When your work day involves significant time sitting on a plane or train you want to choose pieces that are comfortable while still looking professional. The fabric makes all the difference. This jacket is a cotton/acrylic knit by Isabel Marant, packs beautifully, and can be worn three seasons. Found a few years back at Viola Lovely in Concord, MA.

Perfectly suitable for the office and would also be a classy look in the evening with jeans and flats.

But it’s these pants that really excite me! They are by Theory, one of my favorite brands for basics. Made primarily of polyester with a touch of spandex, in a rich brick color that will look great will black, navy, tan, you name it – love the color!  They were a great find at TJMaxx last month – a real bargain at one third of retail price.

With a side zipper, no pockets, and a flat waistband, they are flattering and perfect for tops worn untucked or half-tucked.

For work it looked more professional to wear this two-layered top (by Dex) untucked.

The sheer top layer conveniently covers the butt, yet the under layer is fitted, so it doesn’t feel too schlumpy.

While black would work equally as well, this time I chose tan accessories – the booties, the Louis handbag, the Kate Spade specs. The bold white/brick/black Burberry scarf looked perfect with the pants and was a fun, unexpected mix (plaid with plaid) with the jacket.

Traveling or not, business or casual, all great pieces.  Which is your favorite?