Dressing From Day To Night- Nina Freudenberger

The thought of work wear can conjure feelings of foreboding and a desire to rip off that stuffy suit and kick off those painful pumps even before you've put them on. Which is why we were so smitten when we saw Nina Freudenberger's outfit. The fluid top, easy pant, and boyfriend cardi is something we can imagine wearing while lounging on a couch, never mind in the workplace. Nina confesses to a compulsion for comfort when it comes to dressing, which is understandable given that she has a lot on her talented hands. Not only does she helm her own in-demand interior design firm, Haus Interior, she has also successfully branched out into retail with a Nolita flagship selling affordably hip home decor. "It's extremely important that I feel comfortable in what I am wearing...to express myself and create my own palette through specific fabric choices and colors," says the designer. This means simple silhouettes, clean lines, and a few choice colors. "I make sure they aren't too bold to distract from the wallpapers and fabrics we show our clients in design meetings," explains Nina. The mustard cardigan she's wearing is a perfect example, adding a cheery pop of color to a classic top-and-pant work ensemble. Nina also has a few tricks up her scrunched-up sleeve for stylish expression. "I really go wild with accessories. I love Lulu Frost's bib necklaces and bracelets," she reveals. Another thing we can't wait to cop: those battered old-school brogues that's the perfect mix of business and after-work pleasure.

Get Nina's laid-back pro outfit with these pieces:

Essential #1: The Flowy Top—A blouse that gives you room to move still manages to look sexy when it comes in a silky fabric. Tuck into slim pants to get the full effect.

Max Azria Tie-Dye Silk Chiffon Tank, $255, available at Net-A-Porter.

Essential #2: The Statement Necklace—Like Nina, we're big fan's of Lulu Frost's jewelry line. Snag the very same piece and consider it an investment you'll wear everywhere.

Lulu Frost Pearl Pipe Necklace, $395, available at Lulu Frost.

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Essential # 3: The Bright Cardigan—While we're all for having a little fun at work, a too-flashyt hue might give your outfit an '80s rep. A more muted, but no less lively mustard shade means you'll still be taken seriously by your boss.

BDG Cardigan, $38, available at Urban Outfitters.

Essential # 4: The Cropped Pant—This season's shorter pant is tons more sophisticated than the dowdy capris of the past. We like it slim and ankle-grazing.

Uniqlo Ankle Trousers, $29.90, available at Uniqlo.

Essential # 5: The Lace-up Oxfords—Nina's beat-up pair would be at home on Bedford, but the addition of a tall stacked heel gives it a Soho polish. This Aldo lookalike has the same feel, scuffing not included.

Aldo Lace-Up Booties, $90, available at Aldo.

Check out another 9-5 Perfect Outfit from Bevin Butler!