Closet Essentials: Workwear

Let’s talk closet essentials: workwear edition.

I think everyone can relate when you get up and stand in your closet and stare at your clothes…that daunting task of figuring out to wear to work. Maybe you’re organized and you do this the night before, but you still might stand and stare at your clothes and wonder what am I going to wear?

Now…

Imagine if you were interviewing for a new job and you want to make a good impression. Or you want to be considered for a promotion.
Or maybe you just graduated and you now have an office job and you have to retire the t-shirts and jeans and wear business casual.
Stay at home mom re-entering the workplace and you gotta step up your wardrobe?

Whatever your workwear woes might be. I’m here to help.

When it’s time to say goodbye to the yoga pants or the jeans, it’s great to start with a few closet essentials.

Maybe you have these basics in your closet already. AWESOME, you’re one step ahead. Or maybe you are ready to refresh those basics and try something new. Don’t be fooled by the title of this post closet essentials: workwear because I’m going to share more than just basics today.

The workplace is changing and companies are being a little more lenient with dress codes and giving their employees the chance to express themselves..in a tasteful, professional way of course. Work in a creative environment and want to show you have a little style? (I hear this one a lot from my clients.) I’ve got you covered because I’m gonna share a few ways to add a little spunk to your look. Ways to add your own unique flair to your look.

Let’s get started…

Workwear from Target:

Simple white top: Target – Casual Fit Split Neck Short Sleeve Woven Popover Top – A New Day
Black shoe: Target – Michaela Pumps – A New Day OR
Black pants: Target – Straight-Leg Ankle Length Trouser – Prologue
Work Bag: Target – Shine Tote Handbag – Who What Wear™ Red
Blazer: Target – Bi-Stretch Twill Blazer – A New Day
Black Pumps: Target – Dora Faux Leather Closed Toe Kitten Heeled Pumps – A New Day
Classic button-down blouse but in a fun print: Target -Long Sleeve Collared Button-Down Shirt – Who What Wear

NOTE: A great blazer may be a place that you want to splurge. If you get a great classic blazer, it can be a piece that follows you throughout your career. J.Crew is always a great place to find those classic blazers.

Add some spunk to your look:

Once you’ve got some great basics, then it’s time to add those fun pieces that you can mix & match.

Women’s Rolled Cuff Sleeveless Crewneck Blouse – Who What Wear – Pair this top with black pants or a great pencil skirt

Women’s Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck Wrap Top – Who What Wear – this top also comes in solid black (styled look below with black one)

Women’s Mid-Rise Wide Leg Trouser – Who What Wear Black – this has a matching top. So you can go full-on print or if the pants are too much then you can go with the top.

Women’s Ponte Pencil Skirt – A New Day – A great closet staple

Printed Pants Outfit Idea: These will look great with a classic white shirt, but they will also look great with this top in black.
Black Dress Outfit Idea: This dress will look great on its own but it will also look great with statement accessories. Throw a great moto jacket on over it. Or be bold and wear this fabulous blazer over it. (This blazer is part of a special collection that will be released September 14th. I can NOT wait!)

Workwear from Nordstrom:

Black pants: Nordstrom – Liverpool Kelsey Knit Trousers
Simple white top: Nordstrom – Vince Camuto Notch Collar Wrap Front Blouse
Black shoe: Nordstrom – Vince Camuto Kreestey Ankle Strap Sandal
Work Bag: Nordstrom – Kurt Geiger Violet Leather Tote
Classic button-down blouse: Nordstrom – Something Navy Sheer Button-Up Shirt
Black Pump: Nordstrom – CC Corso Como Denise Pump
Blazer: Nordstrom – NIC + ZOE Contrast Pocket Knit Blazer

Add that Unique Flair to your Look:

I just ordered this top in red & I can not wait to wear it. It’s just so fun & whimsical but in such a classic and tailored silhouette. I see it on its own with jeans or black pants but I also see if peeking out from under a blazer or….maybe a white vest.

Note: I ordered this in a medium because I’m never sure about sizing with Amazon clothing, but I would say go with your normal size. Typically, I’m a small in tops sometimes a medium. The medium fits it’s just a little big. I wish I had ordered a small.

Amazon – LaVieLente Women’s Chiffon Animal Pattern Blouse

Outfit Idea:

Start off with a great pleated skirt and add a little personality with a fun top. Take your look one step further and elevate it with a great white vest. And you know I love pattern mixing so finish off the look with these snake print heels. (I sized up in these heels.)
Chilly out? Add a blazer and pants. Wear the same fun top but switch out a few things and VOILA a whole new look. (This sweater blazer is one of my favorite pieces. It’s polished and classic but comfy.) Bag, shoes, and pants are all old. Here’s a great navy pant. Another option here.

Outfit Idea:

The leopard skirt that I featured here isn’t just for play. Multipurpose this beauty and wear it to the office. I just got this black top in the mail yesterday. I love getting that message that says your package has been delivered. I’m obsessed with this top. It’s lightweight, it’s chic, and it’s machine washable. It looks so good on. This is a top that will flatter almost any body type. It will accentuate the smallest part of your waist or give the illusion you have a waist. You can wear it out or tuck it in. If this came in 5 colors, I think I’d buy all 5.

Not a fan of the handkerchief style on the other skirt. Here’s another great option.

Accessories:

The beauty of accessories is you can go classic and basic with your outfit and change up your accessories and instantly change the look of your outfit. If you work in a conservative work environment and have to wear a suit to the office every day, fun accessories are a great way to have a little fun with your look.

Fun shoes : One // Two // Three
Statement bag: One // Two // Three (It’s Anthro day so 20% off!) // Four
Earrings: One // Two // Three // Four

Well, I feel like I could go on with these because there are so many fun ways to add that unique flair to your closet essentials: workwear, but I’ll save them for another day, another post. Enjoy!

What are your favorite workwear pieces?

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