“Vests are for layering, and this one gets an A overall: It’s warm, it’s sporty, and the color is awesome. I’ll wear it over a long sweaterdress.”

—Tara Dolan, Fashion Market Director

Monrow polyester blend vest, $180; Saks Fifth Avenue, 877-551-7257.

“These pants are made for exercise, but the cargo details look city chic.”

—Tina Carr, Assistant Fashion Editor

Alo polyester blend capris,$62; alosport.com.

1950s casual? A cotton dress with, ahem, a starched apron.

“This season I love colored denim, which I like to wear with a silk T-shirt or a really cool graphic tee, and a leather jacket on top. I think I was born in heels, but for the weekend I do a midheel boot.”

Are you a sherpa on Saturdays? This Birkinesque bag (at a non-Birkin price) is light and waterproof and holds all (even a book and a fresh baguette).

Michael Michael Kors jelly tote, $268; 866-709-5677.

Mrs. Onasis rocked the classic trench in 1970.

Nothing pulls a look together like a great top layer, and this gold anorak’s a winner: The color is chic, the waist can be cinched (or not), and it blocks wind and repels rain. It’s also roomy but thin enough to stash in a bag. Worth the splurge.

Michael Michael Kors linen anorak, $395; 866-709-5677.

This new take on an old classic has a sturdy sole to stand up to city streets.

From top:

Libby Edelman canvas and cotton espadrilles, $69; 877-932-7726.

Keds canvas and jute espadrilles, $50; keds.com.

Tory Burch canvas and leather slip-on sneakers, $95; toryburch.com.

Izod cotton slip-on sneakers, $50; izod​.com.

We are officially obsessed with L.L. Bean Signature, an off-shoot of the popular retailer. In this chic, fleece-free zone, you’ll find fresh versions of basics (printed button-downs and bright sweaters), along with stylish standouts such as the long shorts and cropped seersucker jacket at left. With prices ranging from $20 to $350, the line makes it affordable to upgrade. We asked Signature creative director Alex Carleton how to build a weekend wardrobe.

Layer up: For best results, mix fit and flare. Wear a fuller cut on top with skinny jeans on the bottom; wear a fitted top with a full skirt.

Think outside the jeans box: Take the style that flatters your body and find those pants in other fabrics. If you like bell bottoms, try that shape in corduroy or twill.

Mix prints: The key to playful pattern mixing (plaid with floral) is to make sure you stay in one color family (for example, by sticking to blues). Keep your pattern play grounded by wearing one strong solid.

Invest in accessories: Jewelry and scarves are not just for the work week. This is a great way to add color and texture without making a big investment.

• Tracksuits

• Mom Jeans

• Overalls (sorry, Katie!)

• Leggings as Pants

• Your Husband's Anything

• Running Shoes (when not running)

Need a little help brainstorming your weekend ensemble? Meet our off-duty style staples.

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