8 Affordable, Stylish Outfits from Unexpected Places

ANN TAYLOR

Then: Ultratraditional career-woman clothes

Now: Glamour mixed with authority

"Corporate dress codes have changed," says Lisa Axelson, Ann Taylor's senior vice president of design development. "We no longer wear head-to-toe suits every day." More to the point are versatile separates: This blouse ($70) reflects a move to more feminine styles ("The deep color looks luxurious," Zani says); well-cut trousers ($110) have a modern shape. Belt, W. Kleinberg. Bracelet, Express.