining it was not worth the closet real estate. I'd beg to differ, particularly with this example, which would work over a silk blouse, under an army jacket or a pea coat. And it nails the season's boho spirit.

I'm loving the retro (Louis Vuitton-esque) vibe of these jeans.

The off-the-shoulder sold-out I've wanted all summer, the one favored by New Yorkers like Olivia Palermo, above, and Vogue editor, Mollie Ruprecht, below, is now available again, thanks to . Can't wait to close out the season with it--and beyond!