Sunday nights are known to bring on a bad case of the blues. The frequency of this nocturnal depression increases in the summer, not only because it marks the end of a sultry summer weekend, but also because many of us come face to face with a fear we’ve managed to repress for a day or two: Not knowing wear to work during these warm-weather months.

Liz Claiborne’s Richard Ostell 

With fluctuating temperatures—thanks to those heavily AC’d interiors—and equally inconstant casual dress codes, figuring out which summer style is going to come off as successful-looking as you are is one of the most perplexing clothing conundrums out there. Fortunately, we’ve got Richard Ostell—Creative director of Liz Claiborne—to help steer us in the right sartorial direction. Read on for his tips & style shortcuts; they’re guaranteed to banish at least some of those Sunday blues. (For the others, squeezing in one last margarita before Monday might just do the trick.) X S.C.

A Liz Claiborne Cardie 

Who is a good role model today for how working women should dress?
Jackie O and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and today, Julianne Moore embody the kind of clean, simple style I believe make great style role models for working women.

What item, style, or trend, is totally off limits for the workplace?
Anything that is too bare or revealing, or any work-out clothes are totally off limits for the workplace.

What are 5 key pieces a working woman should have in her wardrobe & why? Tailored options that you can dress up or down. It’s all about these basics so that you can then get creative with fashion pieces or one great accessory.

1) A Great fitting trouser
2) A Fantastic white Shirt
3) A Tailored versatile jacket
4) A Clean tailored skirt
5) A Fabulous bag (especially one that does not look like a work bag but holds it all)

Liz Claiborne Croc Tote

What are some office outfit DON’Ts?
Nothing see-through, too tight, too revealing, obviously sexy, or fashion that distracts from who you are as a professional.

How do you feel about flats at work? Sandals?
I absolutely love flats for work! They are so fashionable, chic and timeless. And I also adore flat sandals, today they are a wardrobe basic. They just need to be worn with the right outfit.
What’s your ideal Casual Friday ensemble?
For summer, a great casual Friday look for a working woman is white wide-leg cotton pants, tan leather sandals, a white cotton T or short sleeve shirt and a great pair of earrings.

What’s a good alternative to or way to dress up a…
…Tailored Blazer
Alternative: A great sweater with a wide belt
Dress up: By wearing nothing underneath , just jewelry

…Tailored Trouser
Alternative: A really great wide leg pant
Dress up: With a fab silk white charmeuse blouse
…Knee-Length Skirt
Alternative: A slim crop pant
Dress up: With a fashion stocking and great high heel

Any general tips for how to make an office outfit more up to date?
A woman can update her office outfits with the accessories and the right fashion pieces she chooses to mix with the basics. My advice is don’t try to do too much, pick one fashion piece or accessory and keep your look clean.

What item should the working woman..
..invest in? Tailoring
…splurge on? Accessories
..by multiples of? Great fitting pants and white shirts

What’s the most important accessory for a working woman & why?

It’s not about what gets the most attention, it’s about what works best for you and how that makes you feel. I think the most important accessories for working women are her bag, and shoes, but don’t ignore the watch. As my mother used to say “You can really tell a great deal about someone by their shoes and watch.”

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